How To Stop Fabric From Fraying: 6 Essential Techniques
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Left unchecked, woven fabrics can fray and unravel, even to the point of undoing seams. But fraying isn't something to fear—there are lots of ways to keep the fray at bay! In this post, we'll take a look at six ways to prevent or reduce fabric fraying, from quick, easy methods for beginner sewists to more advanced techniques for a professional finish. Read on to learn how to keep fabric from fraying, and head to WAWAK to find the sewing notions you need to make it happen.
HOW TO KEEP FABRIC FROM FRAYING: SEWING TECHNIQUES
Rule number one of sewing with woven fabrics: they love to fray! That's why it's super important to think ahead about how you'll finish the raw edges of your fabric when starting a sewing project. First, let's look at a few finishing techniques using your trusty sewing machine.
1. Zigzag Stitch
One of the simplest ways to reduce fraying and finish your fabric edges is to zigzag-stitch them. This is an excellent technique for beginner sewers, as it doesn't require any special stitches, techniques or machines; once you've sewn your seam as you normally would, simply add a zigzag stitch inside the seam allowance and trim away any excess fabric from the edge.
2. Hemming & Enclosed Seams
For a cleaner look, you can also enclose the raw edge. There are many different methods of doing this; for outside seams like cuffs and skirt hems, hemming is a great way to finish a raw edge. (For more info on different hemming techniques, check out our previous post, 6 Types of Hems And When To Use Them). There are also many techniques for creating enclosed interior seams, such as French seams for lightweight fabrics and flat-felled seams for heavier materials. Both of these techniques, while they require a bit more work, result in fully enclosed seams that keep your project looking as neat on the inside as it does on the outside.
3. Binding
Similarly, you can use another material to enclose a raw edge. In this technique, known as binding, a strip of material (most commonly bias tape) is folded over the fabric edge and stitched in place for a very clean, professional-looking finish that works on both interior and exterior seams.
4. Serging/Overcast Stitch
When researching fabric finishing methods, you’re sure to run into the serger. Also known as a serging machine or overlocker, a serger is a specialized sewing machine that simultaneously trims the fabric’s edge and encloses it in a complex stitch. Sergers offer a quick, professional-looking finish and are a great option for sewists who frequently sew garments. Of course, buying a specialized machine might not be the best option for everyone; luckily, as we've seen here, there are plenty of other ways to finish fabric edges using a standard home sewing machine!
Similarly, some home sewing machines may include a stitch known as the overcast stitch. An overcast stitch essentially mimics serging by stitching over the edge of the fabric. Consult your sewing machine manual to see if your machine includes this stitch, and keep in mind you may need a corresponding overcasting foot to perform it.
HOW TO STOP FABRIC FROM FRAYING WITHOUT SEWING
Wondering how to stop fabric from fraying without sewing? We get it, sometimes you need a quick solution! If you're looking for a quick, easy way to stop fabric from fraying without getting out your sewing machine, you have a few options:
1. Seam Sealant
One of the quickest and easiest ways to stop fraying is using a seam sealant like Dritz Fray Check. This liquid fabric adhesive is specifically designed to keep threads and fibers in place; apply a thin coat of Fray Check along your fabric edge and let it dry to stop fraying in its tracks! Many sewers use seam sealant to finish small, detailed areas that might be difficult to finish otherwise, like applique edges, tight corners or the cut ends of ribbon and webbing.
For tightly woven fabrics, another convenient option is pinking shears. Trimming your fabric edge with these zigzag scissors is a simple but effective way to reduce fraying in tightly woven fabrics, though it may not 100% stop it. Pinked edges can still fray, especially if the fabric is frequently washed or has a loosely woven construction. However, this is an excellent option for items that won't be laundered often, like crafts or decor. It's also a quick, easy way to prevent fabric from fraying too much when you pre-wash it before starting your project or while cutting out pattern pieces. For more detailed information on pinking as a technique, check out our previous blog post, "What Are Pinking Shears?"
No matter which finishing method is best for your project, find the sewing supplies you need at WAWAK. With over 24,000 products in stock, we're ready to ship the sewing supplies you need right when you need them. Happy sewing!
