Learning how to effectively prevent fiber tufting can save you time, effort, and money. When you're working on a sewing or knitting project, or trying to salvage a damaged favorite piece of clothing, the frayed edges of the fabric will make it look unsightly. There are several methods to help you maintain the condition of the edges of the fabric and prevent it from fraying.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Non-Sewing Techniques
Step 1. Use plastic tape as an instant solution
Spread the fabric on a hard flat surface with the back facing up. Make sure the edges of the fabric are facing you horizontally, then apply the tape along the top of the edges of the fabric. Cover the 1cm edge of the fabric with tape. Let the rest of the tape hang over the working area. Trim the section under the duct tape neatly, just below the tassel.
- Keep the tape stuck to the edges of the fabric to prevent the fibers from fraying.
- Plastic tape is a transparent colored tape. Choose masking tape with a matte finish, not a glossy one, so it's not obvious.
- This method will not last if the clothes are washed. However, this method can help with cutting straight edges on fabrics that are difficult to handle. This method is also useful for smoothing fabrics on pillows or other projects where the seams are hidden and don't wash often.
Step 2. Glue the edges of the fabric with fabric glue, hem adhesive, or superglue
Purchase one of these products at your nearest craft store or online. Just apply a small amount of glue along the edges of the fabric. Use a cotton ball or toothpick to spread the glue. Don't apply too much glue as it can leave a black stain on the fabric after it dries.
Alternatively, use the same method to apply glue, then fold the edges of the glue-coated fabric together while pressing down to create a hem
Step 3. Use saw blades to make a new cut at the edge of the fabric
Saw shears look like toothed scissors and can be purchased at craft stores or online. They work the same way as regular scissors and you can use them to make new cuts in the fabric. However, instead of making a straight cut, these scissors will make a zigzag cut. This cut will prevent the fibers from fraying.
- This is a popular method among beginners to get rid of lint tufts.
- For stability, apply glue to the newly made cut with a cotton swab or toothpick.
Method 2 of 3: Sewing Fabric Edges by Hand
Step 1. Cut and tie the sewing thread
The traditional way of dealing with frayed edges is with a sewing needle and thread. For starters, prepare 45 cm of thread. Make a knot by making a loop with the tip of your index finger, then thread the other end of the thread into the loop and pull.
Step 2. Tie your needle
Take the unknotted end of the sewing thread and pinch it between your thumb and forefinger. Thread the thread onto the needle and slide the loop formed over the needle head. Smooth the loop with your finger, then thread it through the eye of the needle until the thread passes through to the other side. Grasp the end of the thread with your fingers and pull it all the way to the end.
- You may need to trim the ends of the sewing thread that look flimsy and tangle as threads that are too weak will make your work difficult.
- Pull the thread until the end is about 7-10 cm.
Step 3. Insert the needle from back to front to make a whip stitch
Hold the cloth with the front facing up. Insert the needle as close to the edge of the fabric as possible, starting at the back. Push the needle through the front of the fabric, then keep sewing until the knots are connected.
- Do not pull the thread too tightly or the edges of the fabric will appear wrinkled.
- Keep it as close to the edge of the fabric as possible, about 0.5 cm or less.
Step 4. Repeat the stitches to smooth the edges of the fabric
Place the needle one more time through the back of the fabric, right next to the first stitch point. Sew back along the edge of the fabric by threading the needle in and out from back to front.
Space less for tighter stitches, or more space for looser stitches
Step 5. Tie the end of the last stitch
Turn the fabric over. Insert the needle under the last stitch and pull the thread under it until it forms a small loop. Pull the needle through the loop to make a knot. Just to be on the safe side, repeat this process to create a second node.
Cut the sewing thread to complete the process until there is not only 1 inch (5 cm) of thread remaining at the end of the seam
Method 3 of 3: Using a Sewing Machine
Step 1. Use a serger to secure the edges of the fabric
The most professional way to finish sewing the edges of the fabric is to seal it with a sewing machine called a serger. This sewing kit uses two needles and two sewing threads. Thread the thread into the serger and position the hem under the foot by threading it through the pinhole on the machine, just like a normal sewing machine.
- Be careful when removing the needle before inserting the cloth into the serger.
- Serger will sew, cut, and trim the hem at the same time. Therefore, this machine is able to save your time.
- The Serger is a special machine that cannot replace the basic functions of a sewing machine. This tool is priced at millions of rupiah, but if you often trim the edges of the fabric, buying it is probably the best option.
Step 2. Try making a zigzag stitch with a sewing machine
Attach the zigzag setting to the sewing machine via the button or digital adjuster on the side. Place the fabric under the footrest on the sewing machine. Lower the stiff position and insert the cloth into the machine. Keep the edges of the fabric parallel to the center of the foot.
- Refer to the machine manual for detailed instructions if you're not sure how to make a zigzag stitch.
- Add a few reverse stitches at each end of the sewing thread knot.
Step 3. Use a foot lock and a sewing machine to imitate the sewing of the serger tool
Remove the foot mount on the machine and install the foot lock instead. Set the machine to make double stitches (overlocking). Line up the fabric with the inside of the leg. Load the cloth into the machine as usual.
- By attaching a foot lock to a sewing machine, you can make stitches that are similar to the results of a serger machine stitch.
- Use a zigzag arrangement in conjunction with a foot lock to get the desired result if your sewing machine does not have a double stitch setting.
- Refer to your sewing machine's manual for details on how to replace the footrest. You can usually remove it easily without the help of any tools.
