Do Raw Edges Drive You Crazy?

When sewing dolls' clothes, there is no way around the question of what to do with the raw edges. Unless you are using a fabric that does not unravel when cut (like felt), I guess there are a few things you can do to try to prevent raw edges from further fraying:

1. Apply fraycheck or similar wash-resistant glue.
2. Apply a sewing treatment like serging or zig-zag stitching.
3. Trim with pinking shears.
3. Line the item of clothing.
4. Accept the raw edges as is.



(This is a fully lined short coat I made for my Blythe doll. )

I did try the Dritz Fraycheck....got it at my local craft store Joann's. But the smell was just too strong for me. I had to throw out the resulting finished clothing because of the smell. Too bad....I really did like how the tiny pieces of fabric were so much easier to work with after being fraychecked. And the raw edges look really tidy. I have heard some people report, however, that with repeated washings the fraycheck can wash off.

I don't have a serger, so I did try zig-zagging over the raw edges. It turned out ok, but kind of messy because the zig-zag stitch tends to shred the raw edges. Serging would probably be good for long stretches of fabric like gathered skirt hems or the long inseams of pants. Not sure how easy it would be to serge tiny areas like the armholes?

So, when I make clothes for my own Blythe doll, I usually or leave the raw edges as is, OR fully line the item of clothing. Surprisingly, the raw edges don't fray as much as I would have expected. After the initial first few rows of thread have fallen away, the remainder seem to stay intact. Again, most of the clothes are gently played with and worn by the doll, or stored away. I don't repeatedly wash them since Penelope doesn't sweat much ;o)

Sometimes, I will fully line a garment of clothing. The tradeoff for this very nice and neat looking outfit is an extra layer of bulk on an already tiny piece of clothing.

So, if you can think of anything else that can handle raw edges on these tiny garments of clothing, please don't be shy! I'd love to hear your suggestions. :o)