Friday, July 10, 2009

Frayed At The Ends

Since burlap has become one of my favorite designer fabrics of late, I've bought several yards, several times, cut by several fabric store ladies. But recently one fabric worker performed
burlap magic
right before my eyes and I just had to share!
If you want a perfectly straight edge on your burlap, you start by snipping the end with scissors. Then you take one thread and begin to pull. The burlap will begin to gather. Keep pulling the string with one hand and push the gathered section with your other hand until the pulled string has reached the opposite end of the fabric. Straighten out the gathers and you'll notice a perfect line which is now a guide for cutting the burlap. Once cut, if you want a perfectly frayed edge, just continue to pull threads until you achieve the frayed length you desire. That's how I made my wide burlap table runner for my outdoor table. I added some cute tablecloth weights so the table will always stay perfectly dressed.
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22 comments:

  1. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEJuly 10, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    Oh Joy....I would have told you that if I didn't think you knew it. I worked for many years in fabric. Do you want another tip, you may know...if you work with any kind of fake fur...cut the backing only from the back side...dont cut the fur. When you finish the right side of the fabric will have a furry edge instead of choppy.
    I love the burlap items, but burlap so makes me itch!!

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  2. Stacey @ The Blessed NestJuly 10, 2009 at 10:09 AM

    Such a great tip! I've been having a hard time finding good burlap, may I ask where you get yours from?

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  3. DawnJuly 10, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    I've been using burlap a lot in the past months... wish I'd have had this tip long ago!!!

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  4. JoyJuly 10, 2009 at 11:24 AM

    STACEY-
    I BUY MOST OF MY BURLAP AT JOANNS USING MY 40% OFF COUPON. THEY HAVE SEVERAL COLORS OF BURLAP IN STOCK.

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  5. UnknownJuly 10, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    I am so glad you shared this tip! burlap who new it could look so good! What cute table clips! LOVE IT!

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  6. CherylJuly 10, 2009 at 11:32 AM

    Ohhh my goooooooodness...thanks for sharing that!!

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  7. frillsfluffandtrucksJuly 10, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    Great tip1 :)

    ~ Sarah

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  8. TinaJuly 10, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    Wow, I just found your blog today. I'm really enjoying your posts and relaxing as I'm reading through.
    I totally relate with your decorating style.
    Enjoy your day.
    T

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  9. Robin @ The Rendered NestJuly 10, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    Although I knew how to pull a thread to straighten fabric or to fray the ends, I had no idea about that trick to cut burlap. Thank you for sharing. Y

    Your table looks so pretty...and your yard is absolutely gorgeous! I know you must really enjoy sitting out there!!

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  10. AmyJuly 10, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    Your runner looks great!! It really makes the table look finished. :-)

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  11. pammiejoJuly 10, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    This is showing my age - but that's how my home ec teacher taught me to do that on fabric to "straighten" it or to cut straight about 45 years ago. I guess at least, I haven't forgotten it! I'm a fan of burlap too - like the texture it gives. PAM

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  12. LorileeJuly 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    My mom always did the thread pulling thing to get the straight of the fabric! Burlap can make my throat itch! Weird huh?
    Blessings,
    Lorilee

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  13. Jennifer {Studio JRU}July 10, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    That looks great! You have a beautiful back yard!!

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  14. abnsigosladyJuly 10, 2009 at 6:45 PM

    Oooooooo....wonderful. I think that I will try this. Laura@the mansion

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  15. Rachel@oneprettything.comJuly 10, 2009 at 7:57 PM

    Very cool! One of my favorite fabrics and so easy! I'll be linking.

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  16. AnonymousJuly 11, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    I love the burlap but especially love your table hangers. What a great idea.

    Gretchen

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  17. AngelaJuly 11, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks for the great decorating tip.

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  18. VintageSunshineJuly 11, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    Ooooh! I love burlap magic! Thanks for the great tip!

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  19. Mrs. Laura LaneJuly 12, 2009 at 4:32 AM

    You know, that was a great idea to share.
    Thanks
    Laura

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  20. DarleneJuly 13, 2009 at 9:17 AM

    I LOVE that!! Thanks for the tip. When I get some burlap I will be trying that!

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  21. Decor To AdoreJuly 14, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    Now this is a GREAT tip! Thank you so much for sharing.

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  22. edeenutJuly 30, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    That makes a great table cloth and those little weight clips on the bottom are too cute!

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Thank you so very much for inspiring me to be more creative!