Adding fringe or trims can make a nice finishing touch to hand knit scarves, shawls & wraps and even blankets. Trims can range from:
- crochet edges
- beaded edges
- picking up stitches to add a plain or lace edge
- fringe; simple or knotted
Aside from the aesthetic appreciation these trims have, they also have a functional value too.
The function. Adding a trim can:
- provide a more finished look
- keep a knitted project from rolling
- take a project from plain to fancy
- creating a one-of-a-kind project
Three of the trims can be executed after the project has been completed. Giving a tremendous amount of leeway to add the desired finesse to a completed project. Options can include using a complimentary color, if yardage is an issue or a completely different weight of yarn, a finer weight usually looks best. The sky's the limit.
The only trim that really needs to be decided prior to casting on is the beaded edge. The beads are worked into the cast on and the bind off. TIP: Make sure enough beads are purchased prior to casting on. This equation will give the exact number of beads needed. (# of cast on stitches x 2) - 2 = the number of beads needed.
I always make sure I have extra in case I drop any
Beads come in different sizes. The model below used size 6 beads and was knit with a fingering weight yarn, Miss Babs Yummy 100% merino wool.
The Careen Lace Scarf: 3 Ways pattern shown above, provides instructions for both a beaded edge and adding fringe. The pattern is available on Ravelry.com. The Careen Fringed Scarf was knit with Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin fingering weight yarn.
On the two Careen models, the 100% merino yarn definitely held the block better than the 80/20. However, the fringe definitely has kept the shape better in tact. Thank goodness for trims.
If you like beads, and who doesn't, you may like a lacier version. Try Beaded Inclination Lace Wrap and Scarf, which used size 8 beads in a lace weight yarn. Shown below.
Have fun with your projects and keep it interesting.
Until next time.....
Happy Knitting!
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