koko

Why do some fabrics fray a lot more than others? I purchased a kit and when sewing some pieces together a couple fabrics have frayed around the edges much more than the rest so it's harder to keep everything even. I don't wash fabrics beforehand so it isn't from washer agitation and the kit came from a quilt shop.

Stitchnripper

That is a good question. I recently bought three different fabrics at a reputable quilt shop (not cheap) and all there raveled more than the less expensive fabrics.

Skylark53

I wonder if it has something to do with the dyes/colors used. I've noticed a difference in how fabric reacts to starch between colors (in fabrics from the same collection).

Terri D.

I wish I knew the answer to that question but I've often wondered if it's because the thread count is less in those fabrics.

dunster

Fabrics with looser weave, like homespun, will fray more.

Jingle

They are woven looser than the ones that doesn't fray.

Jeanne S

The looser the weave and the coarser the fabric threads the more fraying. Fabrics that have thin, fine threads and are tightly woven will fray less.

ckcowl

prewashing fabrics with a looser weave will tighten the weave up and help cut down on the amount of fraying.

Jo Belmont

Fewer threads (loose weave) and/or thinner threads (more space between). Hold it up to the light. If it has a "gauzy" appearance, then I avoid trying to do intricate piecing with it.

FroggyinTexas

My experience exactly. Some LQS fabric is a bloomin' ravel nightmare and some Wal Mart fabric just won't ravel if you want it to! I can't decide what the problem is and can't find a fabric expert who can give a definitive answer. froggyintexas