How to Fray Applique Designs

Fraying the edge of an applique can give added dimension and variety to the finished product.

Appliques can add drama and interest to a piece of clothing, a bag, or decorative items. One variation of applique calls for leaving the edge of the applique raw, or unhemmed. The raw edges will fray and leave a ragged fringe around the applique, giving it a softer, less formal look.

Things You'll Need

• Applique design
• Pencil
• Fabric marker
• Light-weight paper or freezer paper
• Scissors
• Iron
• Glue or fusible webbing
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Toothbrush or soft bristled brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare a template or pattern of the design you want by copying it onto light-weight or freezer paper. The freezer paper will temporarily stick to the fabric and make it easier to cut out the shape. Trace the shape onto the paper and cut it out.

2. Pin the template to the fabric. Or, if using freezer paper, iron the template onto the wrong side of the fabric, waxy side down.

3. 

   If cutting more than one applique from the same pattern, layer the fabric and cut several at one time.

   Cut the fabric along the outside edge of the template. Remove the template from the fabric.

4. Determine how wide an edge you want to fray and mark this as your sewing line. The applique will appear less structured and more casual with a larger edge. Use of a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch edge is common.

5. 

   Use a water soluble glue and apply it in small dots.

   Apply glue or fusible webbing to the wrong side of the applique inside the sewing line. This will hold the shape onto your fabric while you sew. Place the wrong side of the applique onto the right side of the base fabric.

6. Sew the applique to the base fabric along the marked sewing line.

Fray the Edges

1. 

   The agitating and spinning of the fabric in a washer will loosen and fray the outer unfinished edges.

   Launder the fabric to start the fraying. Watch for loose threads that will need to be removed after taking it from the washer.

2. 

   A spray bottle can help focus the water to the edges that needs wetting.

   Wet down the fabric with water to soften the fabric and loosen the weave. Pull the crosswise threads by hand until the area outside the sewing line is frayed.

3. 

   Use a toothbrush to match the fabric -- hard for heavy materials, softer for more delicate ones.

   Remove the outer threads by using a toothbrush or soft brush along the edges, moving from the seam of the applique outward until it is frayed to the sewing line.

Tips & Warnings

• When using fusible webbing, cut a border of webbing to fit from just within the sewing line to about 1/2 inch inside the sewing line. This will fuse the applique to the material, yet eliminate unneeded bulkiness in its center.

• Keep the outer edge of the applique free of adhesive or fusible webbing or the fabric will not fray.