4 No-Sew Ways to Fix Fraying Fabric [Cross Stitch Tutorial for Beginners] Flosstube

[@NotoriousNeedle]

What do you use to prevent your fabric from fraying? I'm lazy, I let it fray lol

[@tiffanyward3981]

Thank you. I'm getting ready to start my first cross-stitch project after over 10 years of not stitching. I thought I recalled using the masking tape but didn't know if this was still ok. So glad to know pinking shears work too. And since I just saw that you posted this video on my birthday it re-affirms my belief that I should start cross-stitching again!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Happy (Belated) Birthday! lol Did you know you can also use painter's tape? Slightly less sticky than masking tape if you happen to have some around. And welcome back to cross stitch. You'll be back at it in no time.

[@cindypatlian7365]

Thanks!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Thank you!!

[@jeanmariani1496]

I'm a cross stitch auto-didact, and I have loved and been surprised by the whole process. My son turned 38 today; I started when he was 3. I figured out the loop start, was very surprised by designing my own things and seeing that scale makes a huge difference in results. I used 5 to the inch blue line graph paper to start, 14 ct to stitch. Woopsie!

[@shinelumiere]

I’ve found that painters blue masking tape tends to leave less sticky residue on the fabric once you remove it and any residue that gets left behind is easier to remove in the washing. Especially when the tape ends up having to sit on the fabric for months(sometimes years) before the piece is finished and the tape is removed.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Good idea! I can see how that would work since the glue in painter's blue tape is actually formulated to be removed.

[@alli_went_bonkers]

Thanks for the tip! 😉

[@StitchWitchMama]

I use it for that same reason, on both cross stitching, quilting and when sewing costumes.

[@franzrogar]

Another way is using interlining, which is already sold in rolls. So: (1) cut the cloth, (2) unroll what interlining strip you need, (3) fold the cloth over and (4) iron it. I use a 1cm wide interlining and a heat press machine (a mini-iron) and works like a charm, and it makes the border sturdier which would be helpful if you're using a frame to stabilize the cloth without distorting it.

[@alli_went_bonkers]

Thank you! This video kept me from stressing about not having a sewing machine or knowing how to sew! 😂

[@hasamod41]

Years ago I used clear nail polish when I had a run in my stockings. It prevented further running. I wonder if that would work on frayed edges.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

🤔 Ya know, it probably would!

[@gilanigilani]

For people scared about tape residue as sometimes is doesnt come off easily or discolors over long periods of time: Buy a 1inch wide tape, no matter which one, as long as it sticks well to fabric. Tape your fabric and once your done, dont peel off the tape, get scissors and cut off the tape with the fabric. You will only lose 0.5inch of fabric border but if you already had a 3inch border (which is what my normal is), 0.5inch is not a lot

[@karenstover2233]

I’m going to use pinking shears to do that now! My masking tape is falling off because of how long it’s been on this fabric! (Years) :(

[@StitchWitchMama]

I use painter's tape. Leaves no residue, on both my cross stitching and quilting projects.

[@Nirea74]

PINKING SHEARS!!! You have brought sunshine into 2020 my friend... thank you!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Yay! 2020 can’t be ALL bad, right? lol You’re Welcome!

[@lorenaoneill6697]

Masking tape… so easy. Why I haven’t thought about this

[@anasamayoa8163]

Thank you for all the ideas you gave I was trying to figure it out you have been a big help

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Happy it helped!

[@amjaxn13]

I have used masking tape before on my edges, but only on smaller pieces where I don't need a hoop. Do you find that having the tape on the fabric makes it harder to use a hoop? (I'm talking about for larger works.) I just wonder if the stiffness of the tape on the edges makes it harder to get in and out of the hoop when you have to move it closer to the edges. Hope that makes sense. Thanks!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

That makes sense! Honestly, with larger pieces I use a scroll frame and not a hoop. But for the small pieces, it doesn't give me any trouble when moving the hoop around.

[@K.Arashi]

i got frustrated one day with the fraying and extra fabric, so i ended up rolling all the corners and edges and holding them in place with paper clips. looks strange, but keep all the fabric from getting in the way

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Nice!!! I now sometimes use Wonder Clips, too.

[@OriginalMariAnnaWolf]

How about I discounted n now I have missing fabric to put rest of my cross stitch on? How do I sew aida or whatever fabric together to continue?

