How to Keep Fabric from Fraying

Implementing the right techniques when fraying your fabrics can be a bit difficult if you are clueless about it. Whether you are working on a craft project or clothing project, there are certain techniques to use to stop the edges of your fabrics from fraying.

Most woven fabrics are susceptible to fraying, and unless you are working with a fabric that doesn’t fray at all, this is very likely to happen.

If you don’t understand what the term “fraying” means, it is the loosening of thread that unravels when you cut the edge of a fabric.

Whenever you are working with fabric, regardless of the texture, it’s important to keep the fraying to a minimum, so your project can assume a professional and nice finish.

What is A No-Sew Fabric Finish?

There are many techniques you can use to keep the fraying of your fabrics to a minimum, and ensure a perfect finish.

Regardless of what you are using – a serging, conventional straight stitch, or zig-zag – nearly all of them require the use of stitching.

Stitching is used to prevent the fraying of your fabrics, and it is one of the most effective ways to contain fraying. But for “no-sew fabric edge finishes,” you cannot make use of a conventional stitch to prevent your fabric from fraying.

When to Use No-Sew Finishes

The no-sew finishing is rarely used in sewing because it doesn’t guarantee a long-lasting effect. However, in a case where you are finding it hard to contain the fraying on the edges of a fabric, using the no-sew finishing technique guarantees a clean finish.

That being pointed out if you are thinking of using the no-sew finishing techniques to cut the corners of your fabric, we suggest that you take a close look at the fabric at hand. If you plan on wearing the garment at hand for a long time, then you may want to think twice, because the finishing may come undone after one-time wear or after regular washing.

So, these are the factors you need to consider before deciding on using the no-sew finish – the fabric and design.

The no-sew finishing techniques may not be appropriate for certain projects, but it can come in handy for home décor projects, most especially if you don’t own a sewing machine.

We have also listed other no-sew techniques to prevent your fabrics from fraying, and they would save you a lot of time and stress.

1. Using Nail Polish To Seal Fraying

This is one of the most inexpensive and easiest methods of containing fraying in fabric edges.

All you need to do is apply a layer of nail polish along the cut edge of your fabric. Once the nail polish dries, the unraveling edges are locked in securely.

Keep in mind that this technique works better on thin and lightweight fabrics, and may not be suitable for certain types of highly textured textile.

The rule of using the nail polish technique is to make use of it on densely woven fabrics that are thin and lightweight.

When using the nail polish technique, we recommend that you trim the edges properly so that you can get rid of the excess unraveling threads. The essence of this is, so you can at least have a clean edge while working to prevent you from making a mess out of what you are doing. All you have to do is just cut close to the edge, so it can be smooth before you work.

After you have trimmed, try not to the cut-edge unnecessarily until you have coated it with the nail polish. This is so you can avoid any additional fraying and have a smooth edge.

2. Contain Fraying by Using Fabric Pinking Shears

Almost every sewist is familiar with pinking shears. This technique is a great option to stop the edges of your fabrics from fraying, both functionally and aesthetically. Using this technique would create finely zig-zagged edges on your fabric, so having a nice and working pair of pinking shears is necessary for some apparel applications.

The pinking no-sew technique isn’t recommended because it cannot withstand long-term wear. But if you are using it for a one time wear, and won’t be washing it in a conventional washing machine, then it would be an ideal finishing technique.

The pinking shears method can be done on almost all fabric-type and across long lengths as well, plus it’s fast and easy.

3. Contain Fraying By Burning The Edges (Synthetic Only)

Before you try out this technique, you should be sure that the fabric you are using is 100% synthetic. Synthetic textiles would melt and not burn when introduced to any form of flame. But using this method for fabrics that are natural fiber would cause it to burn.

To be sure that your fabric is purely synthetic, test a scrap over a fireproof surface, and watch to see if it burns or melts.

When using this technique, make sure that it is just for short edges – not longer than 1 inch. Also, always do this over a sink, or any fireproof surface, to avoid fire outbreak. To be safe, use an all-purpose lighter for this technique, as opposed to other sources of fire that may be hard to control.

4. Use Adhesive Iron-On Hem Tape To Prevent Edges From Fraying

If you are working on a project with an enclosed edge, then using an adhesive iron-on hem tape is a very efficient way to prevent your edges from fraying. To implement this no-sew technique, you need to have enough edge allowance at the edge of the fabric, because it has to be folded.

This technique is mostly used if you are working with a time frame because it is a very quick fix. It is a very simple process, you just need to enclose the tape in between the fabric layer, and put a hot iron on it to melt the tape glue so that it can bond the fabric layers perfectly.

Fusible hem tape can make the edges of your fabric stiff, so you may want to consider this factor if you are working with an apparel that has a floral drape. Before implementing this, you need to test out a portion of the fabric you would be using, so you can understand how the final application would turn out.

It would be best if you used the adhesive hem tape when you are working with a garment that would not be affected by the stiffness. Also, keep in mind that this technique is not so permanent, as it can come undone after long cycles of washing. However, it is perfect for home décor projects because it is a useful tool for bonding fabric layers together.

Bonus Tip – Fray-less Washing

To keep your fabric from fraying in the wash, you should serge the cut ends of your fabric yardage. This should be done right before you put in the fabric through the washing machine.

If you don’t have a Serger, then you can use a regular sewing machine to create zig-zag stitches over the edge. However, if you don’t have a sewing machine, you can implement the no-sew techniques we listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Fabric Doesn’t Fray?

Non-woven fabrics do not fray due to the chemical nature of the fibers. The fibers in non-woven fabrics are tightly held together by heat, pressure, and resins.

2. How Do I Seal Fabric Edges?

You can use the no-sew techniques listed above, or use your sewing machine to make zig-zag stitches along the edges of your fabrics.

3. How Do I Stop My Fabric From Embroidery Fraying?

Using pinking shears to create a zig-zag cut along the edge of your embroidery fabric would prevent it from fraying. It’s a good practice to pre-mark the straight lines of the edges. Although some fraying may still occur, it will be minimized by using pinking shears

4. How Do I Keep The Edges Of My Fabrics From Fraying Without Sewing?

There are no-sew techniques that can effectively prevent the edges of your fabrics from fraying. There is the pinking shears technique, nail polish technique, adhesive iron-on hem technique, and burning of the edges technique. All of these techniques have different applications, so you should consider what fabric you are using and how long you plan on wearing the apparel.

5. What Stitch Would I Use To Keep My Fabric From Fraying?

You can use an overcast stitch to prevent your fabric edge from fraying. It can be done either with a sewing machine or by hand. This stitch involves looping the thread over the edge of the fabric, and this would stop it from unraveling. And this technique is recommended for thicker fabrics.