Hand sewing a hem

[Pleater]

I'm a bit perplexed - the edge is raw and fraying - is it where there should be a selvedge, the top and bottom of the great kilt?

If the fabric is a blend or entirely man made fibres and the locking threads at the edges have been removed, then the fabric could be in danger of sliding apart. Man made fibres can be slippery, they do not cling together like wool so threads can be drawn out easily.

Herringbone stitch is something I would only use on a proper selvedge or on a folded edge stabilised by two rows of machine stitching or a hemming tape or fabric glue - otherwise it could make the situation worse by pulling out weft threads all along the edge.

Be careful not to get the fabric wet - that is likely to make the fraying even worse.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Droid]

I'm a bit perplexed - the edge is raw and fraying - is it where there should be a selvedge, the top and bottom of the great kilt?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Clarification - It looks to me that all four edges of the material are in danger of fraying. I have 5 yards, double width, of the R'lyeh Sett and in the few times I've practiced pleating and donning the cloth as a belted plaid, a couple long threads have come off the ends and such.

I'm looking for the best way to protect the material and keep it all in one piece.

[Paul Henry]

Clarification - It looks to me that all four edges of the material are in danger of fraying. I have 5 yards, double width, of the R'lyeh Sett and in the few times I've practiced pleating and donning the cloth as a belted plaid, a couple long threads have come off the ends and such.

I'm looking for the best way to protect the material and keep it all in one piece.

I'm a bit perplexed (like Anne) as well, the two long edges would be the selvedge which won't fray unless they have been cut off, the short edges will frey for a little but if there is a fringe of an inch or so , it's unlikely that it would unravel very much, if you have a longer fringe it could be purled to make a nice decorative edge.
I've made many scarves from kilting weight tartan, and I generally uses a fine line of machine sewing inset slightly from the edge, it's virtually invisible and doesn't affect the hand of the cloth either, whereas a folded edge would.