How to Fray Letters in Embroidery

A simple seam ripper can fray embroidered letters.

Use a seam ripper to fray embroidered letters and create a wild look for your next sewing project. Sewers often use a frayed embroidery technique to create a fringed look in their designs. A lion’s mane in a nursery project is a good example of fraying a design for effect. Sewers can use this same method to create a spunky look for embroidered lettering. Fraying embroidered letters is simple and takes a small amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidered letters
• Seam ripper

Instructions

1. Place the embroidered item in one hand.

2. Grasp the seam ripper in the other hand. Place the pointed end of the seam ripper in the middle of the embroidered threads.

3. Slide the point under the threads and push the seam ripper forward. The threads will be cut by the seam ripper. Continue to rip the threads in the middle of the stitch. If you get too close to the side of the letter, the thread will come out and the letter will unravel.

4. Run your finger over the cut threads to spread them out and create a fringe look.

5. Slice threads with the seam ripper until you have achieved the frayed look you desire.

References

• Janome: A to Z of Sewing