Cut out neat finish

Have you stabilized the areas before cutting and finishing? I find this always helps, especially on ravelly fabrics like silk dupion. I then like to satin stitch the edges... Make sure you test stitch density and use the satin stitch/zigzag foot!

I use walking foot for satin stitch

There's a particular type of pocket that might be useful - sorry, I don't know what it's called. But it hasn't got a flap - you just slide your hand in from the top. Someone here will know what it's called, so you can look at what I mean. Some capes/ponchos have them so you can poke your hands out quickly.

"....There's a particular type of pocket that might be useful - sorry, I don't know what it's called. But it hasn't got a flap - you just slide your hand in from the top. Someone here will know what it's called, so you can look at what I mean. Some capes/ponchos have them so you can poke your hands out quickly....."

you mean binding hems with grosgrain ribbon ?

If I mean to satin-stitch a an edge after cutting, I'll zig-zag it before cutting, at a width the satin stitch is sure to cover.

Joy Beeson

Finish it like a wide, open welt pocket. I think this is the type of pocket that Allen is referring to. It will involve sewing on another piece of fabric and flipping it to the back side of the piece...

Cappy

Why are all the replies coming in about pockets? I read this as PROJECT, "like a mask."

Can you iron the fabric onto thin interfacing? That will hold it.

If it's a synthetic, try using a hot knife (this is a specialty tool, not your kitchen knife heated on the stove).

Sounds like it's not worth painting with a fray check-type of substance.

HTH

--Karen D.