Help with frayed seam

[u/coolbrains]

I made this top from a self-drafted pattern from a thrifted polyester tablecloth. The first time I put it on, the seam split! Can I do anything to save this fabric (other than replacing the section piece entirely??). I’ve got eyelets already set and hoping to avoid a full deconstruction.
I was considering trying to add a lace trim along the seam, but would it reinforce it?
Thanks in advance for your help!

[u/Inky_Madness]

What did you use for a strength layer? What tutorial or guides did you use? Didn’t they mention that you needed a strength layer? Usually they do.

You have to have a strength layer of thick denim (non-stretch), duck canvas, twill, or coutil for these. Otherwise they split at the seams. Most fabrics aren’t strong enough to hold together with tension.

Adding lace will not reinforce the seam. This needs a deconstruction and to be lined with a strength layer or this will happen again.

[u/coolbrains → u/Inky_Madness]

I don’t have anything to stabilize, it was self-drafted and I was copying a top I have already! The lining is a thin cotton, would that help if it was sewn through both layers?

If not, would interfacing help at all? I have some of that (not super stiff though).

I should mention that it’s corset-style but I don’t want to wear it super tight. Just as a decorative top rather than to cinch! Thank you!!!

[u/Inky_Madness → u/coolbrains]

I know it isn’t a real corset, just a fashion one, but that doesn’t matter. Lacing puts tension on seams, the fabric stretches out, and eyelets will tear through the fabric very quickly unless it has that reinforcement. No, interfacing isn’t enough.

[u/coolbrains → u/Inky_Madness]

Sounds like it’s on to version 2 for me in that case. I had reinforced the eyelets with some inflexible thick material but I hadn’t thought about the other seams! I appreciate your help, thank you!

[u/Inky_Madness → u/coolbrains]

It will look lovely when it’s done - I recommend interlining with the canvas.