How To Use The Fringe Foot?

How To Use The Fringe Foot?

Are you looking for ways to take your sewing projects to new heights? The good news is that with the right tools and techniques, it’s not too difficult!

One of those individual tools that can help you make beautiful garments and other items out of fabric is a Fringe Foot. This specialized foot allows users to add decorative rows of fringe edging or trims around quilts, pillows, costumes, apparel pieces – anything.

In this post, we’ll explore how to use the Fringe Foot effectively so you can create gorgeous handmade works in no time. So if you’re ready to get started on adding some exciting fringes into your fabrics today then let’s dive right in!

What Is A Fringe Foot?

A fringe foot, also known as a looping foot, is an attachment for a sewing machine that makes it easier to sew fringes or ruffles.

It typically consists of a curved metal plate with two slots and an adjustable knob at the back. With this foot, the fabric can be quickly and easily gathered into even pleats or ruffles without the need for additional gathering stitches.

The foot fits over the needle bar and presser foot, allowing the feed dogs to move in small increments which create tiny folds in the fabric. The amount of gather can be adjusted by changing the tension on the knob and adjusting how far apart you place your fabric underneath.

Fringe feet are popular among quilters, dressmakers, crafters, and other sewers who are looking to add decorative detail to their projects. They’re easy to use, simple to adjust, and can save hours of hand gathering.

Plus, since the ruffles or fringes come out even every time, they look professional and polished. So if you’re looking for an easy way to add some extra flair to your projects, be sure to pick up a fringe foot!

How To Use The Fringe Foot For Your Sewing Projects?

Sewing can be a creative and fulfilling hobby, but it requires the right tools to achieve your desired outcomes.

One of the essential tools in sewing is the Fringe/Looping Foot. This foot is useful in creating loops and fringes in your fabric, which adds texture and dimension to your sewing projects.

If you’re not already familiar with the Fringe/Looping Foot, don’t worry. We will guide you on how to use the fringe foot like a pro.

1. Making The Intact Eyelash Loops With The Fringe Foot

Intact eyelash loops are an excellent addition to your embroidery, crafts, and garment sewing. They add texture and dimension to your sewing projects, and the Fringe Foot is the best tool to use when making them.

To make intact eyelash loops using this foot, place your fabric beneath the foot, and the needle will penetrate it. Take a strand of embroidery floss or yarn and lay it across the fabric’s width.

Sew over the strand for approximately 1 inch, then add a second strand, sewing over it for an inch as well. Keep adding strands until you reach the desired width or length.

Cut off the loops’ edges evenly, and you have your intact eyelash loops.

• Stitch tension: For this technique, the tension should be set on a lighter setting than what is recommended for normal stitching.
• Stitch width: The stitch width should be set at 5.0 – 6.0 mm for the best results.
• Stitch length: The stitch length should be set to around 1.5 mm.

2. Using The Fringe Foot When Making One-Sided Eyelash Fringe

One-sided eyelash fringes are fantastic for adding detail to your sewing projects, and they’re easy to make using the Fringe Foot.

To get started, select the yarn or thread that you want to use and set it up under the foot, making sure that the material’s right side is at the bottom. Stitch the fabric, gently pulling the thread to create loops.

Once you reach the end of the fabric, softly slide it from the needle. You can now easily pull on the stitching to make the loops longer.

The result is a beautiful one-sided eyelash fringe that adds an extra touch of elegance to your sewing projects.

• Stitch tension: The stitch tension should be set to normal for best results.
• Stitch width: Depending on the size of the fringe you want to make, choose a stitch width between 0.5 and 2mm.
• Stitch length: For a neat finish, use a stitch length of 0.4 to 2mm.

3. Using The Fringe Foot To Make Eyelash Loops Or One-Sided Loops

Besides one-sided eyelash fringe, you can also use the Fringe Foot to create one-sided loops or eyelash loops. This technique is almost similar to making one-sided eyelash fringe.

To make one-sided loops or eyelash loops, simply select the thread or yarn that you want to use, set up the sewing machine, and start stitching the fabric, pulling the thread gently while creating loops.

Once you reach the end of the fabric, slide it from the needle and gently pull on the stitching to make the loops longer. By varying the length of the loops, you can create an intricate pattern with your fabric.

Stitch tension: When creating loops, use a medium-tension stitch. Any higher tension might make the loops too tight and any looser stitch tension will cause the loops to come undone.

Stitch width: It is recommended to use a wide stitch width when making loops or eyelash fringe. The wider the loop, the more prominent and intricate will be your pattern. We suggest using a stitch width of at least 4mm.

Stitch length: Keep the stitch length short. A longer stitch length might cause some of your loops to unravel. We suggest using a stitch length between 1mm and 2mm.

4. Using As A Tailor Tack To Baste Clothes

The Fringe Foot can also be used as a tailor tack to baste garments. Tailor tacks are used by tailors and dressmakers to mark points on the fabric for stitching, and they’re essential for creating quality garments that fit perfectly.

To use the Fringe Foot as a tailor tack, simply set your machine on the straight stitch setting and place a scrap of fabric beneath the foot, allowing one thread of the needle to penetrate it.

Without cutting the thread, keep sewing a few more stitches over this piece of fabric before taking out both pieces from under the foot. You have now created a tailor tack which you can use to mark points for accurate stitching in your garment projects.

Stitch tension: If you’re using the Fringe Foot for delicate fabrics, a lower stitch tension will help to create finer stitches.

