How to Make a Beaded Fringe for a Scarf

Adding beaded fringe to a scarf completely changes the look of the garment. The beaded design element is simple to make, even if you are not an experienced beader. Create beaded fringe from delicate crystal beads, chunky wooden beads or handmade clay beads to complement the colors in the scarf. Beaded fringe is typically 1 to 2 inches long, but you can make a beaded fringe for a scarf in any length that suits your personal style.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Size 10 beading needle
• Waxed beading thread
• Size 10 seed beads
• Jeweler's glue
• 4mm crystal bicone beads
• Size-11 seed beads

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the scarf to determine the overall length of the beaded fringe.

2. Cut a length of waxed beading thread 5 inches longer than the width of the scarf. Thread a size 10 beading needle with the thread; leave a tail half as long as the working thread. The tail dangling from the eye of the needle will become the working thread.

3. Thread a size 10 seed bead to within 1 inch of the end of the working thread. Pass the needle around and back through the seed bead several times to anchor it onto the thread.

4. Thread size 10 seed beads to within 2 inches of the end of the thread. Measure the beaded strand against the scarf to make sure that it fits. Add or subtract beads as necessary to fit the width of the scarf. Knot the end of the thread with a double-overhand knot. Do not cut the excess thread behind the knot. Cover the knot with jeweler's glue.

5. Thread a size 10 beading needle with 3 feet of waxed beading thread. Pull the tail 12 to 16 inches through the eye of the needle.

6. Join the end of the working thread to the excess tail behind the knot on the beaded strand with a double-overhand knot.

7. Insert the needle through the first seed bead on the beaded strand. Pull the thread all the way through the seed bead.

8. Add 4mm crystal bicone beads onto the thread to the desired length of a strand of fringe. End the fringe strand with a size 11 seed bead.

9. Skip the seed bead and insert the needle back through all of the 4mm bicone beads in the fringe strand. You will exit the first 4mm bicone bead on the strand, adjacent to the seed-bead strand.

10. Pass the needle through the next two seed beads in the strand. You will be exiting the third seed bead on the strand.

11. Thread on additional bicone beads and size 11 seed beads to make enough beaded fringe strands to run the length of the size 10 strand. Always skip two seed beads between fringe strands.

12. Stitch the beaded fringe to the scarf along the seed bead strand.

References

• Unique Beaded Jewelry: Adding Fringe to a Bag

Resources

• Bead & Button magazine: Double Overhand Knot