Black Bag Large Floral Embroidery with Fringe, c1917Fringing was originally a decorative way of knot

Black Bag Large Floral Embroidery with Fringe, c1917

Fringing was originally a decorative way of knotting unfinished lengths of fabric so they didn’t fray. In this case the fringing is purely decorative, as it has been sewn onto the silk shawl. It will also add weight so it hangs nicely and when worn will ripple when the wearer moves.