Securing the edge of the fabric?

[Efrite]

Hio.. What is a good method to secure the unravelling edge of the fabric while I cross stitch?

[riotpatch]

My method is to fold masking tape along the edges length-wise to secure the fabric.
It's strong but also easy to remove when you are done.
Most cross stitch kits suggest to stitch all the way around the edges but I don't have the patience.

[Efrite]

Okai.. Thank you for your advice, Riotpatch.

[julie]

I used to do the masking tape around the edge, but I hated removing the tape afterward.
On my latest project, I've done a zigzag stitch around the material with my sewing machine.

I think it might depend on what you want to do with your finished piece. In my case, my cloth is larger than my finished piece, so I will probably cut the zigzag away when my stitching is done.

There's also a 'no fray' spray/glue product on the market, but I've never used it.

[Wolfix]

I use FRAYSTOP - that's the "spray/glue" which is actually just liquid - you just draw it along the edges of your fabric and when it dries it's soft but will not fray. The stuff is magic and I use it for all my fabric prep. It's well worth buying and not very expensive.

[Caiella]

Thanks for the idea about using the tape, I hadn't thought of that before. I've been using zig zag stitches on some of my larger projects, and that seems to work, but it seems like you couldn't use it on a smaller project, simply because you could end up with more zig zag stitches then actual stitches (if that makes sense...?).

[Wolfix]

Fraystop fraystop fraystop.

[HerrPersilja]

Hi everyone
I have a problem and maybe you guys can help me.
I'm cross stitching Lakitu from Super Mario 1.

The idea is to make it like this Hello Kitty cross stiching kit

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98006693_5.jpg (7.95 KiB) Viewed 4578 times

My question is... how to cut round the edges like that? I really don't get it.
You can't cut to close, then there is a high possibility you cut of some thread that shouldn't be cut off.
But if you leave to much round the edges, it looks like sh*t.

I don't wanna show you my work after trying to cut round the edges. It's just embarassing. It just makes me look stupid. Maybe later.

[mud]

My question is... how to cut round the edges like that? I really don't get it.
You can't cut to close, then there is a high possibility you cut of some thread that shouldn't be cut off.
But if you leave to much round the edges, it looks like sh*t.

Have a look at this, a guide I made a while back: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1436
I think that will work for you. You can easily sew the edge a bit closer than in that example.

Lycka till!

[HerrPersilja]

Tack! =D