Marsha Nichols Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 I am suddenly getting alot of fabric fraying after I cut strips for piecing. I can't get a block made without threads hanging out at the seams. I try not to overhandle the fabric.It doesn't matter if the fabric is high or low quality. I usually strip piece blocks. any suggestions would help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisquilter Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 Spray starch, or sizing would help. Yes, the quality of fabric makes a difference. The looser the weave, the more the fabric will fray. How is your cutter? New blades work wonders! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsha Nichols Posted January 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 Thanks Chris, i did change to a new blade but still had some problems.I haven't been starching when pressing and will try that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 Sizing does help. I generally don't worry too much about stray threads till I'm all done piecing, as they keep coming. I am meticulous about trimming the sewing threads as I go. When I finish a top and am pressing it, I flip it over and trim the frays. That seems to keep the volume down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doodlebug Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 sizing will help, but cutting a fabric 'true-to-grain' will be the biggest factor in fraying fabric. press your fabric giving a light 'dusting' of spray starch/sizing making sure to press out the bolt fold. hold the fabric with selvages together in front of you with the fold at the bottom. slide one layer of the selvage end til the fabric hangs perfectly straight with no wompies, puckers, or dents. this takes some practice developing an eye for it hanging straight, but oh so worth it! : that is the straight of grain. carefully lay on your cutting mat and using a ruler square up the one edge using the folded end as a foundation. i was shown this trick by a fellow quilter and was amazed the difference in my piecing. fabric 'behaved' better in the block and was easier to press.... it won't help all fraying, but it does make a difference, i think JMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsha Nichols Posted January 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2012 Thank you Shannon: I square the fabric and cut with June Tailors shape cut template. I will be more diligent to "shaking" and pressing out dents, puckers, etc. I think the dusting of starch/sizing will also do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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