[@bon.6971]

Thank you! These tips we're really helpful 😊

[@grahamwellard]

Curious. Is this work still is a embroidery hoop? Or have you mounted it? I can’t see hoop! Thanks. Great Video.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

I chose to leave it in the hoop.

[@alikc25]

Thank you for the video,very helpful.

[@kerrywargo4693]

Hi Sarah. Do you have instructions on how to make a grime guard? Please let us know.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Hi Kerry, I do not have instructions on how to make a grime guard. I'll certainly let you know when I do! Thread Bare has a pretty good tutorial here: www.thread-bare.com/2017/12/30/how-to-make-a-grime-guard

[@Sunny25611]

I first pink and then use fray check . I’ve found that the tape residue can eventually travel and it’s the very dickens to remove :)

[@NotoriousNeedle]

It can be very hard to get that sticky stuff off - but it depends on what kinds of tape you use. I've found that painter's tape works and comes off easily without the sticky residue. I used my Dad's ANCIENT masking tape when I was a kid and I resigned myself to cutting off some of the fabric lol

[@FoD1975]

Brilliant, thanks! 🤗

[@Jonatello]

Will pinking shears prevent fraying with the washing machine? I have some stitches from several years ago which won’t come clean with hand washing 😩

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Pinking shears will reduce fraying in the gentle cycle of the washing machine, but that won't eliminate fraying. If you need to put your project through the washing machine, your best bet to prevent fraying is to sew the edges with a blanket stitch or zigzag stitch, or to sew with a serger.

[@Jonatello]

@@NotoriousNeedle thank you so much!

[@jamiesimon2048]

I’ve been x stitching since 1982 and I’ve always used masking tape

[@girlzintexas]

Thanks Sarah

[@NotoriousNeedle]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@happyfacefries]

I'M SO JEALOUS OF THE U2 SHIRT!!!!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Drove 10 hours (round trip) for that concert. MUSE opened for them that year - best concert ever!!

[@vixxcottage]

Just found your channel thanks for the instructions!

[@NotoriousNeedle]

You're welcome!

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

12/17/2020: Love your tutorials. New SUBBIE. Aloha from Hawaii. I use TAPE

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Aloha!! Tape is what I use the most - when I use anything lol

[@angim8984]

My protects are usually big. I use making take or sew over the edges.

[@clmoss83]

I’m a tape girl all the way while I’m working. I will sew the edges before I frame it, though.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

What kind of stitch do you prefer when sewing the edges?

[@hayley5880]

I am doing a down stitch and I am stuck at cutting it out

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Hi Hayley, I don't know what a down stitch is.

[@winternightmarecrochet]

Using fray check all over the edges of all your projects is gonna become expensive long term though 😬 maybe just for smaller projects framed in hoops or something

[@alamgirhossain4954]

What kind of fabric is this pls tell me

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Hi Alamgir! The blue balloon pattern in the video was stitched on 110ct ivory aida cloth.

[@itsrajaz]

I always use pinking shears but my fabrics still fray :(

[@NotoriousNeedle]

What kind of fabrics do you use them on? Most cotton fabrics will not fray using pinking shears. But if you’re stitching on something thin and slippery, like organza, it has to be hemmed to prevent a mess lol

[@itsrajaz]

@@NotoriousNeedle mostly 14-18 count aida, I guess i should buy new shears :D

[@NotoriousNeedle]

@@itsrajaz Maybe. 🤔 the shears won’t stop fraying 100%, but they’ve always worked well for me. The masking tape / painters tape method works well, too. It’s what I usually use.

[@clmoss83]

Yeah, pinking shears never worked for me, either.

[@ais42me83]

Great tips! Will folly you !

[@reaversplays9296]

And the correct way would be overcasting the edges

[@NotoriousNeedle]

Thanks! I like to think of the "correct" way as any way that works. 😀 The no-sew methods in this video certainly aren't traditional, but they still work and can save time so you can get to the fun part!

[@reaversplays9296]

Notorious Needle I was raised by my Mom and Nan they were set in their ways guess I got it from them. I do like the masking tape idea.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

@@reaversplays9296, I know what you mean. My Mom taught me, too, and I am obsessed with a tidy backside lol We used to be very competitive (in a fun way) and now it's habit.

[@heidibrinkley4865]

Yuck, Obama.

[@NotoriousNeedle]

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