<p>In most cases <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satin">satin</a> ribbons are made from polyester or similar "plastic" fibers.</p>

<p>This means you can use <em>heat</em> to melt the fibers together: quickly run the flame of a lighter along the fraying edge. My preferred technique is to hold the ribbon in one hand, close to the end, so that the end is more or less horizontal. (For wide ribbons, a slight 'U' bend increases stability.) Then with the other hand I sweep the flame along the end, repeating if necessary.</p>

<p>I suggest practising with some scrap ribbon, because each type of ribbon needs a slightly different amount of heat, usually more for thicker material. If done right, the sealed end will look just like the rest and, important in this case, be totally flexible.</p>

<p>Even if your first attempts aren't perfect yet, you will be hiding the ends under the second ankle wrap, so it remains invisible. And if anything should go wrong, you can always re-seal the ends (in the worst case cutting a very narrow bit of ribbon off first) without the need of drying time or stitches. Put a lighter in your dance bag and you're good to go.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T13:04:15.647Z
Luckily I have plenty of ribbon to practice with on the pair she just outgrew! Do you think a steam iron would be hot enough to fuse the ends, just to reduce the risk of setting the shoes themselves on fire?
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T13:11:58.083Z
Don't think so. But unless you hold the end still in the fire, that shouldn't happen. I often even "flame seal" the cut end of gift ribbon to keep it from unravelling in the drawer.
Stephie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T15:20:16.547Z
See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJTMNS5T1HE (starting at 0:40).
Stephie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T04:09:25.193Z
2016-06-28T04:09:25.193Z
Stephie
<p>I would like to suggest something I was told while <a href="https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/443/44">I was working on my ties</a>. What you <em>could</em> do is to use some clear nail polish, not a lot, to stiffen the ends of the ribbon. That should prevent them from fraying at all. It is likely that you could use something like a super glue to accomplish the same thing. </p>

<p>You don't need a lot so, while it will darken the ribbon, if used sparingly it should not be noticeable.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ribbon-from-Fraying" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/8HN0lm.png" alt="Nail Polish on ribbon ends"></a></p>

<p><sup>Image from <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ribbon-from-Fraying" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Wikihow</a></sup></p>

<p>The page that comes from also suggests gluing as well as an alternative. It also covers using heat which <a href="https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/1855/44">Stephanie's answer covers better</a>.</p>

<p>Of course, that could also be seen as less then aesthetically pleasing. So to compliment my solution I would then suggest you use some thread and something simple like a tight overcast stitch. The thread will hold around the polish and hopefully distract from its presence. The nail polish alone should be enough to stop it from coming undone for a while. That would all depend on wear and tear at that point. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T13:05:41.720Z
The ends of pointe shoe ribbons get tucked in when they're all tied up, so appearance isn't a massive problem if they get somewhat discolored -- but still, good to know for anyone with a similar problem where the end would be visible. This is quite a lot like your tie project, isn't it! :)
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-28T03:26:32.637Z
2016-06-28T12:50:36.703Z
2017-04-13T12:52:58.053Z
Matt
<p>Get "fray check" from your local fabric store. This is applied to keep fabric and ribbons from fraying.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-06T13:29:07.007Z
That is the name for a specific product is it not? Including information about the _product family_ this is from might be better since we cannot guarantee stores will carry this one.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-06T23:06:03.727Z
I am not sure there is a "family of products" like FrayCheck.  I have never seen any other product that does the same thing and is sold in fabric stores.  That said, it works pretty much the same as nail polish does, so it might have a similar chemical makeup.
magerber
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-06T09:18:37.230Z
2017-02-06T09:18:37.230Z
Beaver
<p>One other method of heat sealing the ends would be to use a butane torch lighter and an Xacto type of craft knife.</p>

<p>Hold the blade over the flame until it gets hot then cut the ribbon. It may take a bit of practice to get the right amount of heat.</p>

<p>If at all possible (I don't know much about ballet shoes) lay the ribbon down on a piece of wood before cutting, it's easier and safer than trying to cut it freehand.  That's how I usually cut Paracord.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-29T05:54:12.883Z
2018-07-29T05:54:12.883Z
Coyote
<p>I used to take ballet lessons, and the methods I've used for preventing frayed ribbon ends were to apply clear nail polish on the cut ends, or to quickly melt the cut end using a candle flame.</p>

