✨ Fringe embroidery made easy

How the Fraying Technique Works with Your ZSK Embroidery Machine

Welcome to Britta's World – today we’ll show you a playful embroidery technique that adds texture, depth and movement to your designs: fraying, also known as fringe embroidery. By carefully removing the bobbin thread, pretty fringes are created, reminiscent of fur, hair, petals or fluff – perfect for creative projects, children’s clothing, home textiles or textile art.

🧵 What is Fraying?

In the fraying technique, the embroidery design is stitched with a special structure – usually a satin stitch. The bobbin thread is then removed from the back, causing the top threads to loosen and create a fringe effect.

✅ What You Need

Machine embroidery accessories:

• ZSK embroidery machine
• Embroidery needle for thicker threads (e.g. size 80)
• Stabiliser: Cut Away CMX 80
• Fine-tipped scissors, e.g. embroidery scissors
• Stitch Eraser or removal tool for precise cutting of the bobbin thread

Materials:

• Embroidery thread (e.g. Madeira Rayon or special effect threads)
• Bobbin thread, e.g. Madeira Burmilon 120

Step-by-Step Guide: Fringing with Your ZSK Embroidery Machine

1. 1️⃣ Stitch the motif with a satin stitch

   Stitch your motif as usual using a satin stitch. Tip: Several layers of overlapping satin stitches will create fuller fringes later on.
   Important: Use a locking stitch at the start and end to ensure the embroidery remains stable.

2. 2️⃣ Remove the bobbin thread from the back

   Turn the embroidered textile inside out. Carefully cut the Burmilon 120 bobbin thread with fine-tipped scissors or the Stitch Eraser, taking care not to damage the top threads.

3. 3️⃣ Fluff up the fringes

   Now, using your fingers or a small brush, tease out the threads – and voilà: the fringe effect appears! Depending on the thread chosen, the fringes can look soft, fluffy or even wiry.

💡 Pro Tip:

For thicker effect threads, a sturdy base such as Cut Away CMX 80 and a larger needle for better clearance are recommended.

🎨 Inspiration: What Can You Use Fraying For?

• Animals: lion’s mane, bear’s fur, bird feathers
• Flowers: fluffy petals (e.g. dandelions, dahlias, sunflowers)
• Textile art: combined with appliqué or 3D embroidery
• Children’s textiles: cuddly animals on bibs, shirts, cushions
• Fashion: playful details on sleeves, hems or pockets

🛒 Directly to the Right Accessories

• ✂️ Embroidery scissors – for precise cutting
• ⚡ Stitch Eraser – for removing the bobbin thread
• 🧵 Burmilon 120 bobbin thread – ideal for fringing – available in the Madeira online shop
• 🧷 Cut Away CMX 80 – sturdy embroidery stabiliser for heavy threads – available in the Madeira online shop

If you’re in the mood for creative textile projects, the fringing technique is a wonderful place to start. Give it a try – your embroidery machine can do more than you think!