onaemtnest

I'm making pillowcases for Christmas gifts out of Kaufman "Old Guy's Rule" really a fun fabric line. It is a challenge because it is fraying with even minimal handling, like from the cutting table to the sewing machine. I don't pre-wash my fabrics. Making the French seams is where those pesky tails have caused the most consternation.

Why do some of the fabrics fray especially from respected fabric companies? I love Kaufman and Moda but have had this issue from time-to-time from respected 'brand named' fabrics?

Would using a rotary 'pinking' blade change the cutting? I've been considering purchasing the pinking blade. Is fray check recommended for this? I would appreciate any suggestions. Especially since I'm invested in this line for 10 'Old' ;o) guys pillowcases within our family and friends.

GingerK

I would either pink the edges or zigzag/serge the first seam. I have a pinking blade and did not like using it. To me it was not a true pinking cut--more like a curvey cut. But I bought that blade probably 10 years ago. They may have changed since then. I think you could get a relatively inexpensive pair of pinking shears at Joann's or Walmart.

I would definitely not use fray check because it could make the seam hard to the touch.

bearisgray

I would wash the fabric - because even some respected "brand named" fabric lines shrink - a lot!

When I've made pillowcases, if I cut on the straight of grain, then I usually did not have too much fraying/raveling.

Also, for pillowcases, I prefer using a French seam - if you make the first seam about 1/4 inch, and then the second seam about 3/8 inch, it's fairly easy to handle.

Otherwise, overcasting or serging the raw edges works.

My Grandma would leave the edges raw. My Mom would make French seams. They both lasted, but the raw edges got ravelly over the years as the pillowcases were washed

feline fanatic

I agree with Bear about the prewashing. In addition to preshrinking, prewashing tightens up the weave of the fabric (because of the shrinkage) and results in less fraying. I have read a lot of comments here about Kaufman Kona fabrics fraying a lot and I use Kona quite bit and don't experience this but I am a die hard prewasher. Other fabrics that are known for fraying quite a bit are homespuns and flannels. Again, I don't experience issues with excessive fraying on these types of fabric and I really think that is due to prewashing. JMHO.

Edited to add, since you have already started making the pillow cases and may not want to prewash at this stage you can use a clothing technique of zig zag stitching all your raw edges. This helps decrease the fray. Thankfully with pillow cases (assuming you are doing the burrito method) the cuts are large and won't be too much extra effort to zig zag your raw edges. If you have a serger you can serge the edges instead of French seaming them. But I definitely prefer doing a French seam when I make them.

Jingle

I have better luck with the mid-priced fabrics.

quiltingshorttimer

I think solids are a bigger culprit to ravel. Besides prewashing, you might try starching while you make them.

Rhonda K

It stinks when fabric frays.

I would probably draw a cutting line and sew a stay stitch right next to it. Then cut with pinking scissors. The other option is to iron on a line of steam a steam. Fold up the hem line and stitch. I use steam a seam in many home dec projects. It even comes in 1/4 inch width so not bulky in the seam line.

grandmahoney

I use Elmer's washable kids school glue along the edge and let it dry. You can easily sew threw it. This is only a temporary fix while your working on your project. I still zig zag all my edge.

romanojg

I agree, wash the fabric, you don't want it to shrink afterwards. You can either serge or overcast the edges before washing and even before doing the french seams. This will minimize the frays.

maviskw

I would do the starching. Make a large batch of Stay-Flo (at least 50-50 with water) in a bowl and immerse the entire piece of fabric into it. Move the fabric around until all of it has been dampened. Then hang to dry. After ironing, the fabric should fray a lot less.