US Patent 7228809 Undergarments having finished edges and methods therefor

A method of making a fabric having a finished edge includes providing a fabric having a plurality of fibers with free ends of the fibers at an edge of the fabric, disposing a curable polymer such as silicone over the edge of the fabric so that the curable polymer engages the free ends of the fibers at the edge of the fabric, and, after the disposing step, curing the polymer for finishing the edge of the fabric. The polymer binds the free ends of the fibers to prevent fraying of the fabric. The fabric is cut into a pattern piece for a garment before the step of disposing the curable polymer on the edge of the fabric.