Fray Check alternative
 

I've noticed that the topic of Fray Check has come up a few times here on the QB. Fray Check is a wonderful product if used as intended. It's not really intended for quilters. There's a better product for quilters called Sew Secure. It doesn't dry as stiff. Yes there's some stiffness, but that's going to be an issue anytime you want to stop fraying. I use Sew Secure for hand applique and have never had a problem with it being overly stiff if used properly.
TIP: use it sparingly. Just a small amount goes a long way. After applying the small dot use the tip of the bottle or your finger to work it into the fabric just a bit. Now don't get to aggressive or you'll cause more fraying. Just spread it around.
The pictures below show my purple bird with a small dot of Sew Secure in the crook of the neck, can you see it? If not I've put a dot on my finger to show you how small of an amount you will need to use. The product is a little more expensive but well worth the money when you use so little it last forever. A google search should bring up several sites where it can be ordered. Hope this helps! Happy Stitching!

Never heard of this before but I will have to look for it. Where did you find it?

I agree, I hadn't hear of this product either. I can't even remember the last time I needed to use any fray check.

I purchased it a few years ago online, not sure where. I did a google search and found it here on sale! Scroll down after going to link.
http://www.softexpressions.com/softw...JonesFoils.php

Thanks. For this info, nana up north is doing LBB and I have the hots to do it, this would be helpful. I have used spray starch on edges....calla

What's LBB?

Always google before asking...LBB= Little Brown Bird

I use clear nail polish when hand appliqueing. Just barely touch the almost dry brush to the edges of the fabric. If done right, it will soak in about two threads of the fabric edge.

After doing a google search it seams this company has changed the product. Finding this product is hard, but I found it on E-bay also
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3701468...lpid=82&chn=ps

I use clear nail polish...

I use Fray Block. It dries soft. It comes in a tube or bottle with brush. Got it at Joann's, but have seen it at Walmart and some quilt stores. You just use a small drop on the spot, it dries quick.

That's a great tip, we use it to cover chigger and mosquito bites so we've always a bottle handy. Does it show through on applique or turn the fabric darker? May need to do a test piece, my current product of choice doesn't change the fabric color when dried.

I've seen several different products recently at Joann's that look to be the same as Sew Secure. As soon as my bottle of Sew Secure runs out I might do a product testing, including clear nail polish.

I have never heard of this product. But I do know what you mean about the fray block drying stiff... I found that June Tailor's brand of fray block dries much softer. I will have to check into this as well

I first learned about clear nail polish as a fray stopper when viewing a video by Elly Sienkiewicz. I figured if it was good enough for her I would give it a try. She used Sally Hanson because it was the least expensive. The only problem I have found with nail polish is that the bottle of polish drys out and get thick rather quickly.
I now use Fray Block because it dries soft and does not show on the front if I accidentally get too much.
I have never seen Sew Secure.

If you use too much, the fabric will turn slightly darker and be very stiff. That's why I said use an "almost dry brush" so only the first couple threads get "polished". In the point of a "V", use as light a hand as possible. I usually apply the polish before I do any clipping.

Thanks for sharing info, I have some of that purple fabric, love it!

Haven't heard of this product, but will look for it the next time I'm in a fabric store. Thanks for the info.

It's always nice to have a good alternative to something like Fray Check, since it may not always be there when you need it and are looking for something else to fill the bill. Thanks for the information.

I just went to the Jones Tones website and it looks like the name has changed to "Fray-Guard" (http://jonestones.com/product_info.p...products_id=16). It is being sold under both names on eBay.

I was just at a retreat with Alice Wilhoit. She recommends Fray Block for appliance. Check Pearl Pereira's website as well. I can't remember the name of the product she recommends. It might be Ailene's something. Good luck.

I have never heard of it either. Thanks for the info

I use this too. Drives without stiffness or discoloration. It comes in a metallizd tube and lasts forever.

Pam

Thank you so much for this information!

FRAY BLOCK is what I use too. Never had a problem with it and I use it for applique and regular embroidery. I buy it in tubes.

I also use fray block and have never regretted it, it dries soft and quickly and doesn't stain.

Thanks, ladies, gonna go get some Fray Block! I haven't been using anything---Except a zillion stitches in the inside points!

Thanks so much for the info. I hand applique - will come in handy.