How to Stop Burlap From Fraying? (Full Guide)

Do you have some burlap fabric laying around that you just do not have a single idea of its characteristics and purpose? It might be the case that you are planning to make a DIY decoration item, wrap some gifts, or just do an art project you are looking forward to.

Burlap is a great material for those purposes. And here we are to help you understand and decide the ways you want to use this material. I love burlap and honestly, it took me some time to understand its nature. So, I’m here to make it easier for you.

How to stop burlap from fraying?

You can effectively stop burlap from fraying using modge podge, fabric stiffener or even running a simple straight or zig-zag stitch through it. Another thing you can do sewing or glue a binding tape on burlap.

What is burlap?

Burlap, also called hessian in countries around the world, is a very interesting material since it’s natural, long-lasting, ecological, and resistant. You might be wondering why this is so. Well, it is a material of which the main source of its fibers is the jute plant.

Its thick fibers make it resistant and long-lasting. Since it comes from a plant, it is biodegradable which makes it easier for us to use it without feeling guilty about the planet. And why not be a help when it also looks cozy, cute, vintage, and overall different from other materials?

Burlap is most commonly used for decorative purposes for example drapes, arts and crafts, and bags, in the open air can be used as curtains to make shade, cushions, gift bags, and sometimes bags for coffee beans, and potatoes.

It is not usually preferred to be used as a material for clothing as a result of its thick, bumpy, scratchy texture and might be irritating to our delicate human skin.

The downside of this material is how prone it is to fraying. And that is a result of its loose fiber interknit. But without losing hope, we’ll show you ways to prevent this from happening.

Also Read:  How Can You Stop Fabric From Fraying?

5 Solutions to stop burlap from fraying

Burlap is a little messy to handle but still manageable. If you make the right decisions and preparations, the results will be effectively fixed, and look nice and cozy. There are a couple of ways you can use, which we’ll discuss below so keep reading to find out the best ways that work for you.

Sharp scissors

An important step is cutting it right. When cutting this material use sharp scissors, and cut it through on a straight line, since the threads are thick you notice that they are connected so cut through a thread and pull that row out, so the other threads will not loosen, after that.

Or if you know the dimensions which you need to use then see where you need to cut the fabric. Take a strand of thread, pull it through, and even if it breaks find that strand of thread again and pull through, make sure that with one hand you hold the fabric, and with the other hand, you pull the thread slowly and carefully.

Glue

You should also secure the material to not fray while working with it, and there are a couple of solutions for that as well. You can use glue, the type or brand does not really matter as so the glue sticks the threads together and prevents them to fray.

Just lay a layer of glue on the edges of the material, you can even use fabric glue, or a fray blocker does the job nicely enough, it’s even made to solve these problems. I suggest you keep in mind that glue might make your material too stiff and that might not be the result you are looking for. Put just enough glue so it sticks the threads together.

Binding tape

Sometimes you can even use binding tape with a similar color tape as burlap fabric. You can iron the edges well and then put the binding tape over it, and the fabric is nicely protected, but I still recommend more secure ways.

Modge podge

Even mod podge is widely used especially on this material, it is a type of glue. But always remember to put the right amount on it since as I already said too much glue or mud podge might make the fabric stiffer than you want it to. In the end, let the edges of the fabric dry properly to have its effect.

Fusible interface

You can take a different approach to this situation, but have heat applied. What I mean is, a fusible interface is a material made of different fibers, although most usually are made of polyester. It is a material that has adhesive properties on one side of it, and it is activated by heat.

So, to get to my point, a fusible interface is a material used on the side that will not be for the public eye, since it does not have decorative properties.

You can use fusible interfacing along the edges of your fabric, in this case, burlap, and when applied heat through the iron it gets attached to that inside part of it. And stops the loose threads from fraying further.

Other solutions

If you own a sewing machine, you can use the zig-zag system stitching If available in your sewing machine. If you don’t know how to use a sewing machine or even just a zig-zag stitch, I suggest you try on another piece of fabric that is not important and can be used as a tester fabric.

Some people told me before that they use hair spray on fabric so it does not fray, but personally, I don’t find it useful enough because I tried it before, burlap, as I mentioned earlier, is quite rough and thick, and as a result of these characteristics, hairspray will not keep the threads from fraying.

When sewing with burlap I suggest you test and try a piece of burlap fabric first. You might also want to use a heavy needle as a result of the thick threads that make burlap. And thin needles break quickly and easily.

Also Read:  How Can You Stop Ribbon From Fraying?

Final Words

All and all, I believe all of the above-mentioned solutions will be available to you. I tried including simple and easy solutions so you can get good results effortlessly. Thank you for sticking to the end of this article, see you in the next one!