auroranova message #1
Fray-Check is my best friend
December 14, 2009 at 6:32:35 PM
 
When you work with fabrics that have a tendency to fray easily, you can stabilize the cut edges of your pieces by running a bead of Fray-Check along the edge of the material. The simplest way to do this and keep control of how much Fray-Check gets on the fabric is to get a piece of cardboard, or an index card, and make a little puddle of Fray-Check. Take a straight pin and dip the pointed tip into the solution, then gently "paint" it along the edge of the fabric. This helps you control how much Fray-Check gets applied at one time, and helps to reduce the "wicking" of the solution into the material.

Fray-Check can sometimes stain delicate fabrics like silk or satin, so be sure to test first on a scrap piece, or in an interior seam where it won't be noticable.

If you're going to use this technique on an adult-sized pattern, you may be able to get away with using a thin paint brush. I use a straight pin because I sew for dolls, and my pieces are very tiny. Always make sure to test first.