Instructions for Mountmellick Fringe

This fringe is knitted sideways in multiples of three stitches, casting on enough stitches for the required width of the fringe. It needs to be quite full to look good, so it is knitted in multiples of thread at the same time, usually three or four, from separate skeins. The finer thread will require more strands. You can use any weight of crochet cotton to achieve the look you like. I like to make about a 4" sample so I can unravel and see how the fringe looks with my project.

Needles
You need to use straight needles in a size to get the gauge or "look" you like. I most often use sizes 3 or 4. Short needles work fine since you are knitting the fringe sideways and only need around 12 stitches on your needles. I prefer metal needles because they slip easier. Some of my students have preferred wood needles, however, to keep the stitches from slipping off too easily.

Casting On
You can use any method to cast on - I generally use the long-tail cast on. I DO use a size larger needle to cast on so it isn't too tight. Or you can cast on over both needles and then pull one out to begin knitting. Make your sample with 12 stitches and see how you like it. The more stitches you have the wider you can make the fringe.

Knitting
Begin with a regular knitting stitch:

1. Put the right-hand needle into the first loop on the left-hand needle.
2. Wind the thread right to left, counterclockwise, around the needle.
3. Pull the thread through the loop.
4. Slip the loop off the left-hand needle.
   
   Then:
5. Make one by bringing the thread under the right-hand needle so that it is between the two needles.
6. Knit two together.
7. Repeat this process - knit one, make one and knit two together - to the end of the row.
8. Turn your work and repeat until your fringe is long enough to generously fit around your embroidery project.
9. Cast off in the normal way until you have 5 stitches left on the left needle.
10. Cut off the thread. Take the right-hand needle out, take the thread through the last stitch and pull tight.

11. Take the left-hand needle out of the last 5 stitches.

Next
Unravel the edge, using your needle to pull out the first stitch. The fringe develops as more and more stitches are unraveled.

Finish
Stitch the fringe to your project. You can edge stitch your project first if you like - depending on how the fabric lies and if it looks like it will fray or not.