Another shawl fringe question

[Mezzobean]

Hello everyone! I'm making good progress on my first shawl (started last Saturday) and my fringe arrived this week . . .

I was reading the other fringe thread here and saw a discussion about using Fray Check on ribbon fringe to keep the cut edges nice.

Do you use Fray check drawn in lines before cutting on the regular fringe, too? Mine is Missouri River brand, that I ordered from Crazy Crow Trading Post.

Any advice will be gratefully followed!

[Hinu Star]

Put a small amount on the edges after you trim them to the desired length. You have to make sure not to use too much or each individual fringe will catch on each other.
Or you could singe the ends. Again this should be done carefully so not to burn the ribbons. Light them quickly and blow them out even quicker.

[Dakota Wica'hpi Ina]

most of the time when I get a shawl, it's a gift so I have to fray check it after I get it. I would imagine that doing it before you cut the fringe would be easier.... I draw lines across the ribbon before I cut that when I make ribbon shawls, so it would probably work the same. I try to cut with a sharp scizzors while it's wet. It doesn't leave any loose strands that way. Fray check is a type of weak glue so if you need to work with it make sure everything is clean (surface, hands, scizzors) or you'll have dirt stuck to your fringe. just a suggestion

[Mezzobean]

Thank you both! I think I will try using my Fray Check before I cut the fringe, after I wrap it all around my cookie sheet (or whatever I end up using for that.) I think I'd make a mess trying to singe the ends!

My shawl is hemmed and I just finished sewing my decoration band (applique) - though I still have to knot all the thread ends and turn under the edges before I can 'Wonder-Under' it to my shawl.

I think I will be able to start adding the fringe in a few days. How many hours is it likely to take to fringe an adult shawl? Thanks again for the tips!

[Dakota Wica'hpi Ina]

Thank you both! I think I will try using my Fray Check before I cut the fringe, after I wrap it all around my cookie sheet (or whatever I end up using for that.) I think I'd make a mess trying to singe the ends!

My shawl is hemmed and I just finished sewing my decoration band (applique) - though I still have to knot all the thread ends and turn under the edges before I can 'Wonder-Under' it to my shawl.

I think I will be able to start adding the fringe in a few days. How many hours is it likely to take to fringe an adult shawl? Thanks again for the tips!

That really depends on how long you want your fringe.

[Blackbear]

yes you can draw the line with the fray check before cutting chainette ... just don't like soak it... cause it can darken up the ends...

it does'nt depend on how long you want your fringe as to how long it will take to fringe it.. it depends on how big a shawl and how close together your fringe is. If you have a standard yard and a half long shawl with 3/4 inch space between your fringe and the needle passes easily through the material... figure at least 4 hours at a good fast pace. If you are trying to get it done before a powwow... plan at least 2 days to fringe, that way you are covered for time.

[Mezzobean]

Thanks for the estimate - I cut all my fringe last night, using the Fray Check and my cookie sheet. I just checked it and it's dry and seems to look fine . . . and doesn't feel kind of 'sharp' as I've noticed on other things where I've used too much Fray Check!

My fringe spacing is actually going to be 5/8 of an inch because of a decorative stitch I used to hem my shawl fabric using my machine. The truth is that I make my living as a musician, but have problems with my wrists so there was no way I was going to be able to both hem and fringe it by hand - at least not without it taking 6 months!

I'll figure on it taking at least 6 hours to do my fringe, since it's closer together and I'll have to spread that out over at least a week or my fingers will go numb. (I used to crochet, but can't do that anymore for the same reason . . .)

Thanks again to all who have helped - both here and with my applique question. I'll post a picture when I'm done . . .

[wyo_rose]

Good luck. I have a fringe question: Anyone know where to buy the 14" chainette fringe that's already strung together?

[Mezzobean]

Crazy Crow Trading Post website shows the kind of fringe you ask about. I've pasted the link to the fringe page below . . .

http://www.crazycrow.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=570-100-000

If that doesn't work you can go to www.crazycrow.com, click on 'Products' on the left and then 'craft supplies' and at the bottom of that page there's a 'fabric & fringe' link. They say they carry both 14 and 18 inch length.

I hope this helps -Good luck!

[Blackbear]

I'll vouch for the CCTP cut fringe.. I love the stuff!

[Dakota Wica'hpi Ina]

You can try Noc Bay too, they're normally cheaper than CCTP

[AngieBuns]

And if you live in BC, try Dressew on East Hastings in Vancouver

[Mezzobean]

I checked out Noc Bay when I was looking for fringe spools and liked what I saw there, too. The reason I ordered mine from CCTP was that they said their spools are 1000 yards instead of 750 for the same $17. Since I'm spacing my fringe at 5/8 inches instead of 3/4 I thought the extra would be safer.

Well, I'm going to start adding my fringe tonight . . . I can't wait!

[wyo_rose]

Hmmm....I'll check out NOC too. Thanks for the info. I get real lazy and like to sew the cut fringe on like it comes.

[Mezzobean]

Ok ladies, I have yet ANOTHER fringe question! I actually started adding my fringe this morning and have found to my dismay that as carefully as I thought I'd wrapped (without stretching) and cut my fringe it is not all exactly the same length It's all pretty close to the same length, but not exact. . .

As this is my first shawl I need advice on trimming it, I guess. I thought maybe I'd finish all the 4 sides, then, one side at a time, drape it over a table with a good edge and take good sharp scissors and even it all up. Does that sound reasonable to those of you with more experience - or should I be doing something different?

Thanks in advance!