<p>For the melting method, as Stephie mentioned, the cut ends are usually tucked out of sight anyway, so even if the end isn't perfectly melted, it won't be visible. However, some problems I've had with this method are:</p>

<ul>
<li>Depending on the lighter or candle that you use, the flame may not stay constant (ie they flicker or sway with any disturbance in the air). This can make melting the ribbon and creating a smooth, even edge challenging sometimes. Uneven melting can also result in a slightly warped ribbon, which may be more difficult to tuck in.</li>
<li>I've also accidentally singed my ribbon a few times. You'll definitely need some patience, practice, and a quiet place to avoid making mistakes like this.</li>
<li>It may also not be a kid-friendly way to go about sealing the end of the ribbon. (I was probably 12 when I tried doing this for the first time, and I was so entranced at watching how the ribbon melted that I melted too much of it.)</li>
</ul>

<p>Nail polish avoids all of these problems, but there are still some precautions you should consider.</p>

<ul>
<li>Nail polish produces irritating fumes, so unlike the open flame method, you'll need a space with good ventilation and air flow.</li>
<li>It also takes longer to dry, whereas the melting method takes mere seconds, maybe up to a minute or two.</li>
</ul>

<p>However, nail polish is also an excellent tool for stopping runs in tights, so it's a good thing for ballerinas to keep on hand, anyway :)</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-03T15:29:24.417Z
The rather fierce blue flame lighters (or chefs' blowtorches) give a much more precise flame that's not easily blown around.  You don't actually need to get the material in the visible flame, just next to it (at least, this is true with webbing, which is what I normally need to seal)
Chris H
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-02T21:28:01.693Z
2018-07-02T21:28:01.693Z
Flora Su
<p>I remember trying both heat and nail polish when I used to dance and neither really lasted as long as I wanted!</p>
<p>Something to consider is a combination of methods since the ends won’t be seen and you’re going for durability!</p>
<p>I’d try trimming it straight, heat sealing, then nail polish, then fold it over and use a tiny bit of glue. Make sure to make the fold long enough there’s room for glue AND the stitches later on because it’s hard to sew through glue but sometimes the adhesive doesn’t hold long term especially on slidey stuff like satin.</p>
<p>Then fold it over AGAIN so you can fully sew in the seam entirely so there’s no chance at all for it to fray unless it gets cut or the stitches get loose. Do two rows of stitches if you really really want to be sure!</p>
<p>I’d use something durable like a backstitch so it’s really in there good! Good luck!</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-09-02T11:02:53.017Z
2023-09-02T11:04:27.870Z
2023-09-02T11:04:27.870Z
L3X01D
<p>Either very small bead of superglue applied with the item sitting on plastic wrap</p>

<p>Or clear nail polish, applied over plastic wrap also.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-09-09T22:36:14.757Z
2016-09-09T22:36:14.757Z
Joel Huebner
<p>If you need to cut a lot of ribbon, you can also invest in a "hot wire" cutter:</p>

<p>Expensive ($300): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp9E5tkKTFg" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp9E5tkKTFg</a></p>

<p>Budget ($30): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oka_ERvOuYU" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oka_ERvOuYU</a></p>

<p>I've got the expensive one, it takes a little practice, but works as shown in the video. I don't have any experience with the cheaper one (some of the ribbon I cut was too wide for it, so I've never tried it). Just google either product if you want one - the cheaper product in particular can be found online in various craft stores in most countries.</p>

<p>For low quantities, sealing with a flame as suggested elsewhere here also works, but takes a bit more time and practice to get right (I tended to melt the ends unevenly on wide ribbons, so gave up!). Have not tried nail polish or glue. Here's another video demonstration if you want to try either of those:</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTit6tNWkx4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTit6tNWkx4</a></p>

<p>I'm surprised there's not otherwise a more automated product, or anything "hot wire" that does anything other than a straight cut (i.e. a pinking cut). We put a lot of ribbon through a ribbon printer (hundreds at a time), and spend hours having to cut it all manually once printed.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-07-13T14:30:15.967Z
Your answer would be even better if you could relay a bit of the information found in the videos to your post.
Joachim
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-07-13T13:19:54.893Z
2019-07-13T13:19:54.893Z
Peter Barton
<p>My teenage daughter dances ballet, and on a fairly regular basis we need to get her new pointe shoes. After so many pairs, I've gotten surprisingly good at sewing in the elastic and ribbons that need to go on the new shoes.</p>

