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?? 🙂
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Leisa says
Awesome!! Thanks!!!
Ashley says
Hi there! Visiting from Whimsy Wednesday. This is a very useful tip! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Meredith @ The Palette Muse says
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!
Laura says
Thanks Meredith! My project reveal … https://theturquoisehome.com/2015/04/diy-plush-deer-head/
valarie says
This tip came just in the nick of time for me, thank you soooo much!!
Laura says
Oh good! I’m so glad!!
Pamela Smith says
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!
Laura says
I can’t believe I hadn’t tried this before. It works great. Thanks for stopping by!!