How to finish ribbon so it doesn't fray

I have made a cape for my daughter that ties in the front with satin ribbon.

In the past I have just cut the ribbon so that it has a reverse point, but I'm wondering if there is a better way of finishing ribbon so that it doesn't fray.

Thanks!

Erin.

Heat.  I've heard of some use a wood burning tool, but I use a lighter.  Just hold i close enough to 'melt' the edge without burning it. 

I burn the edges with a lighter as well.

Fray check or clear nail polish.

A little bit of white glue - wipe off any excess.


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Please include me in FFF. Thanks!

I use clear nail varnish as well, then wait until it dries and trim the edges.


Margaret

I too am a fan of clear nail polish, but in a pinch, hot glue works great too--just wipe off the excess.

I use the burn method as well 

Heat, it doesn't stain. Use a light short touch against the heat. If you have a glue gun you can heat it but not push any glue down in the tip. Slide the ribbon edge against the heated metal above the tip away from the glue.

I use a lighter sometimes but have been known to start a small fire.  I also hold the ends to a hot iron.  This takes a little longer but works well.

It depends on what the ribbon is made of and if you have enough to test out a few options.  A flame will finish off many synthetics without burning, but Fray Check has been my overall best option.

Thanks, this is good to know!

I like pictures to help explain things, so I really appreciated this post
http://jamiesonsfarrago.blogspot.com/2009/02/tool-tuesday-candle-lighter.html
about using heat to set the end of (synthetic) ribbon. 

Such good ideas that I had not thought of before.
I just use fray check.
 

I was coming here to ask the same thing of grosgrain.  I'll have to experiment and see what works.  Of course, the ribbon is already sewed onto the dresses with no scraps in site.  Spring is coming and I can't wait to just throw a dress on the girls and tie the ribbon in back!  Thanks for the good topic and great responses.