Tutorial: How to Make Tassels and Use Them to Decorate

Materials

• Yarn, embroidery thread or thin cord
• A piece of sturdy cardboard
• Sharp scissors
• A ruler
• A tapestry needle or crochet hook

How to Make a Tassel

1. Choose the size. Cut a cardboard rectangle slightly longer than the finished tassel.
2. Wrap the yarn. Wind yarn evenly around the cardboard. Add more wraps for a fuller tassel, keeping the tension consistent.
3. Secure the top. Slide a separate strand beneath the wrapped yarn and tie it tightly at the top. Leave its ends long if the tassel will be hung or attached to another object.
4. Remove and cut. Carefully slide the bundle off the cardboard, then cut through the loops at the opposite end.
5. Shape the head. Wrap another strand several times around the bundle near the top. Tie it securely and conceal the loose ends inside the tassel with a needle or crochet hook.
6. Finish the fringe. Comb the strands with your fingers and trim the bottom evenly.

Ways to Decorate with Tassels

• Attach one to each corner of a cushion or throw pillow.
• Sew evenly spaced tassels along the edge of a blanket, curtain or table runner.
• String several together to create a garland.
• Add a tassel to a basket, drawer pull or doorknob.
• Use small tassels on bookmarks, key rings, gift wrapping or zipper pulls.
• Make matching pairs for earrings or use a larger tassel as a necklace pendant.

Design Tips

Coordinate the yarn with nearby fabrics for a subtle effect, or choose a contrasting color to create a stronger accent. Combining several shades in one bundle produces a variegated tassel. For added texture, mix yarn with ribbon, metallic thread or thin cord.

Before attaching tassels to washable textiles, confirm that the yarn is colorfast and can be cleaned in the same way as the base fabric. Secure decorative tassels with stitching when they will be handled frequently.