> Could somebody please explain the process of binding with lycra  strips on fleece. Do you just cut lycra strips and sew on? Lycra  doesn't fray?

Lycra don't fray, but the cut edge isn't the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. If you're using it to wrap a cut edge that's going to have a zipper on it, do the lycra first, then the zipper.  If I'm cutting lycra strips, I definitely appreciate a rotary cutter and a good quilting-type ruler. You can also buy precut lycra strips at most specialty fabric stores that sell polarfleece.

Here are three ways of ways of doing it:

1) Cut strips of lycra either cross-grain or parallel to the selvage... use the stretchier direction for cuffs and such, or not so stretchy for long straight edges. (Actually, I usually cheat and cut it all stretchy) Something about 1.25 - 1.5" is about right for the "look" of commercial garments.

Put the lycra strip's rightside against the WRONG side of the fleece; use a wide serger stitch or a close 3-step zigzag to sew the lycra to the fleece. The idea is the stitching makes a fairly firm edge to wrap the lycra around.

Wrap the lycra around the edge of the garment, so the wrong side of the lycra strip is now touching the right side of the fleece. Fold about 0.25" of the raw edge of the lycra under and edge stitch. It should look like "stitch in the ditch" from the wrong side.

2) Cheater's method: Cut strips about 2" wide, fold lengthwise in half, wrong sides together; place right side of lycra against wrong side of fleece, matching all edges.. Serge or 3 step zigzag all cut edges together. Wrap to the front and edge stitch. (I actually prefer this doubling of the lycra for cuffs and collar edges... a little firmer feeling stretchy edge).

3) Cheater's method #2: Proceed as for #1, but don't turn the edge under on the right side. Instead, use a decorative stitch to cover the edge -- choose one with some give if you need the lycra to stretch (as for a fitted cuff).

I don't think that lycra/polarfleece police exist, so if you figure a way that makes sense for your project, do it!

Lycra strips also make a good basis for corded loops for button or toggle loops.

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Another edge finish for polarfleece where you've got no need for stretch is to use grosgrain ribbon folded in half. Also makes a

nice way to cover zipper tapes. But do preshrink the grosgrain!

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If at all possible, I try not to pin lycra... if you need to hold edges together, use paperclips or scotch tape. I noticed some small "runs" developing in the very first swimming suit I made, but in about an inch from the seams, and just about at the frequency and spacing I remember pinning at. Though I haven't proved pin holes = runs later, I stick with paperclips and tape now.