What are some tips for sealing the fraying threads when working with ripstop? I've tried a lighter, it somewhat distorts the fabric. I've also heard about using a solder iron.

Any good suggestions?

I use either just a heated butter knife (held with a mitten) or a wood burning engraving tool. Patience is key!! and a lighter you can get to work as long as your quick across the fabric and very consistent. I've even sewed first, and then went across it with a lighter but that poses an obvious problem as there is no room for error after you've sewn. Good Luck!!

I use a candle. By holding the fabric between two hands with a small amount of tension, you can run the edge through the flame without the heat puckering problem.

I've used this method for 0.8 oz DWR, 1.1 oz DWR, silnylon, 4 oz coated packcloth, 8 oz coated packcloth, and webbing.

Superglue. Most seamsters use it for sealing fabric edges.

Superglue gel for uncoated fabric. Coated fabric does not need to be sealed. The gel won't go where you don't want it.

For fabric, a candle works well - just keep tension on the fabric while it's passing over the flame. Low-tech, but cheap. Just keep the fabric moving!

For webbing, I often use a lighter. A friend of mine who makes harnesses for sled dogs has this nifty little unit that looks like a short thin blade that heats up when electricity passes through it - sort of like a wood-burning pen.

Wood burner worked great.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=16299&catid=member&orderby=views&direction=DESC&imageuser=6848&cutoffdate=-1

The candle idea is probably more effecient than the lighter.

Alchohol candle for small things, soldering gun for cutting out larger pieces.

I picked up a Bernz-O-Matic butane soldering iron with a hot knife tip. The kit with 6 tips, solder, and a sponge/cup was $15 at Home Depot. Even includes a plastic case. This works very well for cutting ripstop. I do need to try different types, though.

I picked up a Bernz-O-Matic butane soldering iron with a hot knife tip. The kit with 6 tips, solder, and a sponge/cup was $15 at Home Depot. Even includes a plastic case. This works very well for cutting ripstop. I do need to try different types, though.

no cords to worry about...