Question by hellothere: How do you prevent the edges of silk from fraying?
I am going to purchase yards and yards of translucent iridescent orange silk to make curtains. I noticed that many items I own made of the similar kind of silk are fraying at the edges, even after they have been stitched at the edges. A woman at the fabric store told me about a surger, some type of machine that presses the edges of the fabrics so the threads somehow bind together, preventing the fraying. Does anyone know how a regular person might be able to get a hold of a surger? Is this a practical option? Or should I just try to stitch the edges? I’m just afraid that the edges will eventually fray even with the stitching.

Best answer:

Answer by AK Nixon McGuillicutty
fold the outside edge several times over, THEN stitch it, should work great. If you have a sewing machine or don’t mind spending some time on it, double stitch it.

By giving the thread more material to go through, you increase the tensile strength of the stitch, and it’s nearly impossible to fray.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by mike m: Binding edges of carpeting.?
Does anyone have experience with a carpet edge binder? Are they difficult to use? I’m considering purchasing one but am having trouble getting much information on using one. Is there a particular brand that’s best? If this is your business, are you satisfied with the machine you selected? Any help would be appreciated.

Best answer:

Answer by alpha_male
if u want a good job done , i suggest get a pro carpet fitter, its an awkward job to handle yourself

Give your answer to this question below!

I am going to purchase yards and yards of translucent iridescent orange silk to make curtains. I noticed that many items I own made of the similar kind of silk are fraying at the edges, even after they have been stitched at the edges. A woman at the fabric store told me about a surger, some type of machine that presses the edges of the fabrics so the threads somehow bind together, preventing the fraying. Does anyone know how a regular person might be able to get a hold of a surger? Is this a practical option? Or should I just try to stitch the edges? I’m just afraid that the edges will eventually fray even with the stitching.

Does anyone have experience with a carpet edge binder? Are they difficult to use? I’m considering purchasing one but am having trouble getting much information on using one. Is there a particular brand that’s best? If this is your business, are you satisfied with the machine you selected? Any help would be appreciated.