how do I keep fabric flowers from fraying on the ends?

Aug '10 Lmhfin

i have been making fabric flowers with my new bigshot I love this machine! any suggestions how to keep the ends from fraying? TIA!
Aug '10 Here Kitty

RE: Lmhfin: i have been making fabric flowers with my new bigshot I love this machine! any suggestions how to keep the ends from fraying? TIA!

You could:
1. machine sew around the edges
2. melt the edges of some fabrics (like taffeta)
3. use something like Fray Stop (fabric section of craft/dept. store)
Aug '10 Just G

RE: Here Kitty: You could: 1. machine sew around the edges 2. melt the edges of some fabrics (like taffeta) 3. use something like Fray Stop (fabric section of craft/dept. store)

i would try using a fabric glue and painting it on the ends
Aug '10 Rtay

RE: Just G: i would try using a fabric glue and painting it on the ends

FrayCheck available in fabric stores..it' a liquid that dries clear, you will never see it after it' dry.
Aug '10 Here Kitty

RE: Rtay: FrayCheck available in fabric stores..it' a liquid that dries clear, you will never see it after it' dry.
rtay Said:
FrayCheck available in fabric stores..it' a liquid that dries clear, you will never see it after it' dry.

Yep, Fray Stop is the same thing. It's super easy to use
Aug '10 ScrapperSara22

RE: Here Kitty: rtay Said: FrayCheck available in fabric stores..it' a liquid that dries clear, you will never see it after it' dry. Yep, Fray Stop is the same thing. It's super easy to use

Thanks for asking this! I'm going to be cutting flowers soon, too, and was wondering!!!
Aug '10 Bxr-Linda

RE: ScrapperSara22: Thanks for asking this! I'm going to be cutting flowers soon, too, and was wondering!!!

The only fabric flower I've made, I coated the fabric with a clear glaze first. Let dry. This hardens and stiffens the fabric. Then I punched with a large flower punch.

I think the glaze would keep it from fraying.
Aug '10 Byondbzr

RE: Bxr-Linda: The only fabric flower I've made, I coated the fabric with a clear glaze first. Let dry. This hardens and stiffens the fabric. Then I punched with a large flower punch. I think the glaze would keep it from fraying.

I'd honestly let them fray a bit. I like that kind of look!
Aug '10 Seaexplore

RE: Byondbzr: I'd honestly let them fray a bit. I like that kind of look!

I iron mine to iron on interfacing and then cut on my sizzix. Works just fine. You can also use this little trick on the cricut to cut fabric, or so I've been told. Haven't tried it myself yet.
Aug '10 SunnyAB

RE: Lmhfin: i have been making fabric flowers with my new bigshot I love this machine! any suggestions how to keep the ends from fraying? TIA!

You could also use clear nail polish.
Aug '10 Cat_woman

RE: SunnyAB: You could also use clear nail polish.

Any liquid glue that dries clear will work also. I often use it on ribbon so it doesn't fray as well.
Aug '10 Lylacfey

RE: Cat_woman: Any liquid glue that dries clear will work also. I often use it on ribbon so it doesn't fray as well.

I use Fray Check. I love that stuff and it's cheap. I also do needlework so it's a must in my toolbox.
Aug '10 CommaHolly

RE: Lylacfey: I use Fray Check. I love that stuff and it's cheap. I also do needlework so it's a must in my toolbox.

Fray check works wonders, though I disagree that you will NEVER see it,,,,i can see it in certain lights,,,,,,,,HOWEVER, it is difficult to see once dry,,,I use it on ribbons all the time,,,,however, go with the "grain" of the fabric,,,,if you apply it against the grain, it can actually fray when putting it on,,,,if that happens, I simply wait for it to dry and trim ever so slightly,,,,
Aug '10 Whiteracoon

RE: CommaHolly: Fray check works wonders, though I disagree that you will NEVER see it,,,,i can see it in certain lights,,,,,,,,HOWEVER, it is difficult to see once dry,,,I use it on ribbons all the time,,,,however, go with the "grain" of the fabric,,,,if you apply it against the grain, it can actually fray when putting it on,,,,if that happens, I simply wait for it to dry and trim ever so slightly,,,,

Clear nail polish =) Ideal for that. Cheap & easy to use.
Aug '11 Smashley

RE: Lmhfin: i have been making fabric flowers with my new bigshot I love this machine! any suggestions how to keep the ends from fraying? TIA!

I used to use something called Fray Away on the ribbons on my pointe shoes. Worked great!