There are unlimited ways to embellish your creations!!  I LOVE finding new ways to add just the right bit of charm to a project.   On my latest project, which I’m keeping secret for now (sort of), I used linen to create fringe.  It’s a simple technique that has a Big payoff.

Step 1.  Cut linen strips on the bias.  Linen is loosely woven fabric that perfect for this technique.  It’s imperative that it be cut perfectly on a 45˚ angle.  I will show you why later.  No need to cut them too wide unless you want to fringe both sides of the strip and fold it in half.  I chose to fringe only one side so I cut the strips of bias 1 1/4″ wide.

Bias strips, cut 1 1/4″ wide.
Step 2.  Stay stitch the bias strip 3/8″ in on the edge of the fabric with the machine set to a medium length stitch with tear away stabilizer underneath.  DO NOT pull the fabric through the machine.  Pulling will cause the fabric to stretch, and we want to avoid this from happening.   We want fringe, not ripples.  Just let it remain as flat as possible as you sew.
Stay stitched bias strip stitched on to tear away stablizer.
Step 3.  Select a decorative stitch on your machine for fun.  I chose turquoise embroidery thread for a punch of color on my melon colored linen.  I threaded my machine with 2 spools so I would get a nicer covering satin stitch.  Stitch right on top of your stay stitching line.  Play around with your stitches and thread colors!!
2 spools of embroidery thread, threaded together on the machine.
Decorative stitching.
Step 4.  Press embroidery flat and remove the tear away stabilizer from the edge to be fringed.
Step 5.  Lay the strips flat on the table and start to pull the edges of the cut edge gently to soften the weave of the fabric.  Push the fibers in one direction against the weave and then repeat from the other direction.  Gently inserting a pin into the the weave will also help unravel the fibers.
If you cut it on a perfect 45˚ angle, both sides of the fringe will be even. If not, one side will be longer than the other. If this happens, just trim away the longer ones to even it up. The more you manipulate the fabric, the more the fabric will “bloom”.
This technique creates soft fringe that gives a shabby chic/casual look to my project. With all the emphasis on the beloved Chanel Jacket these days, this process could also be used to make fringe out of your favorite tweed to trim your own version of the Chanel Jacket.  Stay tuned to see what I did with my fringe!!
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