Fray Check vs Fray Block: 10 Differences + Pros and Cons
Fabrics tend to fray. Not all of them do and when they do, it can create a hassle for you as you sew. Finding the right method to stop the fray is vital. It could be sewing a few stitches or using scotch tape and so on. Or you can use a liquid to keep those threads in line.
The two products are quite similar as they are both made from polyamides and alcohol. One of the differences would be that the Fray Block option does not dry as stiff as the Fray Check brand. It may also be easier to use as only a little comes out at one time.
To learn more about these two fray stoppers just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to help you make the best choice. Both products work well and have their share of supporters.
Fray Check vs Fray Block 101
Fray Check vs Fray Block
This quick comparison chart is designed to give you an overview of the two products when you do not have a lot of time on your hands. Make sure to read the rest of the article when you do have more time.
| Category | Fray Check | Fray Block |
| Cost | affordable | affordable |
| Packaging | squeezable bottle | tube |
| Opening | can be quite large | narrow |
| Easy to use | can be messy and pour out too much | more control and a light flow |
| Drying | dries hard | dries softer and more flexible |
| Availability | found just about anywhere | when in stock found just about anywhere |
| Discoloring | sometimes but not always | not supposed to discolor fabric |
| Unused state | stays a liquid for the most part | can get hard and need hot water to return to liquid form |
| Best for | button holes | any part of the cloth that is next to the skin |
| Drying time | 15 to 30 minutes | supposed to be quick drying |
What is Fray Block?
This version of the many anti fraying liquids available today is made by June Tailor. It comes in different sizes and the large size measures about 1 1/2 fl. oz. The purpose of this product is to help sewers keep their fabrics from fraying without having to stop what they are doing to sew extra stitches.
The tube comes with a small applicator which only needs a small needle hole to bring the liquid inside to your fabric. The narrow hole slows the flow so you stay in control of the application at all times. There should be little risk of over-applying this fray bond to your fabrics.
The liquid does tend to solidify a bit when not in use. But that is okay as only 30 seconds under hot running water will bring it back to its liquid form and make sure it runs smoothly from the tube to the fabric.
The good thing about this product is that it is not supposed to discolor any fabric once it dries. That makes working with this product a lot easier. Once dry it is supposed to remain flexible so that your fabrics can move like they should when they should.
How Long does Fray Block Take to Dry?
According to the package, the time frame is supposed to be fast. Also, the package does not give a time frame on how long that fast drying time really is. Most likely, it will depend on how much you put on at one time in one spot.
We would venture a guess but we may be wrong as different sewers would have different results depending on the environment in their sewing room as well as the fabric they are using this product on.
To protect the unused portion of the tube, make sure to put the cap back on after every application. You do not want to have the remaining amount dry on you. If it does, all you have to do is spend about a minute or so running the hot water and warming up the Fray Block again so that it flows normally.
Like using any adhesive, just be careful as it will dry up on you as quickly as it can. The narrow applicator would help keep you from making a mess as well. That means a cleaner works site and less clean up when you are done.
Can You Wash Fray Block?
Yes, this adhesive can be washed although one should be wary of using warm or hot water. If you are only using the material to hold the fabric seams in place until you sew them up, then hot water will wash out the liquid.
Plus, you can dry clean any clothing that has Fray Block on it. Whether the liquid adhesive remains or not remains to be seen. When this product dries it does remain flexible so just be careful when you clean those clothing items you placed this product on.
Then you have to be careful to not use this product near open flames or a heat source. it can be very flammable and you do not want any accidents taking place. Once it dries, the liquid dries very clear and no one should know that you used it unless you tell them that you did.
To store the Fray Block, keep the tube upright. That helps keep the narrow passageway clear and free from obstruction. Then double-check the cap to make sure it is on tight. If it isn’t the liquid will dry out and you may have to spend time warming it up so that it will still work.
When to Use Fray Check?
The purpose of this product is to help keep the threads in place once they have been cut. many fabrics lose their threads because they are woven very loosely. Once you have cut them, these threads have nothing to hold them in place.
Of course, you can sew a few stitches to hold these threads but that can take a little extra time. The quick way would be to use Fray Check and stabilize those loose threads with a little application.
One sewer likes to use Fray Check just before she starts to cut her buttonholes. That is an ideal time to use this product as you do not want any loose threads around those very visible areas.
Other times would include when you are cutting the material for your seams. The hems, the arms, legs, the neck are all good candidates for Fray Check as those threads may come undone at any time if they are not treated right away.
Also, when you work with ribbons a little Fray Check goes a long way in keeping those ribbon ends looking good. There are lots of good places to use this product and it will save you some time as you work.
Does Fray Check Make the Fabric Stiff?
This is one of the drawbacks of using this product. After waiting for it to dry, you will find that the fabric portion you used it on will be stiffer than the other portions of the fabric. That may be a good thing or not depending on the project you are working on at the time.
