How to Finish Embroidery With a Self-Fringing Edge

Prepare the Fabric

Square off the edges so the fringe is straight and even. Although you could trim it later, it's much easier to begin with good edges.

Decide where the edge of the cloth should be and carefully pull a thread out from one side to the other. Pull gently to avoid breaking the threads. Use this pulled thread line as a guide for cutting the edge. Repeat for each of the four sides.

Measure in from the edge the exact length that you want the fringe to be. Pull two to three threads at this measurement. Repeat this for each of the sides you are fringing.

Pull Additional Threads

Decide how many threads you want in each bundle of fringe threads. Depending on the fabric you're using and how fine or thick you want the fringe, two to six threads usually work best. 

It's easier to start in from the corner just a bit. Bring the needle up through the fabric two threads below the line of pulled threads, leaving a 1- to 2-inch tail behind the fabric.

Count the number of threads that will be in each bundle (three, in this case). Slide the needle behind that number of vertical threads just to the right of the point where the working thread comes through the fabric. 

Alternate Method

The method above works from left to right and makes a more bold hemstitch. For a more subtle stitch, work from right to left. Slide the needle behind the number of vertical stitches just to the left of the point where the thread comes through. The needle still goes from right to left, but it starts directly above the working thread. Rather than making a diagonal line from left to right, it will end up making a tiny diagonal line from right to left.

Bring the Needle Back

After sliding the needle behind the vertical threads, bring the needle back to the right side of the grouped vertical threads. Insert the needle vertically in the gap and then bring it back to the front two horizontal threads below the gap. Pull the stitch tight enough to bundle the vertical threads.

When you are working the stitch at the beginning of a length of thread, you should catch the starting tail with this stitch. Do this as you continue stitching, securing the tail without a knot. Now the working thread is in position to repeat the process, starting from the previous step.

Alternate Method

If you are working the more subtle version, insert the needle diagonally in the gap and then bring it back to the front two horizontal threads below the left side of the grouping of threads. 

Turn the Corner

Repeat the two previous steps along the edge of the fabric until you reach the corner. With some luck, the number of threads will come out even, but that's not always the case. Pay attention as you are approaching the end of the edge and space out the threads as needed to keep the bundles looking as even as possible. To turn the corner, slide the needle behind the last grouping of vertical stitches and then take a diagonal stitch at the corner. Continue stitching as before. 

If you are working the alternate method, the process is essentially the same as though you are stitching along the edge. Simply turn the corner.

Remove the Edge Threads

When you end a thread—either because you've run out of thread or you've reached the end of your stitching—slide your needle through the small stitches on the back of the hemstitch. Slipping the thread tail through these stitches will secure the ends.

After all of the hemstitching is finished, remove the extra edge threads, creating the fringe. It's best to pull them away one at a time. Smooth out the fringe, gently iron the edges and your piece is ready for gifting or display.