How to Add a Scarf Fringe

You may have completed crocheting or knitting a fabulous scarf, but it looks like it needs that little extra “something.” Adding a scarf fringe to a scarf is a super way to add flair and style to it. Whether you’re wanting to jazz up a plain scarf or give it a whole new vibe, a fringe is a versatile and easy addition. Keep reading to see just how easy this is to do!

Scarf Fringe Tutorial

A fringe can enhance different scarf materials and styles, from warm knits to airy, lacy crochet designs. You can add a fringe to any scarf you own; it doesn’t have to be one you have crocheted! Try out various textures and fringe lengths to create various styles.

Materials Needed:

• Scarf
• Yarn (in the color of your choice for the fringe)
• Scissors
• Cardboard or a small book. This is not essential, but it makes measuring much easier.
• Measuring Tape

You can select yarn colors and lengths that match your unique style and preferences. You may decide on subtle coordination, perfect matching, or bold contrast; the choice is yours.

How to Add Fringe to a Scarf, Step-by-step Instructions

Choose which yarn you would like to use for the fringe. You may want to match it to the color of your scarf or choose a contrasting color to achieve a distinct look. It should be of a similar weight to the yarn used to make the scarf.

Step 1 – Decide on the Scarf Fringe Length

Decide how long you want your fringe to be. A great average length is 6 inches long.

Step 2 – Cut the Yarn

You can cut the pieces flat, one at a time, or save time and wind it around a template.

Cutting Flat

Cut yarn pieces one at at time. Make it double your desired length, plus at least 1 inch (2.5cm) for trimming. For example if you want 6 inch scarf fringe, you would cut individual yarn pieces of 13 inches.

Using a Template

Find a book, cardboard, or small item similar to your desired fringe length. Your template’s size needs to be a little longer than your final fringe measurement because the knotting process will use some of the yarn. I like to use my IKEA phone holder.

For example, if you want a 6-inch fringe, find a template at least 6.5 inches.

Wind the yarn around the cardboard or book, keeping it straight so the length doesn’t vary. Anchor the first wrap with a small piece of tape. Try not to stretch the yarn, just wind it fairly loosely.

You will need to decide how thick you want your yarn tassel. You can wind it just a few times or many. I typically like to do 6 wraps, which gives 12 pieces in the fringe, which is quite thick.

Cut across the bottom of the template and remove the yarn lengths. Separate it into the number of strands you want for each fringe.

Step 3 – Decide on the Scarf Fringe Spacing

Spacing is completely up to you. You can place a piece of fringe in each stitch, every second stitch, or even three or four stitches apart. It all depends on the appearance you want.

If you have fewer strands in each piece of fringe, you want them closer together. If you have a larger number of strands in each piece, space them more apart. But this is not a hard-and-fast rule; you can do anything you like.

Step 4 – Attach the Scarf Fringe

1. To attach the fringe, place the scarf flat on a surface.
2. Fold two (or more) pieces of cut yarn in half.
3. Insert the folded end of the yarn through one end of the scarf to form a loop. You can use your crochet hook to do this.

4. Then, draw the yarn’s loose ends through the loop and tighten to secure the fringe. Using your crochet hook again is nice and easy: wrap the loose ends over the hook then draw them through the loop.

5. Pull the fringe knot tighter.

Repeat this procedure along the scarf’s edge, keeping the fringe pieces equally spaced.

After you have attached all of the fringe pieces, you’ll need to trim them to ensure that they are all the same length and that they are neatly arranged. You should use sharp scissors to carefully clip any ends that are uneven.

Repeat on the other side of the scarf. Follow the steps given above to make both ends of your scarf the same.

When you are happy with your fringe and you are sure that both sides are the same and that the separate bits are evenly spaced, gently shake it out to fluff the fringe up nicely.

Your scarf now has a decorative finish to add to its individual style!

Where to Use Yarn Fringes

You can make a fringe exactly the same way to add to a shawl or a throw blanket. You could add one to the bottom of a bag for a real bohemian look! A short fringe will also add something to a cushion or a pillow.

More Scarf Patterns

Use your scarf fringe techniques on more of these free scarf patterns.

Scarf Fringe – In Conclusion

Adding a fringe to your scarf is a simple task, and yet is so rewarding. It finishes off your scarf beautifully, hides any untidy edges, and can even add length to a scarf that is just not quite long enough! Finally, it is an easy and fun way to make it look better and make it your own.