I just thread a needle with regular thread and whipstitch all the edges. That keeps the fabric from fraying until I finish stitching. I don't take that stitching out when the project is finished. It goes to the framer that way.

Thanks senior stitcher the last project I did used embroidery thread and whipped stitched Work for me/

In the past I used masking tape all the way around. More recently I started using my sewing machine and zig zagged all around. Had a couple bad experiences with fray check -- never, ever again

I, too, whip stitch around my projects that will be framed, and I never remove that stitching. I use my older or extra embroidery thread for my whipping. I never have had any problems.

I was very allergic to fray check which is a strong chemical and would never use it again unless I didn't need to physically handle it. It caused me chemical dermatitis (peeling and burning hands) and burning nose and eyes for days due to the chemical residue even after washing with soap and water.

I have a sewing machine and simply do a zigzag stitch around the fabric. Only takes a few minutes and stays in.

Poor me...no ability to zigzag on my old treadle sewing machine...has many odd attachments for ruffles and flouting and weird stuff, but no zig or zag. It is great exercise and I have protected this machine for almost 50 years. My husband says this is the very last time he will move it. I have a new sewing machine, but not room in our beach cottage for both.

Debating, as I love to make the old machine sing and it will sew through ANYTHING that is put between the pressure foot and the plate (have sewed leather and two fingers...boy, did that hurt). It is a direct drive machine, which means its drive shift is directly connected to the needle bar that goes up and down. It is a White Rotary, which eventually became Kenmore. Kenmore was also direct drive on their electric machines for many years, but there are no direct drive machines now.

I could thread this machine if I was half dead. An old fellow who sold sewing machines said that I would not leave his shop until I could thread the same machine that had been electrified! He was so patient and kind. JoAnn's actually carries it's old bobbins.

zig zag with sewing machine, or serge if you have a machine.

Just never appreciated how easy I have it until now..... :)

Su P, I learned to first sew on my Granny's treadle Singer....You aren't kidding about the "singing"! I will never forget how that thing thrilled my 8 year old heart! :)

I whip stitch with old floss or a floss color that I have far too many of. If I buy locally the shop owner serges it for me. If I order from ECS which is now my preferred source, I ask my daughter to serge it. Whip stitching is something I do when she doesn't have time.
I do not like fray check or the tape. Fray check feels scratchy and tape is bulky. I have used both when I was to lazy to whip stitch. I have a couple of machines but I hate to have to pull them out. One is so complicated, the instruction booklet is as thick as a bible. Threading it is another story. I'm with you Su Pitt, I like the older machines. I learned the little bit of sewing that I have done long ago on my grandmother's Singer. I think she bought it around 1925. DH wanted it and it's been all over the world. It now sits in one of my closest. I'm tempted to get it running, it needs a new belt. Alas no zigzag.
I wonder if we could ask ECS to serge our fabrics for a fee?