Tassel vs. Fringe — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
Tassels are decorative elements made of loose threads tied at one end, while fringe consists of threads or strips hanging from a fabric's edge.
Difference Between Tassel and Fringe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tassels are ornamental features, typically comprising a bundle of threads or cords that are bound together at one end, creating a distinctive, decorative element. In contrast, fringe is a type of trim or embellishment where threads, cords, or strips of fabric are attached to the edge of a piece of material, adding texture and movement.
Tassels are often found adorning items such as caps (in academic regalia), cushions, curtains, and clothing, serving both decorative and functional purposes, such as pulling or securing. On the other hand, fringe is used to embellish the edges of garments, accessories, home decor, and more, enhancing the item’s aesthetic appeal with its dynamic, flowing appearance.
The construction of a tassel typically involves gathering a bunch of threads, binding them together at one end, and leaving the other end free to create a soft, brush-like effect. Whereas, fringe is made by either removing weft threads from the edge of the fabric to create loose warp threads or adding separate threads to an item's edge.
Tassels can vary greatly in size, from small decorative additions on bookmarks and jewelry to larger, more pronounced accents on home furnishings. Fringe, conversely, can range in length and thickness, influencing the overall look and feel of the item it decorates, from subtle and refined to bold and dramatic.
Both tassels and fringe are used to add visual interest and texture to items, but they differ significantly in form and application. Tassels, with their tied-off, hanging threads, offer a distinct, often singular point of decoration, while fringe provides a continuous, linear embellishment along the edges of fabrics and materials.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A decorative element made of threads tied at one end.
A trim made of threads or strips hanging from a fabric's edge.
Construction
Gathered and bound threads, with free ends.
Threads attached to an edge, either added or unraveled.
Purpose
Decoration, functional uses like pulling.
Mainly decorative, adds texture and movement.
Placement
Often used as a singular accent.
Used along the edges of materials.
Variation
Can vary in size, often used on accessories and home decor.
Varies in length and thickness, used on garments and decor.
Compare with Definitions
Tassel
Decorative bundle of threads.
The golden tassel on her cap swung gracefully with each step.
Fringe
Enhances the item’s aesthetic appeal.
The lampshade's fringe added a vintage charm to the room.
Tassel
Varies in size and color.
She chose a small, blue tassel to add a pop of color to her purse.
Fringe
Threads or strips hanging from fabric's edge.
The fringe on the shawl moved beautifully in the breeze.
Tassel
Adds elegance and flair.
The luxurious tassels on the throw pillow elevated the living room's decor.
Fringe
Used on clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Her dress was trimmed with a delicate silk fringe.
Tassel
Can be functional or purely ornamental.
The tassels on the curtains served as elegant pulls.
Fringe
Can be subtle or dramatic, depending on length.
The dramatic fringe on the flapper dress made it perfect for the themed party.
Tassel
Commonly found on graduation caps and bookmarks.
His graduation cap tassel signified his major with its color.
Fringe
Contributes to texture and movement.
The suede fringe on the jacket added an edgy, tactile element to her outfit.
Tassel
A tassel is a finishing feature in fabric and clothing decoration. It is a universal ornament that is seen in varying versions in many cultures around the globe.
Fringe
A decorative border or edging of hanging threads, cords, or strips, often attached to a separate band.
Tassel
A bunch of loose threads or cords bound at one end and hanging free at the other, used as an ornament on curtains or clothing, for example.
Fringe
Something that resembles such a border or edging.
Tassel
Something that resembles such an ornament, especially the pollen-bearing inflorescence of a corn plant.
Fringe
A marginal, peripheral, or secondary part
"They like to hang out on the geographical fringes, the seedy outposts" (James Atlas).
Tassel
To fringe or decorate with tassels.
Fringe
Those members of a group or political party holding extreme views
The lunatic fringe.
Tassel
To put forth a tassellike inflorescence. Used especially of corn.
Fringe
Any of the light or dark bands produced by the diffraction or interference of light.
Tassel
A ball-shaped bunch of plaited or otherwise entangled threads from which at one end protrudes a cord on which the ball is hung, and which may have loose, dangling threads at the other end (often used as decoration along the bottom of garments, curtains or other hangings).
Fringe
A fringe benefit.
Tassel
(botany) The panicle on a male plant of maize, which consists of loose threads with anthers on them.
Fringe
To decorate with or as if with a fringe
The weaver fringed the edge of the scarf.
Tassel
The loose hairs at the end of a braid.
Fringe
To serve as a fringe to
Ferns fringed the pool.
Tassel
A narrow silk ribbon, or similar, sewed to a book to be put between the pages.
Fringe
A decorative border.
The fringe of a picture
Tassel
(architecture) A piece of board that is laid upon a wall as a sort of plate, to give a level surface to the ends of floor timbers.
Fringe
A marginal or peripheral part.
Tassel
A kind of bur used in dressing cloth; a teasel.
Fringe
Those members of a political party, or any social group, holding unorthodox views.
