C'mon, join the fray!
		C I N D Y   K A C Y N S K I
		Get that fabulous fringed look      without pre-made trims!
		The Basics Design Ideas Creative Extras

Ready-to-wear shows fringed and fabulous edges in an array of creative applications. The look is achievable without pre-made trims when you choose a fabric that fringes via "pulling." The bonus is that self-fabric fringe offers the perfect color match for the garment.

The Basics

Rely on moderate to loosely woven fabrics to create fringe using the "pulling" method. Linens, linen-blends and linen-looks work well. Fringe is pulled on the fabric's straight grain and works better along the crossgrain. The crossgrain has more stretch and flexibility for trimming curved or shaped edges. Create a straight fray line for your fringe by clipping through the selvage on one side of the fabric, then gently pulling a crosswise thread across the fabric width. A perfect, straight-grain line will appear on the fabric. Cut along this line. Using this cut edge as your fringe lower edge, cut fringe strips the desired length. To determine the fringe width, decide how wide you want the finished fringe to be, then add 1/2" for a seam allowance.

Clip fringe off seam allowance to be turned back.

If possible, serge-finish the seam allowance with a wide, balanced stitch, trimming a scant 1/8". Or zigzag 1/2" from the seam allowance edge. Use a straight pin to pick, then pull out crosswise threads, gently removing all the threads up to the stitching. If the fringe is to be added to a completed garment, finish the fringe short ends as follows: Cut the fringe 1/2" longer than the area to be trimmed; remove a 1/4" section of fringe from each short end; turn under the seam allowance 1/4" at each short end; then proceed with placement and stitching .

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