Twisting Fringe Step by Step

Most of my scarves and shawls have twisted fringe because I love twisted fringe.  I like the way it looks.  I like the way it feels when I run my fingers through it.  But making good twisted fringe takes practice and a plan.

​I have just posted a video on YouTube showing my process.
By all means watch the video, but I will describe the basics here.
(Click on any photo to zoom in)

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Planning for making twisted fringe

• Weave a weft protector (also called a header) at the beginning and end of each piece.   Use a yarn that is approximately the same size as the weft because it will keep the header area from spreading out or drawing in differently from the scarf itself.  Use a contrasting color because you want to be able to see it when you  remove it during the fringing process.​
• When planning your warp, allow  enough warp for fringe on both ends of each piece.   Allow 2-3" more than you want your finished fringe.
• BEFORE your start twisting, trim the fringe at both ends of the scarf to the same length, 
• NOTE:  How many ends you use in each fringe bout depends on the size of the yarns and your personal preference - how thick do you want your fringe?  I like my fringe fairly fine, so, for example, when using 8/2 Tencel I usually twist 2 groups of 4 ends together for a total of 8 per bout. ​

​Great tools to have on hand for fringing:

• Gridded mat
• Masking tape and/or blue painter's tape
• Paperweights, heavy books or  book ends
• Small scissors
• Double pointed needle
• Comb
• Fringe twister - battery powered or manual

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Making the Fringe

• Carefully remove the weft protector as you work.  I like to remove a 2-3" section of weft protector at a time.   
• Count out the ends you will need for a bout of fringe and divide into 2 groups.

• Clip the two groups into the fringe twister and twist clockwise until you have the desired amount of twist.  This is a bit of trial and error, but you can get a good idea of what the final fringe will look like by releasing tension on the bouts and letting them twist back on themselves.
• Remove the ends from the fringe twister and  twist them back on each other in the counterclockwise direction

• Knot at the desired length by loosely tying an overhand knot in the ends and maneuvering the knot to the appropriate length.  Then tighten the knot.  ​

Tip:
​Use the gridded mat to help tie the knots at the same length all the way across.

• ​I continue twisting fringe from right to left until I am about 3-4" from the left hand edge.  At that point, I remove the remainder of the weft protector and begin fringing from the left edge towards the right.  I twist the first 2 or 3 bouts on the left and then COUNT the remaining groups of threads out into bouts, fudging as needed if there is not an even multiple of ends that I need to finish.​

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​Protecting the Fringe 

• To protect the fringe in the wash (whether machine washing or washing by hand),  cut a strip of iron-on interfacing that is 3" high and the width of the scarf. 
• Fold this over the ends of the fringe, being sure to leave about 1/2-1" between the knots and the edge of the interfacing, and press in place (follow manufacturer's recommendations for time to press).

​Trimming the Fringe

• Wet finish and dry your work of art as desired.
• After washing and drying your scarf, trim the fringe to about 1/4" from the knots.

Enjoy your finished piece!