How to Keep Ribbon From Fraying When Cut?

Keep your ribbon from fraying.

Ribbons can be used for a number of different craft projects. Ribbons are often used in little girls' hair, as decoration for wedding and bridal showers, for gift wrapping and many other different things. However, one unfortunate thing about ribbons, is that many different types are prone to fraying. Ribbons are sold with sealed ends; however, when those ends are cut the material will eventually start to unravel. Luckily, there are three ways to stop the ribbon fraying before it even starts.

Things You'll Need

• Seam sealer
• Clear nail polish or craft glue
• Cotton swab
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Apply a seam sealer--like Fray Check--to the ribbon. Simple apply the liquid to the edges of the ribbon, and allow it to dry. This will prevent any fraying from the ribbon. Seam sealers can be purchased from any craft and hobby store.

2. Apply a dime-sized drop of clear nail polish or craft glue to the cut ends of the ribbon. Both will dry clear and seal the edges of the ribbon. Use the nail polish brush to apply the polish; apply the craft glue using a cotton swab. Allow 30 minutes for the polish/glue to dry before using the ribbon.

3. Use the heat from a lighter to seal the edges of ribbon. Holding the ribbon in your non-dominant hand and lighter in your dominant hand, quickly run the flame of the lighter under the edges--do not actually touch the flame with the ribbon. The heat will slightly singe the edges, sealing the ribbon.

References

• The Wedding Crafter: How do I stop ribbon from fraying?
• Thrifty Fun: Keep Ends of Grosgrain Ribbon from Fraying