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What is the best way to keep the edges from fraying when you are stitching a project? I use masking tape because that is what my mom taught me years ago and just wondered if there is a better way.

I tape edges most often as well- even though your not supposed to. They used to tsk tsk me at my stitch store.. I don't care. Its cut off at the end. And its so much faster than whip stitching.

Running it through a sewing machine, or whip stitching the edges is another option. Some also will spread a thin line of fray check around the edges.
If I'm working on aida, or small pieces, I don't bother doing anything.

I'm another masking tape edger, even though I put a little handheld sewing gadget, I go the "easy" way, even though you aren't supposed to. At the LNS where I bought some fabric (and am waiting for a framed piece. sorry, had a mini rant.) she sews the edges which was really nice. On the afghans I don't do anything.

Carole

Half-inch wide masking tape & since I always use extra fabric I don't think I'll ever change.

I fold my edges up and tuck it neatly then secure in place with small bulldog clips. Stops the fraying, easy to unclip if you need to move your frame, and you don't need to cut away the tape.

I may have used masking tape on the first few pieces I did long ago, but since my sewing machine is always set up, I now run wide zig-zag stitching around the edges. I like to roll up the excess fabric & secure it at the edges of my hoop with straight pins or a rubber band so it's not flapping around & getting caught in my thread or needle.
If I'm doing ornaments or something where the stitching is so close to the edge that I can't fit everything within the hoop to stitch, I'll machine baste 3-4" wide stips of fabric (like torn up old sheets or such) to the edges so I can get it nice & taut in the hoop. The strips are taken off when I'm done stitching & they can be reused on another project.

Thanks everyone! At least what I'm doing is "ok" so, since I'm comfortable with it, will probably continue.

Usually there are no right or wrong answers here we all say what ever works for you is the right answer.

Personally I am a sewing machine girl.

A lady here suggested using surgical cotton tape and I've found that to be a super idea

It comes off easily if you want it to.
It doesn't leave sticky residue.
It is soft and pliable like the fabric.
It sticks well.

I zig-zag and find it necessary, since the edges need to be stable enough for the lacing process, when it is time to frame. I don't know how you make that work if you take the masking tape off.

I'm another one who uses masking tape. It's the only way I've ever done it and it's never caused any problems. I just allow a couple of inches of extra fabric for when it gets cut off.

I just run it through the sewing machine on zig zag. I will normally set aside a few pieces to sew so I don't have to do it all the time. The sewing machine is always set up though since I like to sew.

Erm, I don't use anything

When I've bought fabric though, even for large pieces, I've bought a pre-cut piece that fits a decent framing allowance and usually there's a bit extra on top too, so if a bit frays, it doesn't matter. On my two current big projects, I don't think I've had more than about three threads pull away yet.

I'm a Zig-Zag girl. A quick wizz around the edges with the sewing machine, easy peasy.

Used to use tape...messy and sticky. Masking tape I found too stiff.

I've never owned or used a sewing machine, do you think that this one would be good enough for edging, and also some simple finishes (needlebook, pillowcase, etc)?
Thanks!

I zig zag as well...
Faith

MaudL wrote: do you think that this one would be good enough for edging, and also some simple finishes (needlebook, pillowcase, etc)?

It's a cute little machine, but I see it only does straight stitches, which wouldn't help much with the zig-zag edging. Maybe someone else knows of something similar that z-z's.

hmm, so that would work for basic finishes then. And I can just use fray check for the edges

If you want a simple sewing machine why not have a look in local charity shops? Or a sewing machine outlet may have a re-conditioned one at a reasonable price.

I use fray check, but I don't think it works 100% of the time.

I add an extra 1/4" of fabric on all sides when I'm cutting the fabric just in case I do get fraying.