On a recent rug of the month post, Ania showcased a rug that was finished with a double knotted fringe. This is a fun technique, and Ania decided she wanted to provide a step-by-step guide on how to create that fringe.
This is a time consuming process, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Step 1: I first whipped the short edges of the rug with thick linen thread. I then crocheted over the whipped edge with the same thread. In this example, since I knew I wanted a white fringe, I used a white thread.
I went into further detail on how to crochet the edge of a rug in a prior blog post.
Step 2: I cut linen thread into 12 inch pieces. I combined those 12 inch pieces of thread into groups of three. I folded each group of three pieces of thread in half, and pulled them through the edge of the crocheted section. The loop should be on the underside of the rug, as shown in the photo above.
The free stands from the top were passed through the loop and tightened. We’ve now created a number of six thread segments. These six thread segments will be the foundation for all the knots we’ll create.
Step 3: To start your first row of knots, take all six threads on the right hand edge of your rug and separate out the next segment of six threads into two sets of three.
Step 4: The first row of knots will be made using a half hitch knot. To start your first half hitch knot, take the three strands you separated out, and loop them over and under the six strands.
Step 5: Pass the end of the three strands through the loop you’ve created, as shown above.
Step 6: When you tighten the knot, make sure you keep the knot centered between the two segments of thread. I found it helpful to use a wooden spoon to ensure I created even knots (as shown in step 7e below).
Step 7: Once you’ve completed your first knot, separate out the third segment of six threads into two sets of three pieces. To create the first knot, I used the first segment of thread, and half of the second segment of thread. To create the second knot, I used the remaining half of the second segment of thread and half of the third segment of thread.
All of the knots in the middle of your rug will be made with two halves from two segments of thread. The only knots that will use all six threads in one segment will be the two on the ends.
Continue to tie half hitch knots across the edge of your rug, as shown in the images below, labeled step 7b, step 7c, step 7d, and step 7e. To ensure all my knots were evenly spaced, I used a wooden spoon while tightening my knots (as seen in step 7e below).
Step 8: Once you’ve completed your first row of knots, it’s time to move onto the second row. In the first row of knots, I separated out each segment of six strands of thread into two sets of three. In the second row of knots, I tied those six original strands back together.
For the second row of knots, I used an overhand knot instead of a half hitch knot.
Step 9: To create an overhand knot, gather all six strands together and create a loop over the two sets of thread.
Step 10: Pass the six strands through the loop as shown above.
Step 11: Tighten the knot, and continue with this technique across the rest of your rug.
Step 12: Once you’ve completed all your knots, trim your fringe to the length you desire with a rotary cutter and a straight edge ruler.
Ta-da! Wash your spoon, place it back in your drawer and bask in the glory of your beautiful fringe!
If you have any questions on this technique, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy knotting!
My Mother's a Hooker 