To Bead or Not to Bead

To finish a handwoven scarf or shawl I will often add beads to the twisted fringe. Over time my collection of beads has grown. Some of my favorites are the Japanese beads with metallic finishes. An unusual touch can be added if teardrop, triangular or square cut beads are added. The number of beads used on each twisted fringe group will change the appearance. Bead size is also important. The beads need to be large enough to be noticeable but not so large as to over power.

Each hemstitched group of warp ends which are twisted for fringe do not need to have beads added. Often I’ll put beads on every other or every third fringe group. Beads are strung on a single warp end within a fringe group before using a fringe twister to twist the group. The use of beads is to accent the scarf.