You can use monks cloth as a foundation fabric for rug hooking or rug punching with yarn. In this post, I will show you three different ways to finish the edges on monks cloth so it doesn’t unravel while you are working on your project.
I know some of you don’t have a serger or sewing machine, so one of the methods of finishing the edges of the monks cloth is without using either of those.
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Edge Finishing Technique #1
Use a serger to finish the edges. This is the best, most effective method to keep the edges of the monks cloth from unraveling. A serger is a special sewing machine that uses 3 or 4 threads to finish the raw edges of fabric. If you look at the hem on the inside of some t-shirts, you can see a serged edge.
Some sewing machines also have an overlock stitch which would have a similar finish. However, the serger also cuts off the edge of the fabric while it is sewing the finish. So, if you are using a overlock stitch on your sewing machine, be sure to cut off any loose strings before you start.
This method gives a nice finished edge that is not going to unravel.
Edge Finishing Technique #2
Use a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine. If the monks cloth has unraveled much, trim the fabric close to the unraveled edge.
Use a stitch width large enough that it will cover at least 2 of the threads and decrease the stitch length to make the zigzags fairly close together. They don’t need to be touching, just close enough that they are catching all of the threads in the monks cloth.
This will also keep the edges from unraveling while you work on your project.
Edge Finishing Technique #3
If you don’t have a serger or a sewing machine, don’t worry. You can still finish the edges of the monks cloth with some masking tape. You can use masking tape or painter’s tape.
First, if there is much unraveling, trim the fabric close to the unraveled edge.
Tear off a manageable piece of tape and place it over the edge of the monks cloth, with the edge of the tape about 1/4″ past the edge of the fabric.
Turn the fabric over and place another piece of tape on top of the first piece of tape, matching the edges of the tape. Repeat to cover the entire edge of fabric.
This will cover the edges of the monks cloth to keep it from unraveling while you work on your project.
Be sure to check out our other rug hooking tutorials!
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