Step 1

Choose the Right Artwork
The best design elements for digitizing fringe are wide columns of no less than 4 mm to 5 mm. The element in the artwork might be one that depicts actual fringe, such as the embellishment at the edge of a flag or on a cowboy' s shirt. The wider the column, the longer the fringe will be, but it shouldn' t be wider than what your machine is able to sew without problems. My limit when I digitize for commercial machines is 10 mm, and 7 mm for small domestic machines

The technique also works well for a little fluff, such as the center of a flower, or perhaps in a wide border, as it is on this Japanese symbol being digitized for a quilt square. The column is 6 mm and will work fine for a design that' s approximately 87 mm (3½ inches) wide.

Step 2

Observe the Basic Rules
As with any column sewn on all but the most stable of fabrics, there should be at least one line of running stitch for underlay. This will offer support for the stitching that won' t be snipped, and in the example of it being used as an outside border, it will guard against the fabric puckering around the design.

My intention is to create a fairly thick density to produce a puffed-up, fluffy appearance, so I' ve increased the density by about 15% thicker than I' d use for general digitizing. Controlling the density is the key factor in changing the appearance of the fringe. The heavier the stitching, the higher the fringe will appear; if you want to achieve a light, stringy appearance, use a thin density value.

Don' t place the underlay along the column' s center where it might be seen after the design is finished. I' ve chosen to place two lines of underlay just inside the column' s edge, toward the inside of the design where the top tack-down stitching will sew.

Step 3

Tack the Column Down

Without a tack-down stitch, the sewing will unravel when one edge is snipped, so it' s necessary to secure the side of the column that won' t be snipped. Use two lines of run stitch of a short stitch length or a light-density zigzag or narrow satin stitch. If you' re using a run stitch, set a value of about 2 mm, and if you' re using a column stitch, set the density at a value that is about 15% to 20% lighter than you used for the fringe column.

Punch the tack-down column, keeping in mind that the closer to the center of the fringe column, the shorter the fringe will be, and that it shouldn' t cover too much of the bobbin thread. If you use the run stitch, set at least two lines just inside the edge that won' t be cut. A column tack-down should sew slightly over the edge, or just up to the edge as I' ve done, to gain the most secure lock.

My example shows the tack-down stitc hing in blue; later it will be changed to the same color as the fringe. Working in a different color helps to show exactly where the tack-down edge ends.

Step 4

Snip for Fringe
When the sewing is finished, keep the design in the hoop while you' re clipping it. This will help guard against accidents of snipping the fabric or the wrong threads. Turn the embroidery over with the bobbin facing you and use a pair of sharp, small sewing scissors. If you want a looped edge on the fringe, snip only the bobbin thread, as shown in the image.

I want loose fringe without loops, so I snip right up to the edge, trying to keep the cutting consistent for strands of thread that are approximately the same length.

Step 5

Pull Loose Threads to the Front
Turn the embroidery over with the top facing you. Your finger might be the best tool for pulling the loose thread up to the front, but if there are many to do, use a blunt instrument that can be held somewhat like a pencil. For example, a crochet hook works well to pull stitching to the top, but if that' s not available, choose a tool with a round, smooth tip that won' t shred, cut or fray the thread or fabric. Slide the tool along the trimmed edge, pulling the thread to the front.

There may be a lot of loose threads to pull to the front.

Step 6

Fluff and Polish
Lift the stitching higher and fluff the fringe by lightly sliding your tool or finger across the top of the loose edge. If the column isn' t digitized or cut at an equal width, it may need trimming on the top side for the sake of appearance. For example, if your fringe is depicting an element that requires a particular slant, carefully trim the loose thread ends a bit.

Keep in mind that most often, slight irregularities aren' t noticeable in fringe, so don' t overwork the process.