12 Scarf Fringe Ideas to Glam Up Your Patterns

Adding fringe to a scarf is insanely easy. While there are about a billion different fringes for scarves, there are basically two ways to add a little something extra to your scarves. The wide variety of fringe ideas come from how long you make the fringe, the weight of yarn you use, and how much yarn is added to the fringe. This makes it easy to personalize a pattern (even as a newbie knitter).

The most popular fringe method for knitted scarves and cowls is attaching the fringe directly to the bottom of the scarf. 

To do this, you will need a simple crochet hook. This is done by folding yarn into your stitches before pulling the ends through along the bottom.

Fringe created this way can easily be updated to be longer or shorter, striped by using a variety of colors, or thicker with a bulkier yarn or more strands.

Note: If adding your own fringe to a pattern, do not use a type of yarn that is thicker than the yarn used in your pattern. Pulling chunky or bulky yarn through tight worsted weight or lighter yarn could pull your stitches and cause your scarf to warp.

Adding tassels to the end of a scarf is another great way to create different types of fringe for your knitting patterns. While they might look complicated, it's actually pretty simple to make your own tassels. 

Some knitters like to use a tassel maker (we like Clover's Tassel Maker) while others DIY the process with a piece of cardboard. Check out our video below.

Adding fringe to scarves is actually pretty easy. The two basic methods (traditional fringe threaded through the bottom of the pattern and tassels) can easily be updated to transform the look. Varying the length, weight, frequency, and yarn color easily transform a pattern. Check out the ideas below for some stunning scarf fringe ideas to try. 

The fringe on this scarf is made by pulling longer cuts of yarn through your stitches. Adjust the length however you would like.

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Another simple fringe that adds a gorgeous look to your scarf. I love how this fringe extends the color blocking while softening the over texture.

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This extra long and bulky fringe makes this super scarf pattern even longer for a bold and bulky look.

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Short and sweet, the chunky yarn on this scarf makes for bold and big tassels that won't tangle.

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Alternating small tassels help to continued the striped design of this Harry Potter-inspired accessory.

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Featured on a poncho below, this tutorial from Red Heart shows you how to make tassels for knitted projects using yarn and cardboard.

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This simple and elegant single strang fringe adds a unique look to this knitting pattern.

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This charming fringe features all four colors that are on the base of the scarf, making it a smart and stylish way to use up yarn. You could even add four colors to the ends of a basic one-color scarf for a pop of color.

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This fringe idea is a little more complicated than the rest. Ending your scarf with a texture stitch like the bobble stitch and working in fringe can really add some wow to your projects.

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Jumbo yarn combined with simple and traditional fringe adds easy texture in this lovely scarf. The gradient look to the end of the scarf is a lovely little touch that really brings out the scarves many shades.

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This purposely messy and chaotic look adds so much interest to a simple cowl pattern. If you'd prefer something a little contained or calm, shorten the strings on this fringe and achieve the same look without the threat of tangles.

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The long tassels on this shawl elongate the project while highlighting it's intricate stitches. Similar tassels on a simple scarf could easily add length while taking far less time than adding row and row.

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