All it takes to make a simple decorative tassel is a length of yarn, embroidery floss, pearl cotton thread, or ribbon. Tassels are easy enough for children to make with a little adult help, and take just a few minutes from start to finish.
Supply List for Decorative Tassel
- Piece of cardboard about the same length you want the tassel to be. Try an index card or small postcard.
- Yarn, embroidery floss, pearl cotton, or ribbon.
- (Optional). Contrasting colored yarn, thread, or ribbon for binding the tassel.
- Scissors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Decorative Tassel
These instructions refer to yarn, but the steps are exactly the same for embroidery floss, pearl cotton, or ribbon. See the photos at the bottom of the article for details.
- Wind the yarn around and around the cardboard. The more you wind, the thicker the tassel will be. Cut when you reach the desired thickness.
- Cut another short length of yarn and slip it under the looped yarn, then tie in a loose knot.
- Cut through the yarn on the other end of the cardboard and remove the cardboard. You should have a tuft of yarn, gathered on one end, that looks something like a mop.
- Cut another length of yarn about 24" to wind around the tassel. For very thick tassels, cut a longer length of winding yarn. This yarn can be the same as the tassel or in a contrasting color to add visual interest. For a different look, you could try using floss or ribbon to bind a yarn tassel.
- Make a loop in one end of the winding yarn and hold the loop against the gathered end of the tassel. Starting about a quarter of the way down, wind the yarn around the tassel, leaving the bottom tail of the loop hanging free about 1/2” below the winding area. Wind tightly, moving toward the top of the tassel as you go, until you only have a short length left to wind. Make sure to leave the yarn loop free on top and the tail of the loop below.
- Thread the free end of the winding yarn through the loop, then pull the tail of the loop down under the wound area until the loop and the loose end of the winding yarn are hidden by the wound yarn. Trim the tail, if needed.
- Trim the bottom ends of the tassel. Remove the loose loop that held the gathered end together.
- Attach the tassel to your project by stitching with yarn or embroidery floss.
That’s all there is to it! You now have a beautiful tassel, ready to add a touch of charm to any accessory.
Many Ways to Use Tassels as Embellishments
Here are just a few ideas for brightening your surroundings with tassels:
- Clothes: scarves, sweaters, jackets
- Table linens: napkins, tablecloths, table runners
- Home décor: throw pillows, curtains, tiebacks, valances, footstools, holiday decorations
- Accessories: purses and bags, bookmarks
Remember that a tassel attached to an item that will be washed should be made of a washable material itself.
If you liked this article, try these other easy sewing projects:
- How to make a simple throw pillow cover
- Make a fabric gift pouch in 30 minutes or less
- How to sew easy quilted potholders
Christine Mann - Christine Mann writes about quilting, home decor sewing, and creativity in daily life.
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