Edges while stitching?

BookNerd · Post by **BookNerd** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:11 pm

I have always used masking tape, but had issues with it when I used my new q snap. I'm a fan of having the edges zig zagged. I bought some smaller pieces of lugana from 123 stitch, and they arrived already zig zagged.

Mary C · Post by **Mary C** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 7:00 pm

BookNerd wrote:I have always used masking tape, but had issues with it when I used my new q snap. I'm a fan of having the edges zig zagged. I bought some smaller pieces of lugana from 123 stitch, and they arrived already zig zagged.

I like the idea of "already zig zagged". Wish that would catch on! I may try the medical tape which might be a little better than masking tape. I don't press heard on the masking tape so it doesn't stick or leave residue (or, at least, it never has). I don't own a sewing machine so that would be out! It is interesting to hear what everyone is doing, though!

BookNerd · Post by **BookNerd** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 3:52 pm

Mary C wrote:
BookNerd wrote:I have always used masking tape, but had issues with it when I used my new q snap. I'm a fan of having the edges zig zagged. I bought some smaller pieces of lugana from 123 stitch, and they arrived already zig zagged.
I like the idea of "already zig zagged". Wish that would catch on! I may try the medical tape which might be a little better than masking tape. I don't press heard on the masking tape so it doesn't stick or leave residue (or, at least, it never has). I don't own a sewing machine so that would be out! It is interesting to hear what everyone is doing, though!

Unfortunately it's only the smallest size fabric, but I guess that's better than nothing. I would be terrific if everyone pre-zig zagged all the material. It would certainly make our stitchy time easier.

carolynbb · Post by **carolynbb** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:24 pm

Another zig-zagger here!

karenstitches · Post by **karenstitches** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:08 pm

I whip-stitch or blanket stitch around the edges by hand. I used to use tape, but I enjoy the whole process so much I even like the tedium of finishing the edges. If I had room for my sewing machine to stay up I'd probably zig-zag the edges.

JA Fan · Post by **JA Fan** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 3:58 pm

karenstitches wrote:I whip-stitch or blanket stitch around the edges by hand.

Same here. Although, next time, I'll probably zig-zag with the machine just to speed things up a bit!

lala · Post by **lala** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 1:16 pm

I agree w/Rose------whatever works for you. I usually zig-zag on my sewing machine. Right now I'm working on a project that required more stabilzation so I used fra-check and also some surgical tape because of the type of evenweave I was using.

ayna · Post by **ayna** » Tue May 01, 2012 6:19 pm

MaudL wrote:I've never owned or used a sewing machine, do you think that this one would be good enough for edging, and also some simple finishes (needlebook, pillowcase, etc)?
Thanks!

Hi!

I've only just caught up with this thread so may be too late to help.
If you haven't found yourself a basic sewing machine may I suggest you look at the Janome website - they do have some cheap machines that will zig zag. My daughter's first machine of her own was a Janome, made for and sold by John Lewis and it certainly got her going.

Nowadays I always zig zag around embroidery fabric before starting to stitch; I did, early on, hand sew but it took too much time, also tried tapes but didn't like the residue left behind and then tried zig zag machine stitching and found this very efffective even on large, time consuming projects. It certainly helps when lacing over foam board to have firmly stitched edges.

LittleMoo · Post by **LittleMoo** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 8:23 am

Mystonique wrote:A lady here suggested using surgical cotton tape and I've found that to be a super idea

It comes off easily if you want it to.
It doesn't leave sticky residue.
It is soft and pliable like the fabric.
It sticks well.

I was looking for ideas on how to stop edges fraying and found this thread. Great advice and the surgical tape is a genius idea! I've tried masking tape before and didn't get on with it. Maybe it was too old but it didn't stick properly and I found it too stiff. I'll give the surgical tape a try and if all else fails I'll have to dust off the sewing machine that's hiding under a pile of stuff

Fizzbw · Post by **Fizzbw** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 4:15 pm

I either zig zag or use fraycheck. I have used maskibg tape on small pieces. Surgical tape like micropore?

Niki xxx

calico · Post by **calico** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:35 pm

I'm a masking taper...and it has worked just fine for me so far

caitief · Post by **caitief** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:49 pm

I also use my sewing machine for a couple reasons - since it is always set up it is super fast. But it helps me improve my sewing skills and gives me useful practice in keeping things even!

Trylla · Post by **Trylla** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:10 pm

I have a serger, and use that to finsh all my fabric edges. I bought a used one for $150 and it was worth every penny! (I also dye fabric, so I end up with a lot of fabric to edge whenever I decide to dye.)

LaraAmber · Post by **LaraAmber** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:45 pm

I did masking tape for my first few projects and abandoned it quickly. I think the biggest problem is it's not designed to last, attracts grime, and adds bulk. You spent all this time working on a lovely old-fashioned craft and here is this dirty tape detracting from your work (don't assume your descendants won't open that frame 50 years from now). I then switched to an invisible adhesive and folded over the edges of my fabric with an iron making a pretty edge. It still didn't address the bulk issue, and could start to separate over time. Plus, are those chemicals okay for future family heirlooms? I don't know.

Now I have a sewing machine. Unfortunately in our townhouse I don't have space to leave it, so I have to get it out of the closet and bring it downstairs to the kitchen table to prepare my fabric. The good news is we are planning on moving in a few years and then I can get a sewing station.

If you don't have a sewing machine, you might have a friend or family member who wouldn't mind you coming over and doing your edges on his/her machine. Hand sewing is also an option (oddly I love to cross-stitch but abhor hand sewing).

crosstitcher1 · Post by **crosstitcher1** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:40 pm

I whip stitch, pick patterns, threads and fabrics for ALL the NEXT year projects, depending on the people that I have to do for. I get ALL supplies the day AFTER Thanksgiving of the FINISHING year, for the new year. I whip stitch ALL of them the 2nd week of Dec.
This way, when I start, I won't have to STOP at the end of ea. project to start the new project.
When I was taught, the person whipped stitched hers, so I learned it and NEVER looked back to other ways. I also find it RELAXING just to stitch away WITHOUT really thinking about it.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND

carolanne · Post by **carolanne** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 12:41 am

I've used masking tape and since it's trimmed at the end, it won't be there for some unlikely someone to see. But it does get old on the long term projects, and I might have to add in pieces. Lately, on a couple smallish items, I did a spread out buttonhole or edging stitch by hand. It does take a little while but I can do it in my lap and don't have to pull out the machine and fiddle with it. So as always it depends on what suits you.

carolanne · Post by **carolanne** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 12:47 am

Oh, I meant to comment on the ability to know exactly what you are going to do a year in advance. I am way to flighty to do that. A short time ago, I finished 2 small things, opened a brand new magazine and in a couple days had started it, notwithstanding my stash of WIPs and untouched kits and patterns. I have some organizational skills, but they don't go that far.

ljane · Post by **ljane** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:07 am

Re: Edges while stitching?

grrlshapedthing · Post by **grrlshapedthing** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:06 am

Re: Edges while stitching?

LadyS · Post by **LadyS** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:17 am

Re: Edges while stitching?