What to do with fraying fabric?
#22
I have had very nice fabric fray like crazy and very cheap fabric hold up well.
One of the first quilts I did was made from this gorgeous decorator fabric that I should have used wider seams on. Since I didn't and it is already partially hand quilted (one of many UFOs) I am now very carefully quilting beside the ditch in the sashing catching in each seam allowance so that the likelihood of fraying is reduced. I'm hoping this will take care of the problem. Think this one will end up as a display only quilt anyway.
One of the first quilts I did was made from this gorgeous decorator fabric that I should have used wider seams on. Since I didn't and it is already partially hand quilted (one of many UFOs) I am now very carefully quilting beside the ditch in the sashing catching in each seam allowance so that the likelihood of fraying is reduced. I'm hoping this will take care of the problem. Think this one will end up as a display only quilt anyway.
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 217
I had some black solid fabric, bought in a Lancaster quilt shop during a trip to the USA, fray so badly when the top was washed that the top was in danger of falling apart. Very disappointing. I used what was left to make the inner layer of cat beds. There was simply no point in endangering other quilts with it.
Unless I have an iron-clad reason to buy looser-woven fabric, I avoid it like the plague.
Unless I have an iron-clad reason to buy looser-woven fabric, I avoid it like the plague.
#25
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Beautiful Middle Tennessee
Posts: 98
Fraying Fabric
I have had "good" fabric not cut properly when purchased. Then when I cut it into strips I notice all the fraying on both sides. The strips I continue with and handle as little as possible. If I notice this before cutting, sometimes I take the time to 'straighten' the fabric and cut along the warp (?). Then you lose some of your fabric as it can be as much as 2-3" off grain. If it is a block that I'm using as a background for applique, I use Fray Check. As someone else noted...it is wonderful for this.
#26
I really have only had the super cheapo $1.50 a yard Walmart poly/cotton mix fabrics fray on me so badly that I worried about the integrity of the quilt. I just did as JulieR says and stitch with a small tight stitch, then maybe use fray check. I just avoid those altogether since I mostly make quilts anyway.
Fray check is seriously the most awesome product though, I gotta tell ya! I use it for all sorts of things, aside from quilting!
Fray check is seriously the most awesome product though, I gotta tell ya! I use it for all sorts of things, aside from quilting!
I make play houses out of the nylon and instead of fray check, I use fray BLOCK because it leaves a softer edge.
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