How to Make Fringes on a Scarf: Beginner's Crochet

Long yarn fringe

Adding details to your crochet projects takes them from looking "homemade" to "handmade." Additions like fringe work up quickly and easily, while giving a new dimension to your project. Finish off a new scarf or liven up an old one with just a few minutes and a bit of yarn.

Things You'll Need

• Crocheted scarf
• Yarn in desired color
• Crochet hook (size used for scarf or smaller)
• Cardboard
• Scissors

Instructions

Making Fringe

1. Determine the length of fringe for your scarf. Shorter fringe will look bulkier than longer fringe. Take care not to make fringe too long, as it can tangle while wearing, or too short, as it can be difficult to tie.

2. Use the scissors to cut the cardboard to the same length as the fringe you would like.

3. Count the number of stitches along the ends of your scarf. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard once for each stitch, making enough for both ends. Depending on the width of your cardboard, it may be easier to do enough for each end independently, rather than all at once.

4. Hold the yarn tight against the cardboard to keep it from slipping out of place. Use the scissors to cut through the yarn loops along only one edge of the cardboard. This results in yarn pieces twice the length of the desired fringe.

Attaching the Fringe

1. Take two lengths of the yarn you cut and use your crochet hook to pull them halfway through the first stitch on the edge of the scarf. Even out the pieces so they are folded exactly in half, with the stitch marking the middle.

2. Tie the yarn pieces into a square knot to secure them to the stitch. This is your first fringe.

3. Skip the next stitch, and again start the doubled strands through the next stitch and knot. Repeat across the edge of the scarf until you reach the end.

4. Follow the same process to attach fringe to the other edge of the scarf.

Tips & Warnings

• Skipping more or fewer spaces while attaching the yarn will result in denser or sparser fringe.

• Attaching more lengths of yarn in each stitch results in a more elaborate appearance. Just make sure to cut more lengths as needed.

• Change the look of your scarf by adding the fringe in a contrasting color. This is helpful if using an old scarf for which you no longer have matching yarn.

References

• Lion Brand Yarn: Patterns Using Fringe