<p>One thing I would like to improve on is the ends of the satin ribbons. When they are simply trimmed to length with scissors, they will inevitably fray and unravel over time. This is only somewhat alleviated by cutting a "snake tongue" at the end, an indented "V" shape -- that angle will help the ribbons last a few weeks longer, but I'm trying to find a solution that will last for months (without constantly trimming the ends until there is really nothing left!)...</p>

<p><strong>How can I prevent the ends of satin ribbon from fraying?</strong></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-11T00:38:46.490Z
The 'snake tongue' is also called 'pinking', as in pinking shears : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinking_shears
Joe
<sewing>
How do I keep ribbon ends from fraying?
Erica
# How do I keep ribbon ends from fraying?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-06-28)

My teenage daughter dances ballet, and on a fairly regular basis we need to get her new pointe shoes. After so many pairs, I've gotten surprisingly good at sewing in the elastic and ribbons that need to go on the new shoes.

One thing I would like to improve on is the ends of the satin ribbons. When they are simply trimmed to length with scissors, they will inevitably fray and unravel over time. This is only somewhat alleviated by cutting a "snake tongue" at the end, an indented "V" shape -- that angle will help the ribbons last a few weeks longer, but I'm trying to find a solution that will last for months (without constantly trimming the ends until there is really nothing left!)...

**How can I prevent the ends of satin ribbon from fraying?**

**Tags:** sewing

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The 'snake tongue' is also called 'pinking', as in pinking shears : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinking_shears  

---

## 8 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-06-28. Score: 11

In most cases [satin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satin) ribbons are made from polyester or similar "plastic" fibers.

This means you can use *heat* to melt the fibers together: quickly run the flame of a lighter along the fraying edge. My preferred technique is to hold the ribbon in one hand, close to the end, so that the end is more or less horizontal. (For wide ribbons, a slight 'U' bend increases stability.) Then with the other hand I sweep the flame along the end, repeating if necessary.

I suggest practising with some scrap ribbon, because each type of ribbon needs a slightly different amount of heat, usually more for thicker material. If done right, the sealed end will look just like the rest and, important in this case, be totally flexible.

Even if your first attempts aren't perfect yet, you will be hiding the ends under the second ankle wrap, so it remains invisible. And if anything should go wrong, you can always re-seal the ends (in the worst case cutting a very narrow bit of ribbon off first) without the need of drying time or stitches. Put a lighter in your dance bag and you're good to go.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Luckily I have plenty of ribbon to practice with on the pair she just outgrew! Do you think a steam iron would be hot enough to fuse the ends, just to reduce the risk of setting the shoes themselves on fire?  
> **username_2**: Don't think so. But unless you hold the end still in the fire, that shouldn't happen. I often even "flame seal" the cut end of gift ribbon to keep it from unravelling in the drawer.  
> **username_2**: See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJTMNS5T1HE (starting at 0:40).  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-06-28. Score: 11

I would like to suggest something I was told while [I was working on my ties](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/443/44). What you *could* do is to use some clear nail polish, not a lot, to stiffen the ends of the ribbon. That should prevent them from fraying at all. It is likely that you could use something like a super glue to accomplish the same thing.

You don't need a lot so, while it will darken the ribbon, if used sparingly it should not be noticeable.

[![Nail Polish on ribbon ends](https://i.sstatic.net/8HN0lm.png)](http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ribbon-from-Fraying)

Image from [Wikihow](http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ribbon-from-Fraying)

The page that comes from also suggests gluing as well as an alternative. It also covers using heat which [Stephanie's answer covers better](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/1855/44).

Of course, that could also be seen as less then aesthetically pleasing. So to compliment my solution I would then suggest you use some thread and something simple like a tight overcast stitch. The thread will hold around the polish and hopefully distract from its presence. The nail polish alone should be enough to stop it from coming undone for a while. That would all depend on wear and tear at that point.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: The ends of pointe shoe ribbons get tucked in when they're all tied up, so appearance isn't a massive problem if they get somewhat discolored -- but still, good to know for anyone with a similar problem where the end would be visible. This is quite a lot like your tie project, isn't it! :)  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2017-02-06. Score: 3

Get "fray check" from your local fabric store. This is applied to keep fabric and ribbons from fraying.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: That is the name for a specific product is it not? Including information about the _product family_ this is from might be better since we cannot guarantee stores will carry this one.  
> **username_5**: I am not sure there is a "family of products" like FrayCheck.  I have never seen any other product that does the same thing and is sold in fabric stores.  That said, it works pretty much the same as nail polish does, so it might have a similar chemical makeup.  

