89 Free Fringe Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Fringe is a general term for decorative things hanging off the edge of a piece. It’s a fun decorative touch, and can totally change the feel of a project. The pattern might incorporate fringe the stitching, or it is often added later in small bundles. It is usually made of individual pieces of yarn, but it can also be stitched items such as bobbles or just crochet chains.

Fringe is common on blankets and the ends of scarves, but it can also be on pillows, baskets, cowls, shawls, and more!

Be inspired with the new ways you can add fringe, shown in this collection of 89 Yarnspirations patterns!

Also on the Blog

• Free Textured Crochet Patterns
• Knit the Fringed Eyelet Scarf with Marly Bird
• Free Ribbed Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fringe and how is it added to crochet and knit projects?

Fringe is decorative strands of yarn attached to the edges of a project to create a hanging, textured border. To add fringe, you cut lengths of yarn, fold them in half, insert the folded loop through an edge stitch with a crochet hook, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. That’s it! It’s a quick finishing technique that instantly adds movement and visual interest. You can vary fringe length, density, how many strands per group, and whether you twist or braid it for different effects.

What types of projects look best with fringe?

Shawls and wraps are the classic fringe canvas… long fringe hanging from the ends of a shawl creates beautiful movement when you walk or gesture. Scarves look gorgeous with fringe. Bags and purses with fringe are very boho-chic. Blanket and throw edges benefit from fringe for a decorative finish. Some garments use fringe as a design element (think fringed jackets and vests). And decorative home items like wall hangings and macrame-adjacent projects often feature fringe as a primary design element rather than just a finishing detail.

How long should fringe be?

There’s no rule… it’s entirely aesthetic! Short fringe (2 to 3 inches) is subtle and tidy. Medium fringe (4 to 6 inches) is classic and versatile. Long fringe (8 to 12+ inches) makes a dramatic statement. Consider the scale of the project… a small shawlette looks balanced with shorter fringe while a large wrap can carry dramatic long fringe. Also consider practicality… very long fringe can tangle or catch on things in daily wear. Make a test sample with a few strands at your intended length before committing to the full edge.

How do I keep fringe from tangling?

A few strategies help! Twist fringe after attaching… take groups of strands and twist them in one direction, then knot at the bottom to hold the twist. This creates a beautiful rope-like effect and keeps strands from separating and tangling. Braiding fringe works similarly. For very long fringe on something that gets a lot of movement, knot at intervals down the length. Smooth yarn fibers tangle less than fuzzy or textured ones. And storing fringed items folded carefully (fringe together rather than bunched) prevents a lot of tangling between wearings.

Can I add fringe to an already-finished project?

Absolutely! Fringe is one of the easiest embellishments to add after the fact. As long as you have accessible edge stitches or rows to attach the fringe to, you can add it at any time. Use a crochet hook to slip each fringe group through the edge. This is particularly popular for adding fringe to a plain scarf or shawl you’ve already completed but want to elevate. The same technique works whether you’re adding fringe right after finishing or years later when you decide the project needs a little something extra.