Fabric Fray - Can this be detected from a sample?

[baileyuph]

Needless to say, I work with fabrics, read on sample information but still need to know if
there is a better way to evaluate fabric (before buying/ordering to work on a customer job).

I feel of the sample but doing that and reading (as stated), would like a "best analysis"
to avoid going ahead and ordering fabric subject to fray.

I just got an order that was polyester that felt tight but once going through the rigors
of getting a piece upholstered, it doesn't pass the test as well as is required.

Doyle

[MinUph]

You could always cut a strip off each direction of the sample and see how it hold up to pulling on the threads. This would be the only way to know for sure.

[baileyuph]

Paul is right on "fabric fray" determination.

I got a small job in customer fabric and I tested it for fray like Paul advised and BINGO!  It worked -
testing for the fabric fray problem.

The job was done completed - looked great - but I didn't get into the fray potential test.

The experience taught me what to do going forward.

Maybe there is something one can do - but don't know what from documentation of fabric.  Oh!! How
I long for some of those great fabrics some years ago!

Thanks again for your input Paul.

Doyle

[MinUph]

Your welcome Doyle,
  There are some fabrics that you know will fray like Sunbrella. That's why it's cut with a hot knife.

[baileyuph]

Hot Knife!

Now that makes a lot of sense!  Keeping the fray down (eliminating essentially) is paramount!

Great tip Paul!!

I guess one (in use) can use the knife to minimize the "over melt"?

The hot cut without too much melt is the desirable stroke.  I am sure the knife has an
accurate temp control.

Doyle

[MinUph]

Actually the hot knife has no thermostat at all. You hold the trigger to turn it on and let off when its hot. You being the thermostat.

[baileyuph]

Interesting - well in a vague sense that is the way most of us would proceed with mechanical
or even a powered rotary cutter.  That is, if it is going easy (user reaction is to speed up) and the opposite - not so easy, then the user reaction is slow the pace.

Doyle