Quick Tip: How to Keep Canvas or Burlap from Fraying
Learn how to keep burlap from fraying after you cut it with this simple step!
I know it’s been kind of quiet around here lately. I’ve been struggling to finish a DIY project I started for Baby G’s nursery several weeks ago. You see, I’m making something that requires sewing burlap or canvas material.
I chose a thin canvas-like material to start with and it didn’t work out at all. Too thin and frayed too easily. Then I switched to drop cloth (canvas), thinking that it would be perfect. But when I started sewing it, the edges would fray and unravel, meaning my sewing was quickly falling apart. The stitches wouldn’t hold the fabric together. So, I had to figure out a quick solution, find new material or scrap the project altogether.
I decided that I wanted to find a quick solution, and I did! So, I thought I’d share it with you in case you ever find the need to sew canvas. And I imagine it would work well for burlap, too!
Enter –> Mod Podge. Yes, the stuff you use to seal a stencil before painting over it, or the stuff you use to adhere and seal fabric on a board. Aha! That was my lightbulb moment. I thought about how I used Mod Podge to seal my “Scrappy” Pumpkin Fall Decor blocks and it occurred to me that this technique would work in this situation too.
All you need is a small brush and some Mod Podge. Dip the brush in the gluey substance and run it along the cut edge of your canvas or burlap. Just a thin line along the edge will do!
Once it dries, this holds it all in place and allows you to sew it without unraveling. Yay! I was able to continue working on my project and am hopefully close to being finished. I can’t wait to reveal the final project.
Any guesses for what I’m making?? 🙂 (See what I made here.)
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Does this remain if washed?
Awesome!! Thanks!!!
Hi there! Visiting from Whimsy Wednesday. This is a very useful tip! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Mod Podge saves the day again! What a great tip, and I know whatever you’re working on will be so cute when it’s done!
Thanks Meredith! My project reveal … https://theturquoisehome.com/2015/04/diy-plush-deer-head/
This tip came just in the nick of time for me, thank you soooo much!!
Oh good! I’m so glad!!
Not sure what you are making, but love the tip! I have often wondered how others would sew or work with burlap without it fraying! I will be giving this a try! Thanks!
I can’t believe I hadn’t tried this before. It works great. Thanks for stopping by!!