Using a frame

[pippahall]

Could anybody tell me how to attatch aida to a frame so that it doesn't fray please?

[Serinde]

What sort of frame? (There are various sorts and sometimes the best method might be different, depending.)

[Allyn]

Could anybody tell me how to attatch aida to a frame so that it doesn't fray please?

Fraying usually occurs when the edges are raw and the fabric is 'handled.' Zigzagging or overlocking the edges will keep it from fraying if you want to mount it in a hoop or a Q-Snap. Some folks use masking tape on the edges to reduce fraying, but I don't endorse that practice. Of course, aida is going to fray only so much so if you leave enough margin to accommodate a half-inch or so of fray, you're still good. If you mount the fabric in a scroll frame, the edges don't get handled so there is little or no fraying even if you don't finish the edges.

[Mystonique]

I usually overlock the edges to stop fraying.

[Cecilia]

To stop fabric from fraying I always do a zigzag stitch with my sewing machine or a hand oversew around the edges of my fabric whether its aida or evenweave. Not a very enjoyable task, I know, but definitely worth it.

It's better than relying on the frame/hoop because if you can't find a one large enough to hold your work, you'll have to reposition it and it's this handling that will cause the fabric to fray. I think sewing over the edges also will help prevent frying if you were to get your finished piece professionally framed or if you are going to make it into cushion or something.

[pippahall]

Thank you very much for your replies. I am going to use a scroll frame and I understand that I need to sew my aida onto the strip of material that is already on the frame and I was worried that this would cause it to fray however it sounds as though this won't be a problem if I zig zag or oversew the edged first is this correct?

[lavenderbee]

Hello, yes if you oversew edges it will not fray on scroll frame. Top & bottom ones as you say stitch on to tape anyway so sides need to be oversewn, although not handled much it maybe best to do it just to be sure.

[pippahall]

Thanks very much lavenderbee that's a great help.

[wendywombat]

To stop fabric from fraying I always do a zigzag stitch with my sewing machine or a hand oversew around the edges of my fabric whether its aida or evenweave. Not a very enjoyable task, I know, but definitely worth it.

I keep a neutral thread in my sewing machine just for that purpose. Saves re threading when I 'Must' get on and start something. It's by far the neatest way of stopping the Dreaded Fray

Allyn....I really hate masking tape too!

[Serinde]

Ah, well, I use masking tape making sure it sticks only on the minimum of fabric which will be sacrificed anyway. I've never bothered oversewing edges that are going to be stitched to the scroll frame, and have never had any problems (and that's with big projects over long periods). But whatever you feel most comfortable with and which does the job for you is best!

[Allyn]

Thank you very much for your replies. I am going to use a scroll frame and I understand that I need to sew my aida onto the strip of material that is already on the frame and I was worried that this would cause it to fray however it sounds as though this won't be a problem if I zig zag or oversew the edged first is this correct?

Ah. . .that's something different. Some scroll rods have the webbing strips that you baste the fabric onto. This is the kind of scroll rod I use, and I don't do anything to my fabric edges. You can oversew them if you want, but it isn't necessary. To mount it, I put the fabric against the webbing so it overlaps the whole width of the webbing, then I baste the fabric on the webbing about an inch from the rod -- so it's close to the free edge of the webbing, leaving essentially a 3/4-inch seam allowance. Then, when you roll the fabric up on the rods, that basting line is trapped in the roll of the fabric around the rod and held tight. It doesn't fray. I do this with evenweaves, too, and if the evenweaves don't fray, you know aida won't. Just make sure you leave a large enough margin on the top and bottom of the fabric so that even when you are working on the very top and very bottom of the design, a whole wrap of fabric is still tight around the rod. In other words, you don't want to have to unroll the fabric from around the rod and free the webbing in order to get to the top and bottom of your stitching. Aida probably still won't fray if you unroll it all the way, but you'll find that you can keep better tension on the fabric if you can keep a whole wrap around the rods at all times.

This aida has been on this frame for a year and a week and the piece has been worked on very nearly every day. This is how much it has frayed:

So you can decide if it's worth oversewing the edges.

Re:masking tape -- As Serinde points out, folks use it and it works just fine. I don't and I don't endorse it, but there are a lot of ways to accomplish the same thing and what you find works for you is the 'best' way to do it. I tend to be overly anal and my approach is generally far to the extreme of conservation methods. In all things XS, just take it all in and decide what works for you.

[pippahall]

This forum is a real God send to the uninitiated like me. Thanks to everyone who replied to my question and I feel confident to make a start on my largest project to date.

[Serinde]

Now, all you have to do is set up a SAL thread with... to keep us happy as we sit on the magic bench (newly reupholstered!) with our and (and ).

[Brekkana]

Now, all you have to do is set up a SAL thread with... to keep us happy as we sit on the magic bench (newly reupholstered!) with our and (and ).

And they are so much fun to make!!!