Replies

1. 
   SewingSue | Nov 12, 2004 05:41am | #1

   I'm not sure how the designer's do it but normally when you want frayed edges you do a little zig-zag stitch at the point you don't want it to fray past.

   Sue W, Williston, FL

2. 
   Liana | Nov 12, 2004 10:13am | #2

   I haven't done frayed silk chiffon, but I have done frayed silk organza.  I tore it on the crossgrain into strips, folded it with the frayed edges together (for a little more pronounced fringies)and then sewed a line of straight stitching where I wanted the fraying to eventually end.  I didn't fray it back to the stitching line, but I lose a thread every now and then.   I used it for edging on a suit.

   You can also cut on the bias, and then fringe.  I would still do the line of staystitching.  I didn't like the way my fabric looked when frayed on the bias.  It had a lot more "bloom" to it on the crossgrain.  But, you should try different things, and see what you like best.

3. 
   SewTruTerry | Nov 12, 2004 07:45pm | #3

   I believe there was a designer that was featured in a Threads article some time back (I can't recall just how far back) that used acrylic paint to add interest and stop the fraying on sheer material.  If you used paint you could do so in a coordinating color?

1. 
   carolfresia | Nov 12, 2004 09:52pm | #4

   Donna Christopher, "Paint a Fast Finish," No. 110--we had several "Inspired by Threads" finalists who used this technique. One used a clean paint with a bit of glitter, so you don't see the paint itself, just a narrow line of sparkle. Quite pretty.

   Carol