Ripstop Fraying?

**daverr** · 08-11-2014, 13:16

When I cut and sew ripstop, the edges where I made my cut fray down to the next large thread. Is there a special cutting technique I should be using to avoid this? I've started using a roll hem to hide the fraying fabric - should I be worried about the fabric fraying with a roll hem (even though I can't see it)? Thanks...

Also, if it matters, I've only used Argon so far. Is nylon/hyper D any different?

**pgibson** · 08-11-2014, 13:28

All nylons will be similar. Cut with a very sharp blade....some use a roller knife, I prefer an Xacto knife...blades are much cheaper to replace....and you should replace if frequently, a sharp blade will pull on the fabric less/cut more. Then roll the hem to finish the cut. It won't fray once its contained in the hem and it won't come apart in the hem.

**pgibson** · 08-11-2014, 13:31

The other option is to heat seal the edge. A Candle is better and more controlled than a lighter. Just keep in mind your working with something that is very flammable and melts quickly. Even heat sealed you will still want to roll the hem though as the heat sealing on the edge will only stabilize the threads not permanently fix them in place...with a little effort you can still make the fabric fray.

**meckelangelo** · 08-11-2014, 13:38

Originally Posted by pgibson

All nylons will be similar. Cut with a very sharp blade....some use a roller knife, I prefer an Xacto knife...blades are much cheaper to replace....and you should replace if frequently, a sharp blade will pull on the fabric less/cut more. Then roll the hem to finish the cut. It won't fray once its contained in the hem and it won't come apart in the hem.

I'll echo pgibson - if you're performing a rolled hem, you don't need to worry about it fraying. Sometimes you'll find that the rolled hem is difficult to perform if the fraying is too much, so the methods pgibson suggested are all great. We have a few pairs of razor edge sheers that are great. Another option that helps a lot is the zig-zag fabric sheers, but that adds A LOT of time to cutting.

**Thumbs** · 08-11-2014, 13:52

Alternately, you can cut with a hot knife or soldering iron. Fray no more.....

**Ramblinrev** · 08-11-2014, 15:53

Originally Posted by meckelangelo

Another option that helps a lot is the zig-zag fabric sheers, but that adds A LOT of time to cutting.

Zig Zag shears Better known as Pinking Shears work by creating a controlled fray. The little triangle tips fray out really fast and provide longer threads to help snarl the longer fraying thread. The shears are heavy, bulky and very finicky. A dull section on the blade can render the whole shear more trouble than it's worth. Having them sharpened and adjusted can be expensive and the shears themselves are very pricey. Cheap pinking shears are worse than throw aways because they will actually hamper the project before they become completely unusable. If you have them they can be worth using. If you don't have them, then I would say don't bother getting them unless you know exactly why you want them. For advanced sewing they can make a big difference and have definite uses. For making gear, IMO, not so much. They make a mess with little thread pieces going all over. Better use an extremely sharp set of shears as noted above or a wheel cutter/knife/hot cutter.

**squidbilly** · 08-11-2014, 16:59

Originally Posted by Thumbs

Alternately, you can cut with a hot knife or soldering iron. Fray no more.....

This is what I do. It takes longer to cut, but it's time well spent. No more frayed messy edges on any fabric: what I'm using at the moment or my fabric stash. Also, I found an old steel desk/table at a yard sale for $10. It is 5' long by 30" wide with a formica ? top: makes a great cutting table. My soldering iron doesn't burn it.