Following a question from a student about the steps for twisting fringe on a handwoven scarf, I wanted to make sure everyone could benefit from the answer.
The steps to twisting a fringe on your handwoven piece are fairly simple with the aid of a fringe twister and yet there are important steps that you don’t want to skip!
Step 1 Starts Before You Start!
You need to plan for a fringe when you’re doing the calculations for your project, prior to beginning. This is to ensure you have enough additional warp to accommodate the fringe length you require, but also from a hemstitch perspective. Which brings me to the a crucial point…
Secure your Edges!
You should secure the edge before twisting the fringe — either by hemstitching or by tying overhand knots in small bundles.
Here’s why:
- When you cut your weaving off the loom, the weft threads are loose at the edge (or the fell of the fabric – where you wove your last pick).
- If you start twisting right away without securing them, the twist itself doesn’t actually prevent the weft from moving and becoming loose it just holds the warp threads together below that loose edge.
- Over time (and especially with washing or wearing), those unsecured weft threads can start to loosen or even unravel slightly up into the fabric.
Hemstitch needs to be planned because you stitch at the very start and very end of the project. If you decide to tie knots, that can be done off the loom.
Choosing How To Secure
Hemstitch on the loom:
- This is the cleanest and most secure method. It also looks beautiful and decorative.
- You can hemstitch at the beginning and end while the project is still under tension, then cut it off and twist. The piece will have completely secure ends until you’re ready to twist.
- Once you’ve twisted and tied the ends, it’s fully finished and secure.
- Learning to hemstitch can be a bit of a learning curve initially, so make sure you have a resource that you can come back to as often as needed.
Tie overhand knots before twisting:
- If you didn’t hemstitch on the loom, tie small groups of warp ends into knots close to the fabric edge before twisting.
- Then twist each group as desired, and tie off the twisted fringe.
If you skip both:
- The scarf may look fine at first, but the edge will always be a bit vulnerable — especially if it’s a soft yarn or an open weave.
The Final Essential
Before I go, I need to make sure you know this:
Wet finish your scarf AFTER the fringe treatment is done! Whether you’re hemstitching then twisting or knotting before twisting the same rule applies 😉
I hope today’s article was super helpful to you. Go forth and twist fringe with confidence!
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!