Raffia fringes have an immediate visual impact. As they move, they change volume, catch the light and bring texture to a surface.

Here, we are not talking about standard ready-made trim. Marini Ricami 1986 develops machine-embroidered raffia fringes to suit a product’s shape, length, density and direction. They can follow straight or curved lines, wavy edges, shaped outlines and more complex patterns.

Our work builds on our experience with industrial raffia embroidery. The aim is to retain the spontaneous, slightly irregular appearance associated with handwork while achieving the precision and repeatability needed for production.

Examples of machine-embroidered raffia fringes.

A custom design element, not standard trim

The main difference from a conventional fringe is design freedom. Its embroidered base can follow a defined outline rather than a straight line. This makes it possible to create:

• wavy borders and flowing profiles;
• circular motifs and repeating decorative modules;
• asymmetrical lines;
• details that follow the perimeter of a product component;
• individual decorative elements.

Instead of being added only at the end of production, the fringe can become part of the original design and work with the product’s shape and other materials. This approach gives design studios and development teams more options than conventional trim.

Fringe length to suit the project

The length can be chosen for the intended effect. Short fringes can look compact, graphic and controlled. Medium lengths add volume without excessive movement. Longer fringes are softer and more dynamic, creating a lighter, more expressive finish.

The right length depends on the product, its base material, the desired visual weight and how the finished piece needs to behave in use.

FSC-certified Pontova® raffia

For this technique, we use FSC-certified Pontova® viscose raffia. Its substantial yarn count gives the embroidery structure, while its slight irregularity helps avoid an overly flat or artificial look. The supplier describes Pontova® as a viscose yarn designed to reproduce the appearance and feel of natural raffia.

Yarn and colour can be selected for the project. Natural shades emphasise the organic effect; stronger colours can turn the fringe into a graphic feature. Matte or more luminous finishes can change how it catches the light.

Industrial raffia embroidery with a fringed edge.

The look of handwork with industrial precision

Raffia embroidery balances control with spontaneity. Visually, the material recalls weaving and traditional textile finishes. During production, the embroidery process allows us to specify the outline, spacing, stitch density, fringe length, edge consistency and repeatability from one piece to the next.

The goal is not to make every strand look perfectly uniform. Instead, we design around the yarn’s character and control the technical details needed for sampling and production.

An embroidered base instead of conventional parallel bars

The upper part of the fringe can be developed in different ways. It does not have to rely on several parallel bars. Depending on the desired effect, the attachment area can become a continuous border, a small embroidered braid, a modular sequence, a textured band, a shaped or openwork outline, or another decorative structure coordinated with the fringe.

In this way, even the technical base contributes to the product’s visual design.

Pontova® raffia embroidery with custom fringe details.

Curved outlines and non-linear shapes

Working along a curve opens up further design possibilities. A fringe can follow the edge of a bag, the outline of a shoe upper, an insert for clothing or an interior textile. It can form a continuous line or a series of modules, avoiding the rigid appearance of straight trim.

This is particularly useful when the fringe’s movement should follow the design rather than appear as an added decoration.

Where raffia fringes can be used

In fashion, machine-embroidered raffia fringes can be developed for bags and accessories, footwear components, clothing, belts, hats, decorative edges and embroidered panels.

For interiors, potential applications include cushions, decorative upholstery, textile panels, furnishings, yacht interiors and larger decorative installations.

The technique can produce either a continuous strip or a shaped element ready for application.

Technical development and sampling

Every project begins with the design and its intended use. We assess the final shape, support material, fringe length and density, yarn direction, edge stability, attachment method, behaviour during assembly and required quantity.

Sampling is essential for checking movement, volume and proportions. A fringe can look right in a drawing but behave differently once made: length, stiffness and density all affect the result. We refine the sample through technical trials and adjustments.

Contact us to discuss samples or a custom raffia fringe project.

Industrial raffia embroidery for fashion and interiors

Marini Ricami 1986 develops industrial raffia embroidery for fashion, footwear, leather goods and interiors, bringing together material research, embroidery programming and production experience.

Raffia fringes can give a surface movement and a recognisable texture. We can develop the length, colour, outline and structure from a drawing, an existing sample or an initial idea.