Replies

1. 
   TAGR | Sep 02, 1999 07:58am | #1

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   Kelly, if you haven't already cut the braid into smaller pieces, try to sew the design on in one length. Usually the braid design will be stitched on in one length after the garment is put together. That way there is not the problem of matching it at the seams. If you have already cut it into shorter lengths, put a drop of fray-chek on the braid behind the frayed part. When it is dried, cut in the middle of the dried fray-chek. If you need to join ends, try to sew them together by hand carefully through the fray-chek. If the needle gets gummed up, clean it with some alcohol. I hope this helps. Good luck!

1. 
   Bill_Stewart | Sep 10, 1999 12:02pm | #2

   *Kelly, there is no acceptable way to sew two ends of the braid together and get a neat finish. Generally, there are 3 way to work with it. No matter which method, always start with a drop of Fray-Check on the braid about 1/2" from beginning end and let it thoroughly dry before going further. The simplest method is to break a seam line where you plan to begin and poke the end through to wrong side and position braid on design and stitch. When you come back to the starting point, push other tail of braid through. Then restitch the small area of the broken seam line and tack the tails down to allowances. Be sure to F-C the finishing end of the braid and dry it. Another way is to always begin in a curlicue so the braid will lap over itself and hide the beginning end. I find it best to place the braid with the f-c treated end at beginning point and stitch a few stitches, put needle down in fabric and then clip braid where I started. Be sure the braid comes back over the beginning point to cover it. The third method needs an awl. (Dritz makes them ab $1.50 or so at good fabric store.) With the awl very gently press down on the faric and twirl the awl to seperate the yarns of the fabric. Just do it slowly and you won't break the yarns. Push the end of braid through the newly opened hole and start stitching braid. Test First! ! ! Most fabrics will close back around the braid and the opening will be more than acceptable. On the back side you may want to take one or two invisible stitches to hold the tail in a particular place. Good luck, Bill