How to Use the Fringe Foot
A fringe foot (also known as a looper foot or tailor tack foot) is a cool addition to your sewing toolbox. With just a zigzag stitch, you can incorporate a lot of decorative, textured looks to your projects.
The most important feature is that raised central bar. When you sew using a zigzag or similar stitch , that bar allows more thread to go in each stitch. Thus creating loops, which can be manipulated to create fringe.
The extra thread creates wider loops of thread. Because of all this extra thread, the foot is open in the center-bottom portion to avoid the thread getting caught.
In the front of the fringe foot, you see a pronounced V shape. Use the tip of the V to guide the fabric so the loops are perfectly positioned.
It also works well for appliqué, embroidery and other decorative stitches. In this example you can see how the foot allows the embroidery to align between the rows of stitches already created.
What can a fringe foot do?
The fringe foot is probably one of the most versatile presser feet for adding decorative details to your sewing projects.
I can think at least four different effects you can achieve, depending on the stitch you use, if you cut the stitches and how you position the fabric under the presser foot.
Top Tip: When using a fringe foot, you might need to make lightweight fabrics more stable. Use embroidery water-soluble stabilizer, or even just one layer of toilet paper between the fabric and the needle plate.
Play with different types of thread. Polyester, embroidery cotton and buttonhole silk are a few of my favourites. Use a thicker thread for a more dramatic effect. Experimentation is key when learning how best to use this foot for your projects.
Each sewing machine is different, so I suggest you do two things before sewing with your fringe foot:
1. Check your manual! It might list different settings from mine.
2. Play around with different threads, tensions, fabrics, stitches and stitch widths
Each time you start sewing with a fringe foot, do the first 2-3 stitches by hand. This way you can be sure there won’t be metal hitting metal, which runs the risk of breaking a needle — or worse, ruining your sewing machine timing.
When you finish a seam, hold the fabric and both the threads with your left hand, while pulling toward the back of the sewing machine. The majority of the time, it will be hard to pull. Just move the hand crank with your right hand to free the threads while pulling.
To secure thread tails, always gently pull them both on the wrong side of the work, knot them together and hide them using a needle. Never let them free or it will unravel.
Simple loops
When sewn next to each other give a chenille like effect.
This style is easy to achieve and looks impressive! For this effect, you leave the loops intact, forming a little arc on top of the fabric, perfect to highlight shaped details. I love the look of a few straight lines next to one another, going through the whole project.
Settings for your machine:
• Stitch: Regular zigzag or triple zigzag (for a fuller look)
• Stitch length: 0 – 0.5 (buttonholes settings)
• Stitch width: 3-5
• Spool tension: 0-1
Directions: Holding the thread tails with your left hand, start sewing with your fringe foot, following your design.
Once you’re done, slide your work backwards, by gently pulling it toward the back of the sewing machine, to clear the threads from the centre of the foot.
Cut threads without pulling the bobbin thread (or it will come out). Repeat as often as you wish.
Simple Fringe
You will get to use #29 the Open Toe foot from your Madam Sew kit to complete this effect.
With just one more row of straight stitches, we can achieve a stunning fringe without cutting any thread. Settings for your machine:
• Stitch: Regular zigzag or triple zigzag (for a fuller look)
• Stitch length: 0-0.5 (buttonholes settings)
• Stitch width: 3-5
• Spool tension: 0-1
Following the chenille instructions above until you have a row of stitches. Then switch to your open toe foot.
Place the fabric under the presser foot so the needle goes into the fabric aligned with the left edge of the stitching. Turn back your tension to normal or auto. Sew using a triple straight stitch to lock the threads.
Remove the original bobbin thread and tease the fringe to the front of the project.
Video Tutorial
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