Tassel
A thin plate of gold on the back of a bishop's gloves.
Fringe
The periphery of a town or city (or other area).
He lives on the fringe of London.
Tassel
(transitive) To adorn with tassels.
Fringe
(UK) bangs: hair hanging over the forehead, especially a hairstyle where it is cut straight across.
Her fringe is so long it covers her eyes.
Tassel
To put forth a tassel or flower.
Maize is a crop that tassels.
Fringe
(physics) A light or dark band formed by the diffraction of light.
Interference fringe
Tassel
A male hawk. See Tercel.
Fringe
Non-mainstream theatre.
The Fringe; Edinburgh Fringe; Adelaide Fringe
Tassel
A kind of bur used in dressing cloth; a teasel.
Fringe
(botany) The peristome or fringe-like appendage of the capsules of most mosses.
Tassel
A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains, and the like, ending in a tuft of loose threads or cords.
Fringe
(golf) The area around the green
Tassel
The flower or head of some plants, esp. when pendent.
And the maize field grew and ripened, Till it stood in all the splendorOf its garments green and yellow,Of its tassels and its plumage.
Fringe
(AU) Used attributively with reference to Aboriginal people living on the edge of towns etc.
Tassel
A narrow silk ribbon, or the like, sewed to a book to be put between the leaves.
Fringe
A daypart that precedes or follows prime time.
Tassel
A piece of board that is laid upon a wall as a sort of plate, to give a level surface to the ends of floor timbers; - rarely used in the United States.
Fringe
Outside the mainstream.
Tassel
To put forth a tassel or flower; as, maize tassels.
Fringe
(transitive) To decorate with fringe.
Tassel
To adorn with tassels.
Fringe
(transitive) To serve as a fringe.
Tassel
Adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
Fringe
An ornamental appendage to the border of a piece of stuff, originally consisting of the ends of the warp, projecting beyond the woven fabric; but more commonly made separate and sewed on, consisting sometimes of projecting ends, twisted or plaited together, and sometimes of loose threads of wool, silk, or linen, or narrow strips of leather, or the like.
Fringe
Something resembling in any respect a fringe; a line of objects along a border or edge; a border; an edging; a margin; a confine.
The confines of grace and the fringes of repentance.
Fringe
One of a number of light or dark bands, produced by the interference of light; a diffraction band; - called also interference fringe.
Fringe
The peristome or fringelike appendage of the capsules of most mosses. See Peristome.
Fringe
To adorn the edge of with a fringe or as with a fringe.
Precipices fringed with grass.
Fringe
The outside boundary or surface of something
Fringe
A part of the city far removed from the center;
They built a factory on the outskirts of the city
Fringe
A social group holding marginal or extreme views;
Members of the fringe believe we should be armed with guns at all times
Fringe
Edging consisting of hanging threads or tassels
Fringe
Adorn with a fringe;
The weaver fringed the scarf
Fringe
Decorate with or as if with a surrounding fringe;
Fur fringed the hem of the dress
Common Curiosities
What primarily distinguishes a tassel from fringe?
A tassel is a bound bundle of threads with a decorative role, while fringe consists of loose threads or strips along a fabric's edge, mainly for embellishment.
Can tassels be used for functional purposes?
Yes, besides decoration, tassels can serve functional roles like curtain pulls or book markers.
What types of materials can be used to make fringe?
Fringe can be made from various materials, including yarn, silk, leather, and metallic threads.
Do tassels have a historical significance?
Yes, tassels have been used for centuries in various cultures for decoration and symbolism, such as indicating academic achievement.
Can fringe be added to existing items?
Yes, fringe can be sewn or glued to the edge of existing garments or decor items as an embellishment.
How do you maintain items with fringe or tassels?
Careful washing and handling are required to prevent tangling or damage, often involving hand washing or using protective bags in machines.
Is fringe considered a type of fabric?
No, fringe is an embellishment or trim added to the edge of fabric items, not a fabric type.
How do you attach a tassel to an item?
Tassels are often attached by their bound end to items like caps, cushions, or bags using a loop or directly sewing them on.
Are tassels suitable for all types of decor?
While versatile, the suitability of tassels for decor depends on the style and theme of the space.
How does the length of fringe affect an item’s appearance?
Longer fringe adds drama and movement, while shorter fringe provides a subtle, textured look.
How do you choose the right tassel or fringe for a project?
Consider the item's overall style, the desired visual impact, and the compatibility of materials and colors.
Is there a cultural significance to fringe?
Fringe has been used in various cultures as a symbol of status, fashion, and protection, with each culture having its unique interpretations.
What's the trend status of fringe and tassels in fashion?
Trends vary, but both fringe and tassels cyclically return to popularity in fashion for their texture and movement.
Can making tassels and fringe be a DIY project?
Yes, both can be handmade with the right materials and techniques, allowing for custom decoration and personalization.
Can fringe and tassels be combined in one item?
Yes, an item can feature both, using tassels as focal points and fringe for edge embellishment.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
