How to Keep Chiffon Embellishment From Fraying

Chiffon fabric makes luxurious clothing and accessories.

Chiffon is a common fabric for formal gowns that has a luxurious feel and appearance that makes it ideal for special attire. Chiffon may contain either natural silk fibers or synthetic polyester fibers. An unfortunate drawback of chiffon fabric is its tendency to fray. When you work with chiffon, take steps to minimize fray before it begins. Keep chiffon embellishment from fraying with simple techniques to finish the edges.

Things You'll Need

• Pinking shears
• Seam sealant
• Sewing machine or serger
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Cut the edges of chiffon fabric with the pinking shears to prevent fraying. Pinking shears create a zigzag edge, which prevents the delicate chiffon fibers from unraveling. Cut the chiffon fabric edges before or after you sew seams -- both techniques work equally well.

2. Apply a liquid seam sealant along the edges of chiffon embellishments. Squeeze out a thin bead of seam sealant along the fabric edge and allow it to dry completely. The sealant drys clear and keeps the fibers from fraying.

3. Sew a zigzag stitch along the edge of chiffon fabric using a thread that matches the fabric color. You can also use a serger sewing machine to serge the edge of chiffon fabric with an overlock stitch, if you desire. Use these options when the fabric edge is not visible (in a seam allowance, for example).

References

• "Clotilde's Sew Smart"; Clotilde Lampe; 2004
• Online Fabric Store: Chiffon Fabric