Loosely Woven Fabrics without a backing

How do you work with a loosely woven fabric that has no backing, that easily unravels?
When we ask this question it mainly applies to sewn edges. If you are just covering wraparound dining seats that have no seams, then there isn't much of a problem. All the edges will be stapled in place, so the edges can't unravel.

Now, what do we do with a fabric where we have to keep it in place when we cut it, sew it, and after it is on the furniture? There at least several things that can be done. 

Serging: Some fabrics can be helped by serging around the edges. Cut the fabric at least 1/2 inch larger all the way around the to-be-sewn edges. Then run those edges through the serger at the correct edge.

Spray Backing: There is a product (perhaps there are more) called Sprayway No Fray Spray. (Test on a sample first). Turn your fabric over and spray along all the to-be-sewn edges and allow to dry. Depending on the situation, sometimes it may be advisable to apply several applications, letting it dry between each time. With each application the spray stiffens the fabric and makes it easier to sew and less likely to unravel. (Be sure to use with plenty of good ventilation. Read the health hazards on the label)

Have a Backing Applied to the Fabric. Here is what Custom Laminations has to say about their process:

KNIT BACKING UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

The purpose of Knit backing of upholstery fabrics involves permanently bonding a knitted poly/cotton fabric backing to the back of fabrics in order to add resiliency and durability while eliminating seam slippage.

 

OUR PROPRIETARY KNIT BACKING UPHOLSTERY FABRIC PROCESS

KnitBac™ is our Performance Process of knit backing for upholstery fabric. A knitted poly/cotton fabric backing is laminated (or bonded) to the back of your fabric to make the fabric backed product more durable, resilient, and stronger.

 

By applying the knit backing upholstery process to fabric, it can add longer life to the fabrics and increase the wear while keeping a soft hand.

 

Upholstery fabrics that can benefit from knit backing including cottons, silks, polyesters, chenilles, and other types of fabrics so check with us to see if our Knit backing upholstery fabrics process works with what you have in mind. Because chances are — it does!

 

Our knit backing upholstery fabric process makes these lightweight fabrics such as silks, cottons, and chenilles more suitable for upholstery use. Knit backing provides a luxurious feel to fabrics while increasing wear resistance for longer life. In addition, variations in the fabric such as creases, wrinkles, and distortions are minimized by our knit backing upholstery fabric process thereby enhancing the fabric’s visual appeal.