How to Keep Deco Mesh from Fraying

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Deco mesh is a loosely-woven material commonly used to make wreaths . It comes in all sorts of colors and widths, and it even has wires in the sides to help to hold its shapes. Unfortunately, deco mesh frays easily. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help minimize or eliminate fraying.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using a Soldering Iron

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  1. A regular soldering iron with a pointed tip will still work, but something with a flat, wide tip (like a flat-head screwdriver) will get the job done faster. [1]
    • You may be able to rent a soldering iron from a hardware store.
    • A wood burning tool will also work just fine for this. Choose one with a wide, flat tip.
  2. How you do this and how long it takes for it to heat up depends on what you have. Some soldering irons plug into the wall while others are battery-operated. Most soldering irons only need a few minutes to heat up.
    • Work on the next step while the soldering iron heats up to save time.
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  3. Do not cut the mesh with scissors. Simply measure out how much you want to cut, then set it down on a hard, heat-safe surface. If you need to, draw a "cutting" guideline with a marker across the mesh.
    • You don't want to cut the mesh because it will fray.
    • The surface must be hard, otherwise the soldering iron won't cut through the mesh. It must be heat-safe too, otherwise you'll create a fire hazard.
  4. The wider edge of the iron's tip should be parallel to the end of the mesh. This way, you'll have more surface area to "cut" with. Hold it there for a few seconds until it melts through the fibers. [2]
    • Deco mesh is composed of lengthwise and widthwise fibers. Place the tip between 2 widthwise fibers.
    • Gently rock the iron back and forth to help it "cut" through the mesh.
    • Start on the edge of the deco mesh. It does not matter if it's on the left or right side.
  5. Lift the soldering iron and move it across the mesh to the next un-cut segment. Press it down again, and rock it back and forth until it cuts through the mesh. Keep doing this until you reach the other side of the mesh. [3]
    • The heat of the iron will cause the fibers to melt and separate. The hot plastic will bind to itself and prevent fraying.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Hemming the Mesh

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  1. This extra length will be enough to create a 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) hem at each end. It would be an even better idea to cut the mesh a little longer than that, just in case it starts to fray as you work. [4]
    • Instead of scissors, consider using a rotary cutter. This will help reduce fraying even more.
  2. If the mesh is wired, then pinch the edges to help create a crease. Pinch your way across the folded edge, or weigh the mesh down with a heavy book. [5]
    • Just do one end for right now.
  3. You can use hot glue or fabric glue for this. Hot glue will dry faster, but it will also turn opaque and stiff. Fabric glue will need longer to dry, but it will dry clear and not as stiff. [6]
    • Use a low-temp hot glue gun. This way, you can handle it with your fingers without getting blisters.
    • Work on a sheet of wax paper or freezer paper so that the glue doesn't sink through the mesh and stick to your table.
  4. The wax paper will help keep your fingers clean since you won't be touching the glue directly. If you used hot glue, then it will act as a buffer between your skin and the hot glue.
    • If you don't have wax paper, you can use freezer paper instead.
  5. If you used hot glue, this should only take 2 to 3 minutes. You'll know it is dry once it turns opaque again (the same color as the glue stick). If you used fabric glue, then you may have to wait 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Set the mesh down on a sheet of wax paper and fold the end down by 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm). Coat the inside of the hem with hot glue or fabric glue, then fold it back down. Cover it with another sheet of wax paper and press it with your finger. Remove the paper when you're done.
    • After this, the mesh is ready to use.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trying Other Methods

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  1. This won't completely eliminate fraying, but it will help reduce it. It is a great option if you don't have the time to glue the mesh.
    • Make sure that you cut across the mesh, between 2 widthwise fibers.
  2. Cut across the mesh between 2 widthwise fibers. Place a drop of glue on each corner of the mesh, then wait for the glue to set. This will help keep that last, widthwise strand in place. Trim the excess lengthwise fibers down, if desired. [7]
    • Hot glue will work just fine here, but you can also use fabric glue or super glue.
    • Hot glue will set within minutes, while fabric glue and super glue will need 10 to 15 minutes to set.
  3. Cut your deco mesh to the length you want it between 2 widthwise fibers. Set it down on a sheet of paper, then mist it with your desired product. Wait for it to dry, then flip it over and spray the other side. Let it dry completely before using it.
    • How long the deco mesh takes to dry depends on the product that you used. Hairspray will dry the fastest.
    • You don't need to spray the entire deco mesh—just the edge.
  4. This is a great option if you are making a deco mesh wreath where the ends are behind the wire frame and out of sight. Form a loop in the deco mesh, then pull the end through it. Guide the knot towards the end of the mesh, then trim off the excess. [8]
    • Keep the ends of your mesh on the back of the wreath so that they aren't visible.
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  • Question
    How do you fluff deco mesh after storage?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Spread out the mesh and carefully go over it with a blow dryer on a warm setting. The heat will help relax the mesh so that you can reshape it and make it nice and fluffy.
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  • Question
    How do you store deco mesh?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If you’ve already incorporated it into a decoration, such as a wreath or garland, just place it carefully in a container, such as a box or bin, and take care not to put anything on top that will crush the mesh. You can store unused deco mesh by winding or rolling it and placing it in a drawer or container so it won’t get flattened.
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  • Question
    What do you cut deco mesh with?
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    Staff Answer
    A rotary cutter is the best option. Not only will it minimize fraying, but it’s quicker and easier to use than scissors.
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      Tips

      • Cut your deco mesh longer than you want it. This way, if it starts to fray as you work with it, you don't lose too much length.
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      • The more you mess with the deco mesh, the more it will fray. Try to handle the ends as little as possible.
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        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • If your mesh is shimmery, choose a clear, acrylic sealer in a glossy finish. This way it doesn't dull down the shine.
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      Things You'll Need

      Using a Soldering Iron

      • Wide-tipped soldering iron
      • Deco mesh

      Hemming the Mesh

      • Scissors or rotary cutter
      • Hot glue or fabric glue
      • Wax paper or freezer paper
      • Deco mesh

      Trying Other Methods

      • Scissors or rotary cutter
      • Hot glue or fabric glue
      • Hairspray, spray adhesive, or clear, acrylic sealer
      • Deco mesh


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDF4u0fdF2o&feature=youtu.be&t=25s
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDF4u0fdF2o&feature=youtu.be&t=1m35s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDF4u0fdF2o&feature=youtu.be&t=1m
      4. ↑ https://tipjunkie.com/projects/no-fray-mesh-ribbon-tips-tutorial/
      5. ↑ https://tipjunkie.com/projects/no-fray-mesh-ribbon-tips-tutorial/
      6. ↑ https://tipjunkie.com/projects/no-fray-mesh-ribbon-tips-tutorial/
      7. ↑ https://www.clumsycrafter.com/2012/03/deco-mesh-wreath-tutorial/
      8. ↑ http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2013/12/how-to-make-a-simple-mesh-garland/

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Laurie Muzny

        Dec 11, 2019

        "Great idea! I like using deco mesh, but I hated the frayed look of the ribbon. What a great way to illuminate that ..." more
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