If you are new to sewing (and maybe even if you’re a veteran) you may find yourself wondering how you can stop your fabric from fraying. It’s the worst feeling to complete a project only to have it fray after the first wash. Here are 6 ways to stop fabric from fraying!
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Use a Serger
A serger is a machine that has multiple spools of thread and a small blade where you stitch. It cuts and encases your fabric at the same time. This machine is also sometimes called an overlock machine. As you can guess, this is the most expensive option. Sergers can be a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Sergers are an amazing option to stop fraying, even though they are expensive. If you are looking to sew a lot, you may find buying a serger is totally worth it. If you have a large project, and really want to use a serger, look around, you may be able to find a serger for rent, or borrow from a friend who is a serious sewist.
Pick your Fabrics Wisely
Some fabrics fray easier than others. If you are able to chose between different fabrics, stay away from loosely woven fabric, such as linen or cotton. The looser the weave is on the fabric, the more likely it is to fray easily. Try to chose fabrics with really tight weaves, or even better, choose fabrics that are not woven and are knit, such as a jersey knit. (click here for some tips on sewing with jersey knits) These fabrics don’t fray at all.
Stop Fraying using Pinking Shears
Pinking shears cut your fabric in a zig zag instead of a straight line. This zig zag shape doesn’t completes stop fraying, but the pinking shape reduces the length mimics the cut of the bias, and bias cut fabric is less likely to fray. You can get pinking shears, or a pinking rotary blade if you prefer. This is a great option for your seams in things like clothing, or a fabric craft project as it can also be a decorative cut. You can get pinking shears here
Zig Zag Stitch
This is similar to using a serger. The point of zig zag stitching on your fabric is to encase your fabric in thread, which reduces the fraying. To do this technique, you will press your seam allowance flat and sew along the raw edge of your fabric, make sure to cover the raw edge completely. This can be a decorative stitch. This is a useful technique for hems.
Fold in Unfinished Edges
When you fold in the unfinished edges, it will keep your fabric from fraying. Make sure you allow yourself an extra seam allowance if you go with this choice. Make sure you can’t see the raw edge once you’re done, this is more commonly done in hems, not in construction seams. You will also have folded in edges on things like quilts or lined clothing. If you can’t see the raw edges, it won’t fray.
Use Fray Stop
If all else fails, you can always use fray stop. This is especially good for craft projects where you may not want or be able to spend extra time fray proofing your fabric. This is a product you buy, and apple to your fabric and it creates a barrier on your raw edge to prevent fraying. You can get fray stop here. Fray stop is great for things like craft projects and costumes, where you may not want to spend all the extra time it takes to do some of these other techniques.
