How do I keep this fabric from unraveling when I cut it??

[DaisyAlly]

I fell in love with this coat pattern when I saw it and though I realized it was more than a little bit advanced for my skills, I at least thought I would be able to start if before I had to beg you guys for help!! But as it stands now, I havent even cut the pieces out. So I'm doing great so far.    Anyway my question is this; how in the hell do I cut this fabric without having it all unravel on me? I lost about two inches off of the unfinished edges when I washed it and now im terrified to cut it. Any ideas? im totally lost here and my 4 year old daughter has declared that I should buy the coat because it takes too long to make it!  Okay this is they first time I've tried to post a pic, so I hope it works.
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[mandodeb]

Trim off the fraying edges that bother you if you want.  Otherwise, just place the pattern tissue pieces a few inches in from the frays.  Cut 'em out.  Paint the edges of your cut fabric pieces with Fray Check, which is basically a clear glue-like liquid you can buy at Joann Fabrics, etc.  Let it dry.  Don't worry, though:  many of the edges will be seamed so it won't fray anyway (like when you sew the collar and turn right side out, the edges are inside the collar - and when you sew the coat fronts to front facings, the frayable edges are captured).  You can straight stitch or zigzag inside the rough edges of the seams and inside facings if you want.  Then show your 4 year old daughter how pretty and special it is, and wasn't mommy clever to stick with making her challenging project!

[ScotSkipper402]

Fray Chek rules. You could also:

mark the seamlines before you cut -- and cut great big allowances

OR

Fuse lightweight interfacing to the whole piece before you cut out. The fused fabric shouldn't fray.

Cute pattern!

[mandodeb]

Oooh... fusing lightweight interfacing - cool idea!

[MissDisney]

fray check, or zigzag/overcast stitching will work, just like everyone says..

but to your little girl:

a homemade ANYTHING is always better, because it was made with love, attention, and good intentions...it may take longer, it may not look *right* and sometimes it may even end up completely different than the way you started, but it is ALWAYS worth it, because you put real effort into it (or someone who really cared about you did)

[SpottedFrog]

The only thing I can add is: don't let it kick around cut but not sewn for a couple weeks : )

[italia_rican_520]

what a totally cute pattern and fabric!

Nothing to add that hasnt already been said, but please DO post a pic when you're finished with this coat.

I'm sure it will be super-cute! And tell DD that NO ONE else is guna have an awesome coat like hers!

[iwrite]

a homemade ANYTHING is always better, because it was made with love, attention, and good intentions...it may take longer, it may not look *right* and sometimes it may even end up completely different than the way you started, but it is ALWAYS worth it, because you put real effort into it (or someone who really cared about you did)

This made me laugh so hard =D Its true (especially the "not look right" part on my behalf xD) And i love it. Thanks so much for these uplifting words of wisdom.