All Instructions

Fringed Pom-Pom instructions

Pom-Pom Instructions for Fringed Designs

Creating pom-poms with fringed embroidery designs is simple and fun! Follow these steps to get started.

Watch the video tutorial for this project on YouTube:

A finished cheerleader-themed embroidery design featuring a fringed pom-pom.

The Basic Technique

Creating fringe is a straightforward process. Begin by embroidering the design as you normally would. The larger satin stitches that form the fringe will appear loose.

Once you've finished stitching the design, turn your hoop over to view the reverse side and cut the bobbin thread along the long satin stitches.

Now, flip the hoop back to the front and fluff up the "fringe" around the design.

Recommended Scissors

I use scissors from Fiskars and Kai, which I truly adore. You can find them on Amazon at the following links:

A pair of Kai 4-inch Curved Needlecraft Scissors.

A pair of orange-handled Fiskars Curved Craft Scissors.

While I find Kai scissors to be superior, they pose a higher risk of cutting through the base fabric. Fiskars scissors, on the other hand, may require sharpening after some use. For that, the Fiskars Clip-Sharp Scissors Sharpener is an excellent choice, available here: https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-6411501960078-Clip-Sharp-Total-Length/dp/B001GHV3AM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

The Fiskars Clip-Sharp Scissors Sharpener.

Overall, my preference leans towards Kai for their quality.

More Video Tutorials

You can also find video tutorials for similar fringed projects on my YouTube channel, as the technique remains the same:

A banner for the Artapli YouTube channel.

Looped vs. Open-Ended Fringe

On the back of the project, you will need to cut the bobbin thread that runs along the long satin stitches. This will create a looped fringe on the right side.

Sometimes, the bobbin thread might not be visible. It's quite simple to adjust the tension of your bobbin thread to make it looser, allowing you to see it more clearly. Then, you can trim only the bobbin thread, and as a result, you will get a fringe with loops. If you don't want to make any adjustments to your embroidery machine, you can still trim by estimating where the bobbin thread might be. Start by trimming small amounts at a time. This might result in the fringe having open-ended threads instead of loops, which is also perfectly fine.

For the best results, I recommend using polyester embroidery threads instead of rayon or silk. When cutting the fringe, it's best to use small, sharp embroidery scissors rather than thread nippers or other thread removers.

I hope this information was helpful.

The Process

Complete the design. Fringe designs have rows of satin columns—those are the stitches you will work with to make the fringe.

When the embroidery is complete, you can unhoop. Turn the project over to see the back side.

The back of the embroidery hoop showing the bobbin threads that need to be cut for the fringe.

Cut the bobbin stitches of the first thread color that is on top. Continue step-by-step, cutting the bobbin stitches for all colors.

Using small, sharp scissors to carefully cut the bobbin threads on the back of the project.

Turn the embroidery to the front side, and gently fluff the fringe with the point of a small pair of scissors.

Fluffing the fringe on the front of the design with the tip of scissors to create a pom-pom effect.

Washing Instructions for Fringed Designs

To ensure the longevity of your fringed embroidery designs, follow these care instructions:

  • Wash gently according to the thread care recommendations.
  • Use a washing bag to protect the fringed elements from tangling or damage.
  • -
  • Avoid tumble drying; instead, air-dry your item to maintain the design's integrity.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your fringed designs looking beautiful for a long time! 😊

Related Designs