I have seen on a few DIY videos of people running the edge of their material over an open flame like a candle before doing any sewing. What is the purpose of this and is it necessary?
I have seen on a few DIY videos of people running the edge of their material over an open flame like a candle before doing any sewing. What is the purpose of this and is it necessary?
Aim for the moon, if you miss, at least you will still be among the stars.
It helps prevent fraying. It's not as good as a properly constructed hem or seam at doing so, however, so, no, it's not really required unless you intend on leaving an unhemmed/unseamed edge (which I don't recommend for anything you're going to use more'n a couple of times).
Hope it helps!
"Just prepare what you can and enjoy the rest."
--Floridahanger
The flame idea is an old idea, I have been doing it since the 70's, with nylon. Why nylon especially way back when frayed something awful, it would get caught in your thread injector, wrap around fingers, float through the house, attach to clothing, sometimes cause breathing problems. So, cut, seal with a flame became a way to deal with the situation.
Now the nylon seems to be a not so apt to fray immediately. If I am working on something that is coming apart in my hand I heat seal it or cut it with heat. The problem is when using heat you can accidentally make a hole where you did not intend to.
I really worry when I see video's from members with children using lighters to heat seal (prevent unraveling) their project. Kids love FIRE, even very young children can figure out how to work lighters, candles are just asking for problems with Jr. Pyromaniacs.
Some things just need to be sealed such as some ribbon and cordage, otherwise you end up with it coming apart.
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