I have grown to really enjoy sewing my gear, but there is one problem that I cannot get past. How do you deal with the fraying that results from cutting some fabrics? I hate this, because they sometimes catch in the machine's processes. This fouls up the machine or causes pulls in the fabric. I realize this doesn't happen that much, but when it does, it stinks!

I've thought about maybe using a hot knife. Would this work? Will all fabrics be safe cutting with a hot knife? Are there other ways to stop this fraying that will still leave me with a stright edge?

Serging! I believe I spelled that correctly. Ask about it at your local sewing shop.

> I've thought about maybe using a hot knife. Would this work?
A hot knife and a steel edge works great.

> Will all fabrics be safe cutting with a hot knife?
Works with synthetics, but won't work with any natural fibres. Blends like poly-cotton won't work either.

The fraying problem is one reason some synthetics have a cheap acrylic coating. NOT for waterproofing, but to bind and stabilise the weave.

Cheers

Roger,
So the "normal" fabrics we use (i.e. silnylon, spinnaker, cuban, and etc) will ALL work with a hot knife?

> So the "normal" fabrics we use (i.e. silnylon, spinnaker, cuban, and etc) will ALL work with a hot knife?
Yep. I have cut all of those.

If your hot knife has a variable temperature you should do some tests on scraps before you start on the real cutting to see what temperature is best for the fabric you are cutting. I need a different temperature for 30 gsm parachute cloth compared to 1000 denier Cordura! Cutting speed also factors in.

I cut on some cheap 3-ply. It ends up with many slight burn marks. Don't do it on carpet, polished floors, concrete, ...

Cheers

If you have a wood deck, I have found it helpful in maintaining a straight line. I use duct tape and very gently stretch the fabric.