Sewing rarely goes perfectly. A seam edge starts stretching, a tiny nick appears in your fabric, or your thread ends refuse to stay put. Before you reach for a complicated fix – or decide that the project is ruined – there’s a small sewing essential worth keeping nearby: anti-fray glue, also known as Fray Check.
From stabilising delicate buttonholes to rescuing an accidental nick in your fabric, Fray Check is one of those small sewing tools that can solve surprisingly many problems.
Here are some common sewing problems where it can come in handy.
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“My Linen Fabric is fraying too much! Help!”
This is Fray Check's most obvious job.
Loose-weave fabrics like linen or wool, such as tweed, can fray easily after cutting, making it difficult to handle even before it reaches the sewing machine. Apply Fray Check along the raw edges to help prevent the fabric from unraveling.
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“I accidentally snipped my fabric. What should I do?”
Don’t panic.
If you’ve made a small accidental nick in your fabric, the first thing you want to do is prevent it from getting bigger. A small amount of Fray Check applied to the damaged area can help hold the fibres in place and stop the cut from continuing to fray.
This is especially useful for a small mishap in a visible area where a conventional repair might be difficult to sew or hide.
Remember: Fray Check can help prevent further fraying, but it isn't a replacement for repairing a structural tear. For a larger cut or damaged seam, proper stitching or patching is still necessary.
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“How do I stop my ribbon from unraveling without a lighter?”
Cut ribbons and trimmings can quickly start unraveling at the ends.
One common method for synthetic ribbon is to carefully melt the edge with a flame. But working with an open flame isn't always convenient or appropriate for every material.
Instead, you can apply a small amount of Fray Check to the cut edge to help keep the fibres from coming undone. It's a particularly useful option when you want a controlled application without putting a flame near your project.
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“How do I prevent buttonholes from tearing over time?”
Buttonhole stitches put stress on a small area of fabric and repeated fastening and unfastening can put further strain on the area. But adding interfacing isn't always desirable, especially when you're working with lightweight fabric where you want to preserve its soft drape.
A small amount of Fray Check can help stabilise the fibres around the buttonhole and reduce fraying without adding the bulk of another layer of fabric.
Tip: If you've used chalk or another removable marking on the area, remove it before applying Fray Check. Once sealed, the marking may be much harder to remove.
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“How do I stop an appliqué from fraying without overlocking?”
Appliqué pieces often have exposed edges that can fray.
Instead of overlocking a small appliqué piece—which can add bulk and may not suit the design— use Fray Check to help keep the edge neat and flat.
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“I’m afraid the neckline will stretch as I sew. What can help?”
Some fabrics can stretch or distort while you're sewing or finishing a seam, especially around curves such as necklines and armholes, or even along a straight edge on a stretchy fabric. A little Fray Check can help stabilise the edge and prevent it from stretching out as you work.
It can also be useful when you want to avoid overlocking the seam allowance, especially before attaching bias tape, where keeping the edge neat without adding extra bulk can make for a cleaner finish.
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“My patch pocket seam allowance is too bulky with overlocker stitches, what can I do?”
Patch pockets are another situation where you may not want extra bulk.
Instead of overlocking every raw edge of the pocket, Fray Check can be used to help control fraying along the seam allowances.
This can be particularly useful when you're working with lightweight fabrics or want to keep the construction relatively flat.
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“How do I stop embroidery threads from coming loose?”
Fray Check isn't just for fabric.
For embroidery and other handwork, a tiny amount can be applied to the back of the work to help secure finished thread ends or knots. It's useful when you want some extra insurance against threads coming loose, particularly on pieces that will be handled or washed regularly.
Just remember: Fray Check is a finishing aid, not a substitute for proper stitching. Your stitches should still do the structural work.
TIP: Because you're working with very small amounts, a precise application is important.
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“My overlocker thread tails keeps unraveling, and there’s no reverse stitch to secure, is there?”
You've finished your seam, trimmed the thread tails, and then notice they're starting to come loose. And no, there is no reverse stitch on any overlocker.
A small amount of Fray Check can be used to help secure the ends, particularly in areas where the thread tail may be handled or pulled.
How to use Fray Check without making a mess
Fray Check is most effective when used sparingly.
Before applying it to your finished garment or project, test it on a scrap of the same fabric. It can cause slight discolouration or leave a visible mark on some fabrics, and the treated area may become a little stiffer once dry. Apply a small amount exactly where you need it and allow it to dry completely before handling the fabric.
And don't forget: less is more. You only need enough to bind the fibres together.
Try it for yourself – PRYM 968020 Fray Check
From fraying seams to loose threads and accidental snips, Fray Check is one of those little tools you'll appreciate having around when you need it.
PRYM 968020 Fray Check comes in a convenient applicator bottle, making it easy to apply precisely where you need it. Keep one in your sewing kit—you never know when a little Fray Check might save the day.