Thread: How do you straighten fringe?

I bought the cutest tribal-ish belt at Medfest, but some of the fringe on the tassles is crimped. (probably from being folded in the box) Is there a way to straighten it? I was thinking to dip each tassel in water and carefully let them drip dry straight down so they hold their shape.

They are made of the same material that fringe belts are made out of.


Any suggestions?

You could do that. If you are in a hurry though, you could dip it, then put a piece of cloth over it and lightly iron the fringes straight. But be careful about the heat so you don't burn them off which I've done!

do you know what the fringe is made of? tribal-ish belt doesn't do much for me as far as conjuring a picture- there are so many variations! Most fringe straightens itself out if you hang it for a while, there are a few I would be comfortable ironing with a cool-warm iron, or steam if you have a steamer, but I avoid water with most fringe.

I don't know what it's made of. It's not yarn type but you know the standard swingy, fringe like the kind you can order on L. Rose for their fringe belts. You can order it in varying lengths. It's that same material, but in short tassels about 2' long. Does that help?

I think you're talking about what is called "Chainette". I would think wetting it and letting it dry or ironing it would be fine.

I've steamed fringe before and it came out fine.

I'd try a test strand first! But you probably already thought of that.

I will try that. Don't own a steamer, but will try a low iron. Do you think I could just try a low iron and skip the washing part? It's never been worn.

yeah- you should be able to just iron- but do use a cover cloth, test on an inconspicuous spot, & since it is probably polyester chainette, put the iron on the poly/synthetic setting. Some irons can actually be used as a basic steamer too- you just have to be careful not to touch the material since if it's hot enough to steam, it's possibly hot enough on the surface to melt the fringe. I'd probably iron it in this case- but keep your eye out for sales on steamers- they are so worth it in the long run (says she of a million veils...)

if its chainette fringe, you can hang it near the shower and let it steam a few times. the steam + the weight of gravity on the slightly damp fringe should pull it straight in a few showers

I'm sure it's a synthetic fabric. But what's a cover cloth for ironing? Just like an old white t shirt or something thicker?

(I try to do as little ironing as possible. HATE ironing. I usually buy wash and wear stuff for street clothes)

I have what is called a "Presscloth" that I picked up cheap at Walmart. But, a clean towel will do. You just need something to soften the effect of the heat.

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

if its chainette fringe, you can hang it near the shower and let it steam a few times. the steam + the weight of gravity on the slightly damp fringe should pull it straight in a few showers

see, I'm so used to my steamer now, I forget about the old tried & true stuff that is actually *easier* ,r:;

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

if its chainette fringe, you can hang it near the shower and let it steam a few times. the steam + the weight of gravity on the slightly damp fringe should pull it straight in a few showers

We have ONE bathroom in our house, with kids, dogs, and a teen ager I'd love to see the shape of that poor belt after spending even a day in our bathroom! ..l;,..l;,