Stitch width: The stitch width should be adjusted for the size of the fringe you want to make. For smaller fringes, a narrower stitch width is preferred, while a wider stitch width will produce larger fringes. We recommended a stitch width of 3.0 to 4.5 mm for most projects.

Stitch length: For most fabrics, the stitch length should be set to a maximum of 2.5 mm for best results.

5. Utilizing the Fringe Foot While Overcasting

An overcasting stitch is a technique used to finish raw edges in the fabric and prevent them from fraying. This technique can also be done using the Fringe Foot, adding an interesting texture to the edge of your fabric.

To do this, adjust your machine’s needle position to one side and set it on a zig-zag stitch. Place a scrap piece of fabric beneath the foot and make sure that it doesn’t move while stitching.

With the zig-zag stitch, you can easily create an overcast edging on your fabric without worrying about fraying or unraveling threads.

Stitch tension: Use a slightly tight tension when creating an overcast stitch with the Fringe Foot. You may have to test a few different tensions on scraps of fabric before stitching on your project.

Stitch width: The stitch width should be set wide enough so that the zig-zag stitches will overlap and catch the fabric edge, preventing it from fraying. The recommendation is a width of between 3 to 5mm.

Stitch length: The stitch length should be as short as possible, without compromising the stitch width. A length of 1mm should be adequate for most fabrics.

6. Utilizing the Presser Foot To Sew Fagoted Seams

A fagoted seam is a technique used to join two pieces of fabric together, usually for decorative purposes. You can also use the Fringe Foot to stitch fagoted seams onto your fabric.

To do this, select the yarn or thread that you want to use and set up your machine with the correct needle position. Place a scrap piece of fabric beneath the foot and start stitching while pulling on the yarn gently to create loops.

Once you reach the end of the fabric, slide it from under the foot and cut off any excess threads. The result is an eye-catching fagoted seam that adds texture and dimension to your sewing projects.

Stitch tension: When stitching fagoted seams, it’s important to adjust the stitch tension of your machine so that the stitches are not too loose or too tight. It’s best to use a medium-weight thread or yarn so that the fabric will not be distorted when stitching.

Stitch width: Adjust the stitch width on your presser foot so that the loops of thread are evenly spaced and not too close together. We recommend using a stitch width of around 3 to 4mm.

Stitch length: It’s best to use shorter stitches when stitching a fagoted seam with the Fringe Foot. We recommend setting your stitch length to 2.5mm or smaller for best results.

So, how to use the fringe foot? With just a few simple steps, you can make beautiful and intricate embellishments with your sewing machine. Whether you’re making one-sided eyelash fringe, loops, and eyelash loops, or using the foot as a tailor tack to baste garments, you can create stunning effects in all of your sewing projects.

What Types of Fabric and Thread Work Best With A Fringe Foot?

When it comes to answering “how to use the fringe foot,” the fabric and thread you choose will have an effect on how your finished project looks.

For best results, we recommend using lightweight fabrics such as cotton, silk, or chiffon for making loops with the Fringe Foot. You can also experiment with heavier fabrics such as denim or velvet, but you may need to adjust the stitch tension accordingly.

As for thread, it’s best to use a medium-weight thread that has some stretch and elasticity. This will help ensure that your loops stay in place after stitching.

If you want to create finer fringes or eyelash fringes, opt for thinner threads like mercerized cotton or polyester. However, if you’re creating thicker loops, a heavier thread such as nylon or rayon should do the trick.

Although the Fringe Foot is a great tool for creating decorative fringes and loops, it’s important to remember that some experimentation may be required. For best results, try different combinations of fabrics and threads until you find the perfect combination for your project.

FAQs

How to Attach the Fringe Foot to the Sewing Machine?

To attach the Fringe Foot to your sewing machine, simply line up the two notches at the back of the foot with the pin on your machine’s presser bar.

Then lower the foot onto the bar until it clicks into place. Make sure that you tighten the screw on the side of the foot so that it’s securely attached before starting to use it.

Does The Fringe Foot Work With All Types Of Sewing Machines?

Most modern sewing machines are compatible with a Fringe Foot, but there are some exceptions.

If you’re unsure whether or not your machine is compatible, refer to your user manual for more information or contact customer service for further assistance.

What Settings To Use With The Fringe Foot?

When using the Fringe Foot, it’s important to adjust the settings on your sewing machine accordingly.

We recommend a stitch width of 3 to 4.5 mm for most projects, with a maximum stitch length of 2.5mm. For overcasting stitches, set the needle position to one side and use a stitch width of 3 to 5mm.

When stitching fagoted seams, adjust the tension so that it’s neither too loose nor too tight, and use a stitch width of around 3 to 4mm with a stitch length of 1 to 2mm.

Do You Need To Use A Special Needle With The Fringe Foot?

No, you don’t need to use a special needle when using the Fringe Foot. Any standard, universal sewing machine needle will do.

However, if you’re using heavier fabrics or threads, it’s a good idea to switch to a thicker needle size for better results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Fringe Foot is a great way to add texture and uniqueness to your projects. Whether you are an experienced sewer or just starting out, this technique can take your sewing to the next level.

With some practice and perseverance, you can learn how to use the fringe foot with ease. Just remember that it is important to use a light touch when using this foot and make sure your lines remain straight.

Learning to use the fringe foot allows for endless possibilities when it comes to your projects so go ahead and give it a try! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you are able to incorporate this technique into your sewing projects.

References:

3 Easy Ways to Stop Fabric from Fraying

Presser foot – Wikipedia

https://guides.library.unt.edu/spark/sewing

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516031.htm