The Bottom Line
Dritz Fray Check is a great addition to a miniature tool chest if you work with woven ribbons or fabrics. The thin liquid can be squeezed on in a fine line with the applicator tip, or brushed on with a stiff brush to most fabric edges. Once dry, it keeps fabric and ribbon edges from fraying while you work with them. It will go through gentle washing, but may need to be replaced after a few washes. It can be removed with alcohol (check in a hidden spot first to make sure alcohol won't discolor the fabric). It is not particularly useful as a fabric glue.
Pros
- Holds Fine Fabric Edges Tight
- Easy to Apply
- Can be Used on Most Fabrics
- Can be used with very small seams
Cons
- Creates a stiff edge on some fabrics
- Wicks up in some fabrics, doesn't just stay on edge
- May discolor fabric, test first.
Description
- Easily found in quilting, fabric and needlework stores.
- Useful on many fabrics, for seams and hems where bulk is to be avoided.
- Prevents thread ravelling and will hold some lightweight trims in place.
Guide Review - Dritz Fray Check to Hold Tiny Seams and Edges
Fray check is normally used to keep seam edges from fraying without needing sewn or cut finishes. With the lightweight fabrics used for miniature upholstery, drapes, hats and dressmaking, the use of fray check means you can trim very close to the seam and in some cases avoid bulky hems. Unlike pva glues, fray check does not leave a thick coating on edges, although it may stiffen the fabric.
Fray check is not very viscous, it has the consistency of water, so it does spread out on application on some fabrics. Always test a scrap of fabric before you apply fray check to make sure it doesn't affect the dyes or the drape of the fabric in ways you don't expect. Fray check is flammable when liquid, so you have to be careful when you use it (It contains propanol alcohol). If you are applying it to the ends of ribbon, you may want to apply the fray check before you finish using the ribbon, so that you can trim off most of any discolored areas, leaving just a thin line of fray checked ribbon rather than a long stiff and possibly discolored end.
Fray Check can also be used to hold threads in place on the back of small embroideries. It will keep fine threads and yarns from ravelling. It can also be used to hold ribbon trims together, or to hold details (lace trims, ribbon belts) to shoes and clothing in miniature. As a glue in these instances it can make fabrics very stiff, so test your idea before you coat your fabric!
