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Member since 6/7/10
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Posted on: 9/12/21 5:11 PM ET
Hello, everyone,

About this Fray Check ......

I've never used it. I've seen suggestions that it be used on buttonholes. However, I cannot figure out exactly how to use it.

One suggestion I've read here is, before cutting, to put the FC into the space between the buttonhole zigzags, let it dry, then cut the buttonhole. But do I apply it to the top side? The underside? Will it soak through two layers of woven cotton and one layer of woven, fused interfacing? Or is that method really for thin, delicate fabrics rather than sturdy plackets?

Another suggestion is to cut the buttonhole and apply the FC to the edges. If I do that, do I need to keep the buttonhole gaping open until the stuff dries lest I glue the two edges of my buttonhole back together?

Should I even bother with Fray Check on buttonholes?
  
Member since 8/19/07
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Posted on: 9/12/21 5:24 PM ET
In reply to maladresse
I use fray check for my buttonholes. I apply it to the thread on right and wrong side of buttonhole to prevent raveling.
Always make sure you do a test sample buttonhole to make sure there are no issues.

Also after sewing on the buttons, I put a dot of fray check on the threads on wrong side of shirt.
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Charlene
  
Member since 1/19/17
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Posted on: 9/12/21 5:29 PM ET
I don't believe Fray Check is necessary for most buttonholes. The exception would be on fabrics really prone to fraying. In that case, I would take a pin and apply carefully to the underside of the buttonhole stitching and the already cut opening.

Fray Check stiffens up and is quite scratchy on the skin. It has a tendency to come out of the bottle too quickly to be precise with the application, hence the use of a straight pin.

I would suggest you practice on a test buttonhole on a scrap of your fabric.
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Sewing keeps me sane.

My herd includes a Singer Sewhandy, Bernina Artista 180, vintage Bernina 830 Record, Pfaff 794 serger, Juki 634D, Babylock BLCS2, Singer Slant Needle 403 from my grandmother, a Husqvarna 6570, a Viking Quilt Designer SE and my latest bargain Janome MC 10000.
  
Member since 5/22/06
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Posted on: 9/12/21 5:32 PM ET
In reply to maladresse
I like and use Fray Check to secure the stitching on buttonholes. I don’t find that it matters whether it’s applied to the front or back of the buttonhole, or before or after cutting. That said, I tend to apply it to the front and do it after cutting, and keep the buttonhole slightly open to help the product dry. It doesn’t seem to want to glue the edges together, though. And, if you apply a little too much and it becomes visible on the fabric (rare), you can use a small alcohol wipe to remove it from the fabric - and the alcohol doesn’t damage the fabric. Last, I keep a glass head pin in the little bottle tip under the cap to keep the tip from closing up from dried product. I pull the pin out only when using it, and that also ensures that only a small amount comes out at a time.
HTH
-- Edited on 9/12/21 at 5:33 PM ET --
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 9/12/21 5:43 PM ET
In reply to maladresse
Fray Check and Fray Block are both basically nylon dissolved in alcohol. I find Fray Check in a bottle difficult to handle and prone to discoloration and soaking through fabrics compared to Fray Block that comes in a "toothpaste tube" with a long, skinny plastic schnozzle. It's a bit harder to find, but much easier to apply in a controlled manner. Softer than Fray Check, too.
https://sewingiscool.com/fray-check-vs-fray-block/
  
Member since 12/17/13
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Posted on: 9/12/21 6:19 PM ET
I use FC. I usually put a drop on a plastic cover, then use a toothpick to apply it to the buttonhole.


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Summer

No matter where you are in the world, I hope you are having a pleasant day or evening, whatever applies to you!

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5'1" petite, medium sized, proportioned hourglass/pear (but more of an hourglass).

Style: Dressy casual.

  
Member since 3/26/17
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Posted on: 9/12/21 6:24 PM ET
In reply to kayl
I’m with you, I like Fray Block so much better- doesn’t dry stiff and scratchy hard like Fray Check. I still don’t use Fray Block much either, but it has its place in my arsenal.
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 9/12/21 7:21 PM ET
In reply to Raffey1
I'm actually more likely to use Fray Block on collar points I've trimmed too vigorously.
  
Member since 6/7/10
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Posted on: 9/12/21 8:16 PM ET
Thank you, everyone! As always, I appreciate your sharing your experience with me.
  
Member since 6/20/16
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Posted on: 9/12/21 9:29 PM ET
I have bought Fray Block at our local Hobby Lobby. Perhaps all HL carry it?
  
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