Why Do Woven Blankets Have a Fringe?

There's something instantly cozy about a woven blanket, the soft texture, the artful design, and the way those delicate fringes flutter at the edges. While it might seem like just a decorative touch, the fringe serves a deeper purpose in how woven blankets are made and enjoyed.

At FiberArt, we've been weaving textiles for over 30 years, and we still find joy in the small details, especially the fringe. It's a classic feature that not only adds charm but also reflects the craft and care behind every blanket.

So, what exactly is a fringe? And why does every woven blanket seem to have one? Let's take a closer look.

What Is a Fringe?

A fringe is a border made of loose threads that hang off the edge of a woven fabric. In blankets, the fringe is usually found on all four sides and looks like a row of tiny tassels. These threads are part of the woven structure itself. They're not sewn on afterward.

Furthermore, a fringe can be short or long, straight or twisted, colorful or neutral. No matter the style, it adds softness and movement to the blanket. In addition, a fringe tells a story about how the blanket was made from the loom to the finish.

Why Woven Blankets Have a Fringe Around All Edges

However, the fringe isn't just for looks or to improve the aesthetics of the product. In woven blankets, it serves several important roles. Here's why our woven blankets have a fringe around all edges:

1. It is Part of the Weaving Process

When we weave a blanket, we create two edges of fringe naturally by the threads running through the loom. These are called warp threads. They're the vertical strands that form the foundation of the blanket. At the end of the weaving process, those warp threads extend past the finished edge, creating the fringe. It's a built-in feature, not an add-on.

2. It Prevents the Blanket from Unraveling

In addition, fringe helps stabilize the edges of the fabric. After weaving, the rest of the blanket is secure, but the edge threads need to be tied off or finished somehow. Leaving them as fringe helps keep the weave intact without bulky seams or stitching. It's a neat, effective solution that honors traditional craftsmanship.

3. It Adds Movement and Style

From a design perspective, fringe adds a sense of softness and motion. It gives the blanket a relaxed, natural look that feels more artisanal than stiff or industrial. That little sway in the fringe when you move the blanket is also part of what makes woven items feel inviting and handmade.

4. It Reflects Traditional Weaving Techniques

Fringe has been used in weaving for centuries. Keeping it intact is a way to honor that heritage. In many cultures, fringe was a sign of careful handcraft and a point of pride among weavers. Today, it connects your product to a legacy of artistry and texture.

5. It Frames the Artwork on the Blanket

Also, woven blankets often carry beautiful patterns, illustrations, or messages. The fringe acts like a border, gently outlining the artwork without competing with it. It helps set the scene and highlight the image just like a frame enhances a painting.

6. It Offers Flexibility in Finishing Options

Fringe gives each blanket a distinct edge without limiting design choices. Some artists twist the threads for a braided look, others keep it loose for a breezy feel. It's easy to customize and keeps the final product true to the artist's style.

7. It Makes the Blanket Feel More Premium

Luxury buyers appreciate detail. Fringe shows that the blanket was made with care and tradition. It elevates the piece from "just a product" to "something worth keeping." It makes the woven blanket a textile with personality and craftsmanship.

Why Fringe Color Can Vary

If you've noticed that the fringe color sometimes doesn't match the rest of the blanket exactly, that's by design. Here's why:

• The fringe is made from the same warp and weft yarns used in weaving. Our standard warp yarn is that rainbow fringe that you saw at the top of this blog, and our weft yarn is usually neutral or standard colors like black and white.

• During weaving, yarn is interlaced horizontally (weft) to create the design. This means that the fringe from the weft tends to be different from the fringe of the warp.

In short, fringe color depends on the structure of the weave and the creative choices made during setup. But no matter the shade, it adds character and authenticity to the finished blanket.

Conclusion – Fringe in Woven Blankets is Beautiful and Functional

Fringe might seem like a small detail, but for woven blankets, it plays a big role. It's more than decoration, it's a connection to tradition and a function of the weaving process. Also, it is a finishing touch that adds elegance and emotion.

At FiberArt, we celebrate the fringe as a sign of quality. It shows that every blanket was made using time-honored methods, woven from start to finish in the United States, using sustainable materials and clean energy practices. Also, each fringe is just as thoughtful as the design it borders.

Hence, the next time you wrap yourself in a woven blanket and feel the fringe graze your skin, remember, it's there for comfort, for style, and to tell a story. 

Want to create custom woven blankets that carry your art, your message, and your story? Request a quote today and start building a collection that feels as good as it looks.