Sample Download

Tips for fringe designs:

1. Plan how you will sew out the design.

2. In the event you have a fringe object sewing over a fill area, you will need to be able to
distinguish which bobbin threads to clip. Putting a layer of tear away under the hoop will
leave the fringe object's bobbin thread exposed and easier to see.

3. Different effects can be achieved by trimming the threads instead of leaving the loops on
the top side. For this example, the threads are trimmed. I use a feather stitch at the base
of the fringe segments for a reason. Brush the fringe backwards, over the feather stitches
and it gives more realism and dimension.

4. Get out those variegated threads! Can you imagine the possibilities with flowers?

5. Try a multimedia approach. Grab a t-shirt transfer with a floral theme or make your
own t-shirt transfer with your computer, printer and favorite graphics program. Iron on the
transfer. Pick a place to add a fringe design. It could be as much as one little flower to
make a big impact.

6. Be kind to your machine. Fringe designs seem to be one of the hardest to sew on my
machine. Usually fringe must be more dense than normal satins and then there must be
some sort of stitching to anchor the threads. You may want to consider using the foot
pedal to control speed. My bobbin sensor goes crazy when I sew fringe. My commercial
machine would see the long threads as jumps, which would trigger the trimmer. Testing is
essential.

7. Look at the design in your software for short stitches. No matter what I do Viking
Software generates extra stitches and short stitches on fringe objects. I remove as many
as possible. The software just does not like long satins. With some software you have
the option of turning short stitches off when digitizing.

8. How about using the double needle to do fringe? Sounds interesting. Just remember
that using the double needle affects the width of your design. It works better on areas
lacking detail. Flowers are perfect. Also check with your dealer as to which size double
needle is appropriate for your machine to avoid damage. Always control the speed with
the foot pedal when using the double needle, as your thread sensors will not work for both
paths.

9. Check to make sure the bobbin is full before beginning the fringe element.

You are welcome to download the sample below. The design is copyrighted and you
may read my copyright stipulations on the order page.