Fringes, Pom-Poms & More: Decorative Elements for Your Project
Sometimes a clean basic needs a little movement, texture, or focus. With fringes, tassels, pom-poms, crochet edgings, applied i-cord, and duplicate stitch, you can turn any knit or crochet piece into a custom favourite. Below: when to use what, the right materials, and step-by-step mini tutorials—plus durability, care and safety notes.
🎯 When decoration works best
Motion & texture: fringes/tassels for shawls, kimonos, cushions.
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Focal points: pom-poms on hats, ties, slippers.
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Clean finish: applied i-cord or a neat crochet edge.
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Personal touch: duplicate stitch for letters & tiny motifs.
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Less is more: choose flat edgings for baby items or heavy-duty pieces.
🧵 Materials
Leftover yarns, sharp scissors, tapestry needle, pom-pom maker or cardboard, crochet hook/needles. Optional beads/buttons only for adult items, firmly secured.
🛠️ Mini Tutorials
🪶 Fringes
Cut 2–6 strands per bundle (≈ 2× final length + ½"). Pull a loop through the edge, pass ends through the loop (lark's head), tighten, trim; optionally comb.
🎋 Tassels
Wrap yarn around cardboard, tie at the top, cut the bottom, wrap the neck tightly, attach via loop.
🍡 Pom-poms
Use a maker or cardboard rings; tie the centre very tight; trim generously, then refine. Sew on with a through-thread and a backing knot (for hats, secure through the lining).
🧷 Crochet edgings — clearly explained
Legend:
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ch = chain
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sl st = slip stitch
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UK: dc = US: sc
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UK: tr = US: dc
Quick rule: UK is one level "higher" than US (UK-dc = US-sc; UK-tr = US-dc).
1) Simple edge (single crochet):
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UK: Work dc evenly around edge; join with sl st.
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US: Work sc evenly around edge; join with sl st.
Tip: along side edges approx. 1 sc per row; wavy → fewer sts; pulling → more sts. Corners: 3 sc (or sc, ch1, sc) in the corner stitch.
2) Picot edge:
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UK (in the round): *dc in next st, ch3, sl st in 1st ch, skip 1 st* – rep
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US (round): *sc in next st, ch3, sl st in 1st ch, skip 1 st* – rep
Corners: sc, picot, sc in the corner stitch.
3) Shell edge:
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UK: *5 tr in same st, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, skip 2 sts* – rep
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US: *5 dc in same st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts* – rep
Corners: work 7 tr/dc in the corner stitch for a smooth turn.
🧶 Applied i-cord
Cast on 3 sts. Row: k2, sl1, pick up 1 edge st, ssk (slipped st with picked-up st), turn. Repeat.
✒️ Duplicate stitch
Embroider along the V's for letters or tiny motifs—perfect to add colour after knitting.
💡 Ideas
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Shawl rhythm: fringes only on the slanted sides.
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Hat pop: oversized contrast pom-pom; make it removable with a button.
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Cardigan polish: i-cord around fronts and neckline.
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Baby blanket: neat dc/sc edge + tiny corner picots.
🛡️ Durability & safety
Secure knots, a tiny dot of textile glue inside if needed, practical lengths, no beads/small parts for baby items, gentle wash.
✅ My Takeaway
From subtle to statement—decoration is your dial. Add just enough to make the piece yours.
📣 Show & tell!
Share your detail and tag #strickenimtrend—I love featuring your ideas.
#strickenimtrend #knittingtips #crochetborder #pompom #decorativeknits
Stay curious, stay stitch-smitten—and give your project a tiny extra today.
With love
Kathrin 🎀
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