The fringe stitch is one way of finishing a piece of Hardanger embroidery. It requires a minimum of 26 threads be remaining on each side of the worked pattern. First decide how wide of fringe is appropriate; the minimum size is usually 18 threads and the maximum for a large piece is 32 threads per side. In addition, four threads must be allowed for the fringe stitch itself and a minimum of four threads must remain between the worked pattern and the fringe stitch.
For example, if there are 32 threads to work with on each side, six threads might be left between the pattern and the fringe stitch, allowing four threads for the fringe stitch and 22 threads of the fringe. In this case, count out six threads from the pattern on each side and draw out the seventh thread. Skip two threads and draw out the tenth thread. Number 8 pearl cotton thread will be used for stitching and all work will be done on the wrong side of the fabric. Leaving a two-inch tail of thread to be drawn under the stitching later, insert the needle into the upper right corner hole and bring it out at the upper left hole (12a). Do the same with the two lower corner holes (12b). Return to the top row and pick up the next two threads (12c). Do the same with the two holes directly below (12d). Continue in this fashion (12e) always taking two threads at a time, first on the top and then the same two on the bottom, until you reach a corner. After stitching in the corner holes, turn the fabric and begin with the upper right corner hole, as in 12a. Proceed as before. By stitching twice in the corner holes, a box will be formed on the right side of the fabric which will securely hold the corner (12f-right side). When doing this stitch, pull the thread firmly but not so hard that a definite ridge is formed on the right side. After the stitching is completed, fringe all threads up to the fringe stitch.