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How to make and add fringe to your garments

August 04, 2021

Folwear 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt Pattern Cover illustration

Got a Cowgirl spirit? Then you definitely need the Folkwear the 243 Cowgirl Skirt to channel that energy! Whether heading for a wild rodeo, saloon, country picnic, or dance floor this Western-styled skirt has lots of flair. This skirt has all the details needed and then some to make an everyday or a fun occasion piece. This easy to make pattern is on sale all month. The Folkwear 243 Rodeo Cowgirl skirt comes as a PDF Pattern.

Photo of Model wearing Folkwear 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt

Both Views included in the pattern feature a flared A-line silhouette, shaped waistline with front and back darts, waist facing, lace-up back closing, and several easy-to-apply hip yoke shapes for fun. View A sports a shaped hem applique. View B has a swishy hem flounce and hip/pocket yoke.

Folkwear 243 Rodeo Cowgirl Skirt different detail illustrations

For the perfect cowgirl fabrics to make the skirt consider denim, cotton, linen, suede, leather, lace, or silk. Then add your personal cowgirl statement in fringe and embroidery or studs and applique patches, to create an adventurous collection of skirts for everyday, weekend, and party wear.

Every cowgirl knows that a true cowgirl skirt needs a sassy swish of fringe! Customizing your skirt with fringe is easy and fun to do. Fringe trim can be found ready made or easily make your own. Keep reading to learn to make your own fringe!

Either dress your skirt up or down depending on your mood. Even change the fringe out for another color. Fringe can be applied to the wrong side of your garment, just under the hem edge or other edges. Use a quick and easy whip-stitch to secure the fringe. If you decide to remove the fringe... then just snip the whip-stitch and wear sans fringe for a simple everyday look (see photo below). Dress up your cowgirl skirt or not... adding fringe is easy and commitment free!

Make Simple Fringe

To make your own fringe, cut strips of fabric 4-inches (10cm) wide, along lengthwise or crosswise grain. With chalk or thread, mark the 1/2-inch (13mm) stitching line along one edge. Cut the fringe ends 1/4-inch (6mm) wide, stopping at the marked line. During garment construction, sandwich the fringe strip between pieces being stitched together, matching the raw edges. Insert purchased or custom fringe in any seam you desire or topstitch to finished seams or hem.

Tips for Fringe Making

Leather fringe is easy to make using a bladed and metal straight edge. Be sure to cut on a cutting surface. It might take a couple of cutting passes even if using a sharp blade, so be careful. Sharp scissors will work as well.

Photo of cutting fringe using an exacto blade and straight edge

Fringe can be made out of any fabric, but realize that fringe made from woven fabric may ravel and fray. If you do not want this effect, choose leather, suede, Ultrasuede, or other nonwoven fabric (felt) as a contrast to the main body of the garment (e.g. suede fringe on a denim skirt).

Trim fringe out of seam allowances before stitching seams, to reduce bulk.

Avoid fringing intricately shaped or very pointed areas, because fringe ends may cross each other and may not hang straight.

To create twisted fringe in light-weight leather or suede. Dampen the fringe, twist to a desired tightness, and pin to a corkboard or piece of cardboard until dry. Using a spray bottle works great.