Fabrics That Won’t Fray: Types, Which Are They And More

Both when making a garment and when wearing it, a fabric that frays easily can be a nuisance. That is why it is important to know the properties of a fabric beforehand and select the one that is not going to present problems. But which fabrics do not fray? Read on to find out.

Types of fabrics that do not fray

Failing that, the fabrics that do not fray are knitted fabrics. This type of fabric is characterized by being flexible and, contrary to flat fabrics, which are rigid and non-elastic, they feature a structure of interwoven fibers that stay in place.

Which fabrics do not fray?

Some examples of fabrics that do not fray are interlok, cotton with lycra, tricot/lycra, modal, etc. Specifically, the best fabrics that do not fray are as follows:

- Fleece or Polar Fleece: Fleece is a wool blend and is a very versatile fabric that can be used to make fall/winter garments such as blankets and scarves, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc . It is lightweight, soft, simple to wash, and very affordable.

- Velvet: This fabric stands out for its softness to the touch. Its yarns are evenly distributed and it is less prone to fraying. A hard-wearing and elegant option, it is widely used in home décor and bedding. In addition, it is often used to accentuate feminine curves and create evening gowns. Also popular in glove linings.

- Synthetic leather: This fabric is used in clothing, accessories, shoes and even furniture, as it can be easily molded. It is soft, flexible and breathable. Animal skins and natural leathers do not fray easily, but the transition to vegan fabrics is making synthetic leathers more popular. Still, because they are man-made, they tend to be unsustainable choices, so we recommend using existing synthetic fabrics where possible and avoiding overproduction.

Why do fabrics fray?

The constant use is one of the main causes of fraying of clothes. It also happens when, by accident, we tear our clothes with an object. Fray is also common in unsealed edges, fabrics that are too stiff, and old and worn fabrics. Incorrect washing (using too much soap, not selecting the right program, putting the garment through a heavy spin cycle or using water at inappropriate temperatures) also increases the likelihood of fabric fraying.

In most cases, good treatment of garments can extend their durability.

How to prevent a fabric from fraying

There are a few tips and tricks that, regardless of the type of garment, will prevent fabric from fraying:

- Make endings with double stitched seams. To make your garment finishes more professional, make sure you don’t leave any loose threads at the edges. We recommend using a double seam for these cases, as it is more resistant and will not affect the outer design of the garment.

- Use the right machine. Use overlocking machines, which perfectly seal the fabrics and prevent fraying, or a zigzag stitching machine. This will help you to give a good finish to the garment you are making.

- Don’t forget the hem. A good hem can make the difference between a delicately made piece and a garment that is damaged by the third wash. The hem should be approximately 3 cm.

- Use glue. You can also prevent a fabric from fraying by using only textile glue. You can do all your finishing by gluing the edges with fabric glue, seam sealer or super glue.

- Cut with serrated scissors. As you may already know, there are different types of sewing scissors. One of them is the zig zag or serrated scissors, which have a type of blade that serves to create an edge that won’t fray. They are ideal for those fabrics that are prone to wear and tear with use.

Where to get fabrics that won’t fray

We’ve seen that knit fabrics are best for preventing fabric fraying, but many times synthetic fabrics are the best choice. But synthetic fabrics are not particularly environmentally friendly, as their manufacturing process pollutes more and consumes more natural resources such as water. Therefore, the best way to obtain fabrics of this type is by reusing existing materials. At Recovo, you can find all kinds of circular knitted fabrics, including knitted and non-fraying fabrics.

Source knitted fabrics that don’t fray in our category for Knit Fabrics.