How to Prevent Fraying of Cloth-Covered Wire
Nothing ruins a carefully crafted bow like fraying. When you cut the ribbon, the edge becomes raw and lacks a seam to hold all of the threads intact. To prevent fraying, you need to seal the end of the ribbon. The same rules apply to wired and standard ribbons. The metal component of wired ribbon does not contribute to fraying under normal circumstances, though you must tend the wire when you seal the fabric edge. You can employ one of several straightforward tricks to keep frayed fabric from exposing the wire within it.
Things You'll Need
- Wire cutters or scissors
- Lighter or lit candle
- Melted candle wax
- No-fray sealant
- Craft glue
Instructions
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Trim the wire before sealing the fabric. Bunch the fabric away from the raw edge. Expose about 1/2 inch of the wire. Trim 1/4 inch with wire cutters or scissors. Release the fabric and smooth it. The fabric should extend about 1/4 inch further than the wire.
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2
Run the raw edge of fabric over an open flame. Strike a lighter or light a short candle. Run the edge of the ribbon through the flame. Some fibers will singe for a moment, but as long as you move quickly, nothing should catch fire.
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3
Dip the raw edge of fabric in hot, liquid candle wax. Dip as little of the ribbon as possible. Make enough contact between the fabric and wax that the edge is evenly coated in wax. Hold the ribbon for a few seconds so that the wax dries before you set it down.
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4
Apply no-fray sealant to the edge of the ribbon. No-fray sealant is similar to glue. It binds the threads in place the same way wax does. Dab the sealant on the edge of the fabric. Set the ribbon somewhere where the wet sealant will not be in contact with any surface while it dries.
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5
Form a hem at the edge of the ribbon. Fold the fabric 1/4 inch away from the raw edge, at the same point where the wire ends. Apply a narrow line of craft glue to the 1/4-inch hem. Fold the end 1/4 inch again, wire included. Press the edge down to affix the glued hem.
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Tips & Warnings
Sealing the raw edge over a flame is less likely to be effective with cotton. Select another method if you are working with that fabric.
