The bohemian fringe! They look so beautiful and smooth, but how do you get the perfect macrame fringe? At some point, we all have ended up with a fringe too short trying to make it look right. It’s not easy. Fringe envy is real!

There are a few tricks to help you achieve the perfect macrame fringe and I am going to share them with you today.

Let’s start:

Before you even start cutting you need to make sure you have a well brushed fringe. Unravel your string starting from the top and then use a pet brush to comb the fringe (you can use a normal comb too but be warned, it takes much longer to achieve a well brushed fringe). Brush it until the fringe is nice and straight.

Working with a single twist string will make this process easier than using a 3-ply string. Also. single twist strings are much softer and therefore the overall look will be fluffier and softer.

Once you have a well-brushed fringe it’s time to cut, to help you with this process, you can use spray starch to ‘fix’ your fringe. I don’t use this step but I know other macrame artists do.

Version 1

Book. Until recently this was my way to cut a macrame fringe. Take the macrame on a flat surface, place a book on top of the fringe at the desired angle and star cutting. Then place the book on the other side, mirror the same angle and start cutting.

Pro- quick to do, you can use any book

Cons- difficult to mirror the exact same angle

Version 2

Masking tape (alternative washi tape). BEST method to cut the perfect fringe. Take the macrame on a flat surface, use the masking tape (don’t use other tapes or the glue will stick to the fringe) and make a triangle or a line. You can use a measuring tape to double-check that all the distance is correct and consistent before start cutting underneath the tape. Extra tip, with a ruler, draw a line so you know exactly where to cut.

Pro- perfect and consistent length

Cons- take time to place the tape but totally worth it

Version 3

Fold in half. Perfect for small macrame items like bunting, cushion cover, wall hanging on a string.

Fold your macrame piece in half and cut the fringe. You can use a book and masking tape too to help you.

Pro- saves time

Cons- can be used only for small macrame items

Version 4

Measuring tape. Sometimes is the only way to cut the fringe on extra large wall hanging or round macrame items like a wreath or a lampshade. Start from one end with your measuring tape and cut away.

Pro- perfect and consistent length

Cons- time-consuming but sometimes there are no other alternatives

I hope these tricks will help you cut the perfect macrame fringe. If you know any other ways to achieve the perfect macrame fringe, please share them with me, I am always keen to discover new techniques.

Thank you

with love

Isabella