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  • What to do with fabric that frays

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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:01 PM
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    Default What to do with fabric that frays

    I sure hope y'all have a fix for this one. In order to get a color I want in a quilt, I'll have to use a fabric that frays very easily. If I were making clothing, I might serge it or use fray check. But with making several small pieces for a quilt, I don't think that's practical. What do you do to limit/stop the fraying?
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:05 PM
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    Jean, what about the old fashioned solution: try cutting the edges with Pinking Shears? I'm not sure I'd be able to find mine, can't remember the last time I used them.
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:12 PM
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    Can you show us the color you need, maybe we can help you with another piece of fabric.
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:16 PM
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    Starch it and maybe a stay stitch 1/8" from the edge so it's covered by the seam?
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:36 PM
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    I would use pinking shears....it's the easiest fix other than buying new fabric
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:46 PM
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    Originally Posted by PurplePassion
    Can you show us the color you need, maybe we can help you with another piece of fabric.
    I agree with this - try to find another fabric. The odds are good that someone would have something that would work.

    You could try fusing something to what you have to stabilize it. If you are using small pieces, I would be very concerned about the pieces pulling out of the seams.
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    Old 06-01-2013, 05:49 PM
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    I'd use a different fabric.
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    Old 06-01-2013, 06:00 PM
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    I have just such a fabric that, in theory, is perfect for the quilt I'm using it in. But it frays up to 1/4 of an inch while I'm sewing. Good bye, seam allowance.

    I took the cut pieces and smoothed (with thumb and pointer finger) some slightly diluted elmers liquid glue on the cut edges. I haven't had the heart to go back to working on the quilt since then, so i don't know how it will work. Please note that the slightly watered down liquid glue did make the edges wavy, but wavy is better than 1/4 inch gone!

    good luck!
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    Old 06-01-2013, 06:13 PM
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    How about using rotary cutter with the linking blade (pink) ing.
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    Old 06-01-2013, 07:40 PM
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    Originally Posted by cathyvv
    I have just such a fabric that, in theory, is perfect for the quilt I'm using it in. But it frays up to 1/4 of an inch while I'm sewing. Good bye, seam allowance.

    I took the cut pieces and smoothed (with thumb and pointer finger) some slightly diluted elmers liquid glue on the cut edges. I haven't had the heart to go back to working on the quilt since then, so i don't know how it will work. Please note that the slightly watered down liquid glue did make the edges wavy, but wavy is better than 1/4 inch gone!

    good luck!
    So what happens when the glue is washed out?
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