I'm working with a bull denim that loves to fray. I practice the gentle fabric handling techniques demonstrated in the videos, but at some point, two pieces are matched, pinned, and sewn together, and the fabric will fray. I've tried Fray Check around the edges of each cut piece. I've also used my overlocker on cut pieces, but both methods seem like extra steps, since I'm going to trim down the seam allowance after the two pieces are sewn together.
Additionally, I am considering basting the pieces together to get a nicer seam but am reluctant to do it, as the fabric would really fray if handled that much. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Martin is right. Pinking would be the best option. There are automated pinking machines that allow you to run the fabric through it as it pinks the edges. Similar to how an overlocking machines cuts the edges before serging them.
See example
If you are a handy man (which you are) you can create a motor system for it to speed up the process and make use of both hands. Alternatively you can perhaps find with already a motor and a pedal installed.
Reza
International School of Tailoring
As per Martin's pinking suggestion, prepping all the pieces, and an honest effort to learn how to sew, I actually did a pretty good job machine stitching and serging the first few pieces together. At some point I hope to be able to sew a seam without holding my breath. 😂🤣
To be honest, I didn't think pinking the edges would work 🤨 but sure enough... did! 😲🤣 it's denim fabric, so it takes a bit of effort, and it's a little challenging to just nick the edge so that I don't cut too far into the seam allowance. Since I have three more covers to make, I'll pink the pieces as I go. That actually leads me to another question, but I'll create a new post for that one.
Given I'm tailoring suits for seats at the moment, I'll try to keep my questions focused on universal tailoring skills and NOT upholstry, but if I meander off, just let me know.ðŸ¤
Thanks for sharing your experience.
These are the side panels of seat with holes for the arms to go through. Basically, the back part of the "suit" is a waistcoat for a headless man. The zipper is on the very back, and the arm slip through the holes just like a person 😂
That makes sense. One of the problems with learning to do something as you do it is some mistakes can't be undone. Last week I decided to cut out all the pieces to all three chairs at the same time, so I have to cut inside the line. 😣 Regardless, I'm going to pink the edges today. I'm eager to see if it works. Yesterday was a holiday in the States, so I didn't have a chance to try it.
I've been watching and rewatching the stitching videos, and can't imagine sewing my fabric by hand. The edges "grow hair" just moving the pieces from one place to another. 😂
If you cut like this along your chalk mark you keep the full seam allowance. It´s presition work
When you cut the fabric you can use a pair of pinking shears.