How to Make No-Sew Fabric (SEG) Signs
KederTape lets you finish silicon edge graphics without a sewing machine; opening up the fabric signage market to any print shop with a fabric-capable printer.
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Silicon edge graphic (SEG) fabric signs offer a high-end look that vinyl simply cannot match — taut, wrinkle-free fabric with crisp edges that pop in retail, airport, and event environments. The traditional barrier to entry was the sewing machine required to bond silicone beading to the fabric edge. KederTape eliminates that barrier entirely.
Overview
KederTape is a peel-and-stick silicone keder strip that bonds to the back edge of a printed fabric graphic. Once applied, it tucks directly into the channel of an SEG frame — no sewing, no specialized bead applicator. The silicone bead is identical in profile to sewn keder, so it works with standard SEG frames from any manufacturer.
KederTape won the SGIA Product of the Year Award in 2017 in the laminates, adhesives, films, and coatings category — validated by the industry’s largest trade body for sign and graphics professionals.
Step 1 — Assemble Frame & Measure
Assemble your SEGDesign frame and measure the interior channel dimensions. This is your graphic’s target size. Write down both the horizontal and vertical interior measurements — you will need these for your bleed calculation in the next step. Do not rely on the frame’s nominal size; always measure the actual assembled interior.
Step 2 — Add Bleed, Print & Cut
Add a 3″/8″–1″/2″ bleed to your art on all four sides. This bleed becomes the folded margin where KederTape is applied. Print the graphic with the bleed included, then cut the fabric to the full outer dimension (interior channel size plus bleed on all sides).
Step 3 — Apply KederTape
Flip the printed fabric face-down. Align the inner edge of KederTape with the outer image edge on the back of the fabric. Press the tape lightly at first — you will fine-tune the position in the test-fit step before pressing firmly. Work your way around all four edges, cutting the tape at each corner rather than trying to fold it.
Step 4 — Test Fit
Tuck one edge of the fabric graphic into the SEG frame channel to test the tension. The graphic should sit taut with no sagging. If the fabric is loose, reposition KederTape slightly closer to the image edge to increase the bleed margin. If the fabric is too tight to tuck cleanly, reposition the tape slightly toward the center of the graphic. Once the tension is correct, press KederTape firmly along the full length of all four edges.
Step 5 — Tuck & Finish
Trim any excess fabric after the final test fit. Cut the corners of the bleed margin at 45-degree angles — this reduces bulk at the corner channel and prevents the fabric from bunching. Use a blunt tool (a nail file or the back of a pen) to seat the keder fully into the frame channel. Work your way around the frame, tucking opposite edges alternately to maintain even tension.
FAQ
What are silicon edge graphics (SEG)?
SEG signs are printed fabric graphics with a silicone bead bonded to the perimeter edge. The bead tucks into a matching channel on an aluminum frame, holding the fabric under tension without visible hardware. They are widely used in airports, retail stores, museums, and high-end event displays.
What fabrics work with KederTape?
KederTape bonds to most polyester and polyester-blend dye-sublimation fabrics. It also works with lighter backlit textiles. Very open-weave fabrics (over 30% open area) may need a test before full production runs.
Can KederTape be reused?
No. KederTape is a single-use adhesive. If you need to reprint the graphic, remove the old tape and apply fresh KederTape to the new print.
Does it work with all SEG frame brands?
KederTape is 3mm thick × 14mm wide, which matches the standard SEG channel profile used by most frame manufacturers. It is compatible with SEGDesign frames and all standard-profile SEG aluminum extrusions.