---

### Answer by username_6 on 2018-07-29. Score: 3

One other method of heat sealing the ends would be to use a butane torch lighter and an Xacto type of craft knife.

Hold the blade over the flame until it gets hot then cut the ribbon. It may take a bit of practice to get the right amount of heat.

If at all possible (I don't know much about ballet shoes) lay the ribbon down on a piece of wood before cutting, it's easier and safer than trying to cut it freehand. That's how I usually cut Paracord.


---

### Answer by username_7 on 2018-07-02. Score: 3

I used to take ballet lessons, and the methods I've used for preventing frayed ribbon ends were to apply clear nail polish on the cut ends, or to quickly melt the cut end using a candle flame.

For the melting method, as username_2 mentioned, the cut ends are usually tucked out of sight anyway, so even if the end isn't perfectly melted, it won't be visible. However, some problems I've had with this method are:

* Depending on the lighter or candle that you use, the flame may not stay constant (ie they flicker or sway with any disturbance in the air). This can make melting the ribbon and creating a smooth, even edge challenging sometimes. Uneven melting can also result in a slightly warped ribbon, which may be more difficult to tuck in.
* I've also accidentally singed my ribbon a few times. You'll definitely need some patience, practice, and a quiet place to avoid making mistakes like this.
* It may also not be a kid-friendly way to go about sealing the end of the ribbon. (I was probably 12 when I tried doing this for the first time, and I was so entranced at watching how the ribbon melted that I melted too much of it.)

Nail polish avoids all of these problems, but there are still some precautions you should consider.

* Nail polish produces irritating fumes, so unlike the open flame method, you'll need a space with good ventilation and air flow.
* It also takes longer to dry, whereas the melting method takes mere seconds, maybe up to a minute or two.

However, nail polish is also an excellent tool for stopping runs in tights, so it's a good thing for ballerinas to keep on hand, anyway :)

> **Comments:**
> **username_8**: The rather fierce blue flame lighters (or chefs' blowtorches) give a much more precise flame that's not easily blown around.  You don't actually need to get the material in the visible flame, just next to it (at least, this is true with webbing, which is what I normally need to seal)  

---

### Answer by username_9 on 2023-09-02. Score: 1

I remember trying both heat and nail polish when I used to dance and neither really lasted as long as I wanted!

Something to consider is a combination of methods since the ends won’t be seen and you’re going for durability!

I’d try trimming it straight, heat sealing, then nail polish, then fold it over and use a tiny bit of glue. Make sure to make the fold long enough there’s room for glue AND the stitches later on because it’s hard to sew through glue but sometimes the adhesive doesn’t hold long term especially on slidey stuff like satin.

Then fold it over AGAIN so you can fully sew in the seam entirely so there’s no chance at all for it to fray unless it gets cut or the stitches get loose. Do two rows of stitches if you really really want to be sure!

I’d use something durable like a backstitch so it’s really in there good! Good luck!


---

### Answer by username_10 on 2016-09-09. Score: 1

Either very small bead of superglue applied with the item sitting on plastic wrap

Or clear nail polish, applied over plastic wrap also.


---

### Answer by username_11 on 2019-07-13. Score: 0

If you need to cut a lot of ribbon, you can also invest in a "hot wire" cutter:

Expensive ($300): <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp9E5tkKTFg>

Budget ($30): <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oka_ERvOuYU>

I've got the expensive one, it takes a little practice, but works as shown in the video. I don't have any experience with the cheaper one (some of the ribbon I cut was too wide for it, so I've never tried it). Just google either product if you want one - the cheaper product in particular can be found online in various craft stores in most countries.

For low quantities, sealing with a flame as suggested elsewhere here also works, but takes a bit more time and practice to get right (I tended to melt the ends unevenly on wide ribbons, so gave up!). Have not tried nail polish or glue. Here's another video demonstration if you want to try either of those:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTit6tNWkx4>

I'm surprised there's not otherwise a more automated product, or anything "hot wire" that does anything other than a straight cut (i.e. a pinking cut). We put a lot of ribbon through a ribbon printer (hundreds at a time), and spend hours having to cut it all manually once printed.

> **Comments:**
> **username_12**: Your answer would be even better if you could relay a bit of the information found in the videos to your post.  

---

