Which fabric does not fray?

Question

I need to make a dress out of lots of little pieces of fabric. I still have a lot of time, but I cant think of a fabric to use. I dont want to have to stitch each bit so it doesnt fray as it would take too long. The only option I see now is felt or maybe velvet. Does anyone have another idea or any tips? Thanx!

Answer 1

Here are some ideas:

1. Fleece does not fray. In fact a lot of people make blankets out of it and cut little fringes along the perimeter. It would be a bit hot though. Here are a couple of projects made with fleece to give you an idea what I am talking about. Notice the open ends where the fleece has been cut.

http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/fabulous-fleece.asp#scarf

http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/fabulous-fleece.asp#blanket

http://www.linusidaho.org/finishafleeceblanket.htm


2. You could use fusible web. If you iron fusible web to the back of the fabrics, and then cut, they won't fray. Fusible web is sheets of iron-on glue. You can get it at crafts stores and fabric stores. Some are two-way (double sided glue) and some are one-way (single-sided glue). Make sure you get the right type for your project. It does make things a bit stiffer. You also have to pick a fabric that can tolerate a hot iron without melting.

Here are some links to different types of fusible web:

http://www.fast2fuse.com/
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog_old.jsp?CATID=24992&PRODID=131169&AID=10273743&PID=1958600

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3974344-AA.shtml?lnav=tools.html

http://www.quiltknit.com/notions/fusible_web_stablizers.htm

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2848



3. If you are going to sew the pieces to each other, use pinking shears to cut. The zig-zaggy edge prevents fraying.

4. Another idea if you are going to sew the pieces together is to double seam it, once with a regular straight stitch and once on the outside of that seam, sewn very close to the straight stitches, with a zig-zag stitch. This would make the seams very strong too. the zig-zag stitches prevent fraying.

5. You could also use a technique called crazy quilting. You sew the patches and scraps of fabric together and then hand embroider all different stitches over the top of the seams. Some really good sewing machines have different stitches you could use as well. Examples of this technique are here:

http://www.quilterscache.com/C/CrazyQuiltBlock.html

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/6531/cqfaqwea.htm#12

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/6531/cqfaqwea.htm#12

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/6531/projects.htm

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/6531/

http://www.nmia.com/~mgdesign/qor/styles/crazy/crzayqlt.htm

http://www.loopylace.com/crazyquiltstudio/gallery/gallery.htm

http://www.loopylace.com/crazyquiltstudio/lessons/piecing.htm

I do not have the patience to hand embroider that much! I would try my sewing machine on some different stitch settings if I was going to try it, and maybe do a little by hand!

I hope this helps! That dress sounds like an interesting project! I'd like to hear more about it. Good luck!

Beth

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Which fabric does not fray?
I need to make a dress out of lots of little pieces of fabric. I still have a lot of time, but I cant think of a fabric to use. I dont want to have to stitch each bit so it doesnt fray as it would take too long. The only option I see now is felt or maybe velvet. Does anyone have another idea or any...

Answer 3

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Answer 4

You can use pinking shears on fabric to avoid fraying. they have special blades with a zig zag( kinda like this ^^^^^^^ ). I make small pouches out of my scraps and sometimes i dont have alot to spare. they also give a finished, professional looking edge. You can use them on pretty much any fabric, You can find them in any craft or fabric store. Usually run 15 to 40 dollars. Definately a good investment

Also there is a product called FrayChek, its like a glue, but its messy and stiffens the fabric.

Answer 5

fleece would be perfect. Ultra suede would also work. Many of the new micro fibre fabrics do not fray.

For standard fabrics, you can use an iron-on backing that will stop any fraying, also.

Answer 6

I'll endorse the suggestion of getting pinking shears! If you go to www.joann.com and sign up for their flyers (email or by regular mail) you'll get a coupon in almost every flyer that you can take to your local JoAnn's store; it's good for 40% off any one item at regular price. You can only use one, of course, but 40% off a $15.- pair of shears is a good discount.

With pinking shears, calico (printed "wash-cotton" fabric that quilts and such are made from) is an excellent choice for a patchwork dress. You can go high-end at a fancy quilt shop, or buy from WalMart's dollar-a-yard table -- or, of course, do something in between. You could even get what's known as fat quarters! You'll get several pieces per quarter. Better yet, ask friends for leftovers. That'll give you a good assortment.

If that's not an option, go with the t-shirt knits. Fleece is too heavy for a dress. Felt doesn't wash well at all.

Answer 7

You can use any fabric for your project as long as you use a product called " Fray Check " on the edges. Make sure whatever material use use, use the same throughout, Velvet edges will shed like crazy without some finishing to the edges.

Answer 8

thats what patch work is about, it takes time, iron your fabrics onto a iron on backing type fabric, then things wont fray as easily.

Answer 9

Knit fabric (like t-shirt material) doesn't fray and is light weight, so the patches won't be bulky.

Answer 10

spray starch will not stop fraying just make everything stiff,nail varnish may work but i,m not sure if it will wash out. try giving your seams an extra line of sewing.that may help.