Fraycheck/PVA Glue

[EmilyJ]

Hi Everyone.

I am starting my first bear (some of you are aware)

I am hoping to cut out my bear pieces tonight :6013: I have outlined all of my pieces with a fine permanent marker but I just wanted to ask everyone if I should Fraycheck/use PVA glue on the outline and then cut out?the pieces

I may sound a little stupid here but if I do the above, will I be able to sew through the glue to stitch the bear together :o:o:o:o or will sew before the glue line?

Is it one part PVA to one part water?

Thanks in advance, I would be very grateful for speedy replies.

EmilyJ x x x

[Laurie]

Hi Emily,
I have hardly ever used fraycheck as I always buy high quality mohair or bear making materials and I find if you use these you shouldn't really need fray check.
You can put the fray check on before or after you cut the bear out but you have to be careful if you do it before as if you use a marker pen to mark your fabric the fraycheck can make it bleed into the fabric.I would have thought it was easier too to put it on last as you may cut some of the fray checked area away as you cut out your pattern.It can be a bit tough trying to sew where the glue is so you only want a thin enough layer on your fur that is enough to stop it fraying and then sew behind this.Hope this helps.
Laurie:)

[shebob bears]

Yes Laurie, I agree with what you say about the Fraycheck, BUT I have on several occasions found that even the highest quality fabrics do sometimes have a loose weave backing which will present a problem at the stuffing stage.
That is why I always mark out using a PENCIL, then paint thePVA/WATER sparingly on the cutting line, and when completely dry I cut out the pieces. As it dries it leaves no trace of the fraycheck etc. providing only a pencil is used and NEVER ink, which likes to go exploring on to the fabric.

I hope this doesn't confuse you Emily. I do find this method always works for me, but I'm sure Laurie is equally happy with her method too.

Have fun with your new bear.

Sheila x

[EmilyJ]

Thanks for that.

I am a complete novice and although I was told it was top quality mohair, I cannot really make that decision as i do not know the difference yet :o:o.

I am wondering whether I should just cut out the pieces first and then decide as you said I can do it before or after cutting right ?

I did you a permanent pen called 'write 4 all' it is a very think line and not a fat marker.

Thanks again

Emily x x

[Laurie]

If you used a thin marker pen Emily and you are worried about it bleeding just cut really carefully inside the lines that you have marked so you leave no traces of the pen on the mohair.If you are careful and only cut as much as necessary to lose the pen marks it shouldn't make that much difference to your pattern.As Sheila says we all have our own way of doing things and it just depends on what suits you and with bear making you have a lot of trial and error.I have been making bears 4 years now and there is still lots to learn or different ways of doing things.I have found that the odd mohairs that need fray checking are the sparser mohairs with a thinner backing that you use to make older style bears with.
Laurie:)