The Working Edge

Many ruffle yarns have two distinct edges: one which looks like most of the rest of the net, and one which is thicker, wider, more-closely woven, or embellished with metallic thread, chenille, "eyelash" or "fur" treatments, or pom-poms.

The typical method of working this yarn is to work along one edge off the yarn, leaving the rest free to form ruffles and swirls.

For the purposes of this workbook, the edge which looks like most of the net will be called the working edge, and the edge with the trim will be called the embellished edge.

Red Heart Boutique Sashay

Premier Yarns Starbella

Patons Pirouette

On ruffle yarns without a distinct embellished edge, either edge can be considered the working edge, as long as that choice is kept consistent through the work*. The edge that is not worked is called the free edge. (For yarns with embellished edges, the terms "embellished edge" and "free edge" may be used interchangeably.)

Bernat Twist & Twirl

On ribbon yarns, the choice is quite simple: the edge with the loops is always the working edge; the edge with the bound fringe is always the embellished, or free, edge.

Loops & Threads Fabuloso