There is a problem with discolorization as well. This doesn't happen on all fabrics so you should do a test first on a scrap piece of material, the same as you will be working with, and see what happens when the fray Check dries.
This product is also very flammable so the same warning for Fray Block will apply here. Be careful where you use it and if you like to smoke while you sew, put the cigarette out first before opening the bottle. You just never know.
Because it has harmful chemicals in its ingredients, you should keep this product out of the reach of little children. Curious hands and minds may end up having an accident and apply this product to their clothing or get some in their eyes. Keep accidents to a minimum by storing the product safely away.
How Does Fray Check Work?
When you read the package, you will see the words ‘seam sealant’ and those two words will tell you that this product is an adhesive for fabrics. In other words, it is more like a glue you use for paper except it seals threads and seams for you.
It is easy to use and all you have to do is open the cap and poke a hole in the sealed top to get access to the contents. Once you have the hole poked, the applicator should direct the adhesive to the point where you need it applied.
You will have to squeeze the bottle a little bit to make the liquid flow but squeeze gently so that you do not get too much at one time. Once you have applied the adhesive you just wait for it to dry before continuing on with that part of the project.
Do not be surprised if you see some discoloring taking place. This product may or may not dry clean. It will depend on the fabrics you apply it to. That is why doing a test is important. You will see first hand if there is any problem with the product after it dries.
How Long Does Fray Check Take to Dry?
The package says that you have to wait 15 to 30 minutes for this product to completely dry. Unlike Fray Block which does not provide a time frame, you will have to have some alternative tasks to get done while you wait. This is quite a bit of time to wait.
The length of the actual drying time will vary for you. The type of fabric, the environment in your room and other factors will either speed up or slow the drying time down. Each situation should be a bit different.
The drying time is not the biggest problem you will have though. As we have already mentioned, the product may discolor some fabrics. You should use this adhesive with some degree of caution as you could ruin the look of the fabric. This is an easy thread stop product to use though.
Plus, the product will dry stiff so you have to be careful about where you apply it. If it is going to be in a vital spot, make sure to keep it hidden from view. Some people think that its narrow opening is not as narrow as Fray Block and it is possible, or easier, to put too much on at one time when you only need a drop or two.
Handle with care so that you get the right amount on the spot that needs the glue. Avoid getting it on your eyes and skin
Can Fray Check be Ironed?
It is best not to place your iron on the clothing area where you applied this product. The reason for this word of caution is that the adhesive could stick to the bottom plate of the iron and cause you some other problems.
If you do not like the way Fray Check dries to a hard, stiff texture, you can use your iron to help keep it softer and more flexible. The steam function on your iron will help the product retain some elasticity as it dries.
The key is to hold the iron above the spot where you used this product and let the steam handle the rest. You can place the iron temporarily on the spot you just glued but that is not a long stay by any means.
Keep the iron moving and hit that steam button when you are over the spot.
Will Fray Check Wash Out?
Like Fray Block, this adhesive is washable and you can take it to the dry cleaners. The way it dries, hard and stiff, should keep the adhesive on the fabrics even when it is placed in water.
There has been no real instruction that we have found for either product concerning the water temperature your clothing should be washed in once the adhesive has dried. So you may have to play this by ear.
The problem comes in when this product does dry. While it is supposed to dry clear, even its maker, Dritz, has said that result is only for most fabrics. You should not assume that the fabric material you are working with falls into that ‘most’ category.
Make sure to do a test first to be sure. The reason we say this is because once dry, this product can look like dried glue. This product will also stain clothing and other items if you let some drops get away from you and those drops land in the wrong place.
Is Fray Check Permanent?
It can be and once dry it is almost impossible to get out. This is not good news for those who have had a Fray Check stain on some of their other items There are methods you can use to get the stain out but you do not want to use these methods on those areas where Fray Check is needed.
You can try rubbing alcohol but if the Fray Check has dried before you apply the alcohol, it may take several applications of that product to loosen up the Fray Check. Make sure to let the alcohol soak into the adhesive.
Keep rubbing the area until the stain is gone. If the alcohol is not working, try some nail polish remover and do the same application. Use cotton balls for both products and work the area until the stain is out.
Does Fray Check Go Bad?
We checked both sides of the packaging and there is no use-by date added to it. This is a good sign and couple that with the testimony of one user who waited a year in between uses and the answer is probably no it does not.
As long as you keep the cap on tight and store it with the cap end up, you should not have any problem if you wait more than a year to use it again. Another user has kept their bottle for several years and reported no problems with the contents.
It is probably safe to say that this product and its competitors will not go bad even if you do not empty the bottle years after purchasing it.
Some Final Words
Fray Check and Fray Block are just two of the liquid fray products that help seal up seams, etc. They both hold up well and if you use them correctly, you should not have any problem. Both are washable and able to endure the dry cleaners although water temperature may be an issue.
The key is to make sure to store the items right so that the contents do not dry on you. While Fray Block can be reheated, there is no word on this for Fray Check.
