What's the best way to keep Ribbon edges from Fraying? Heat or Product?

[CrazyCraftFrog]

Okay, What is the best way to keep Ribbon edges from Fraying? Like the edge of the ribbon that you leave hanging.

Heat sealed? This is with the lighter thingy. Not sure if that is the correct terminolog.

Or

A product?

[Redthreaded]

If it's a synthetic ribbon I just run the end past a cigarette lighter.

[CrazyCraftFrog]

I'm not sure if it's synthetic ribbon or not. Could you explain a little further?

I have all kinds of ribbons that I use. Some are like from the sewing dept and are grossgrain or satin. While some are from the Floral dept and are still kind of satiny (but not papery)

[SugarSidewalk]

There are a few ways to ensure your ribbon doesn't fray.

Using very sharp scissors, cut diagonally - this works well with satin

Use fray check on the edge, pass a lighter quickly over the end, or use a wood burning tool to cut the ribbon

Also pinking shears can be used but you won't have the straight edge if that is what you are looking for.

[Redthreaded]

Synthetic fibers, like polyester, melt. Most satin and grosgrain ribbons from places like Joanns are going to be synthetic. So the heat from the flame seals the edge. You just have to be careful not to melt it too much.

That doesn't work for high quality silk, cotton, or rayon ribbons, which just burn.

[babydelights1]

I use an Imaginisce I-Magicut Ribbon Cutter...you can buy them online. However, it's not a perfect tool.
I find that I go through A LOT of replacement cutting wires (so if you do buy one, be sure to buy several replacement wire packs too). I'm in love with it when it's working and I despise it when it's not (it's a finicky tool!)

[Former_Member]

It all depends on what the ribbons are made of.
High end ribbons made of polyester, silk, cotton, rayon and unknown blends, like the ones I sell, don't do well with just a plain cut edge because of the large number of threads used in the weave. You can dip the edges in a little Fray Check, but this will look a little cheap on high end expensive ribbons. Better to roll the edge and sew it in.
Other more common light gros-grain ribbons like most ribbons sold in hobby stores are synthetic and respond well to light heat treatment.
You need to check the labels to make sure of the content before doing any weird stuff to your ribbons! Good luck with it.

[janeeroberti]

1. fray check
2. heat seal w/ match
3. roll-edge sew

[Former_Member]

heating is the easiest, cut a small piece of ribbon, take it outside, and put some heat to it, if it melts, it will do best with heat sealing, if it burns, fray check, cut diagonally to the grain, or sewing will be best

[CrazyCraftFrog]

Thank you all!