When you learn how to make tassels, you can add style that gives your sewing projects an edge. Tassels are found in purses and bags where they are included in the zips, jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets, key rings, and ties. You will need embroidery thread or extra yarn like wool, acrylic and crotchet or knitting cotton which are sturdy. As well as this method of embroidery, our tutorial guide features step-by-step instructions of how to make tassels with skeins of embroidery thread, and yarns of any weight or color. We have also discussed where you can use tassels and other alternatives you can use for tassels to provide you with more ideas for your DIY project.
The following are the tools you need and the guide on how to make tassels with embroidery thread.
In our directions for making tassels, the first thing to do is to figure out your desired length and then cut the cardboard to be ½ inch longer than this length. This allows you to trim the ends without shortening the tassel and making it hard to handle. The cardboard should be 2 inches in width so it remains sturdy when you’re wrapping the yarn. For instance, by cutting 2 x 4.5 inches cardboard if you need a tassel of 4 inches.
Some people prefer using 18-inch long threads instead of cardboard to make tassels with embroidery thread.
Wrap the thread from one end of the cardboard, being careful not to do so too tightly, until you get the intended cut and thickness for the tassel made by the two yarn sides.
As you wrap the embroidery cotton yarn, ensure that the threads stay at the middle of the cardboard and that they have consistent tension; the threads should not be too loosely wrapped that they slip out, or too tight that the cardboard bends.
The next step in making yarn tassels is to cut approximately 15-inch long thread which you loop by threading it through a needle, and then tying a knot of about 1 ½ inches from the end. You can extend the length of this loop since it will be on top of the tassel. Slip it off the cardboard and trim any tails. We recommend using a protective cutting mat with clear markings.
Take the tassel with the loop facing up and tie a knot ¼ inch from the top of the yard. Attach the tassel loops with a thin metal wire, satin ribbons or a 6-inch embroidery thread about ¼ inches from the other knot you have made. Some may use polymer clay or wooden beads for the top when making beaded tassels for jewelry.
Using a sharp scissors, trim the ends evenly and then separate the yarns. Cut and wrap a 10-inch yarn around the tassel a few times. You may also use the thread to attach and secure the beads to the key ring or jewelry. Tie a knot.
Use a crotchet hook or a tapestry needle to pull the ends of the tassel through the center to hide the knots. Otherwise, they will stick out. Lastly, trim the tassel to neaten it.
There are several things you can use for tassels. Our article will guide you on how to make mini tassels for bookmarks, clothing, etc. Leather, ribbon and silk are among the materials you can use to make both small and large tassels.
For this, you will need a cardboard, scissors and ribbon. You may also add masking tape, although this is optional.
The directions for making ribbon tassels are as follows:
Determine the length of tassel you want and cut cardboard of the same length.
Cut a piece of ribbon, and attach it to the top of the cardboard with a masking tape. The ribbon is what attaches the decorative tassel to doorknobs and keychains, among other things.
Wrap the ribbon around the cardboard several times, and then make a loose knot with another piece of ribbon to secure the strands.
Cut off the extra ends, and make a double knot on the head. Trim the ribbons to prevent them from fraying.
This is how to make ribbon tassels quickly.
In this section, we will guide you on how to make tassels with embroidery thread and paper.
Find an embroidery thread skein and remove two pieces of 10 inches by carefully pulling and cutting them from the skein. Leave the paper pieces at the ends because they make it easier to work with the skein.
To make a tassel with a loop, fold a thread with length of 10 inches over to connect the ends and then tie a knot approximately /4 inches from where the ends of the loop meet.
Find the middle of the loop by doubling the skein in half. Next, tie one of the pieces around the middle while ensuring the loop is at the top, or just tie the bundle of threads securely.
After that, take the paper out and fold the skein to make a silky tassel that you then add the piece to for the top.
The top of the tassel is created with the second piece of the 10-inch thread. Take it and attach it approximately ½ inch from the head of the tassel by wrapping it around the threads a few times to secure it, and then tie it.
Trim the ends and then hide them by tucking them in the head of the tassel with an embroidery thread. This prevents the silky ends from slipping out.
You can also make beaded tassels for jewelry. The other tools you need for this are an upholstery thread, beaded tassels, a beading needle, and beads such as crystal beads and seed beads.
Decide on the length you want for the tassel and find a thread that will be twice as long plus 1 inch.
Take the thread and cut 5 pieces from it, and tie one end of each piece. Next, sew a big bead followed by a small bead in a line, and string another big bead. Tie a knot. Repeat the process for the other 4 pieces.
After that, fold the pieces in half, put a thread in the middle of the pieces and tie the pieces of thread together.
Use two coats of clear nail polish to make knots in the silk thread, and then trim the ends.
Add a big bead at the head of the tassel by threading it.
Such kinds of beaded tassels can be sewn to jewelry, dupattas or shawls as single strands.
If you want to learn how to make leather tassels, then follow the steps below.
Leather tassels make modern and elegant additions for purses, bags and key rings.
Look for a soft material such as faux leather and cut two pieces from it; you will use one piece to make the fringes and the other piece to create the loop. You can cut out another piece that you will tie around the tassel head for a neat finish.
Cut out a rectangular piece of 2 inches by ¼ inches. The next rectangular piece should be 4 x 2 inches if you are making a medium-sized tassel, or 10 x 4 inches for a larger size.
Take your scissors and cut the pieces ½ inch from the head of the tassel to make a leather fringe.
Make a loop by attaching the ends of the small rectangular piece, and then bind the ends with binder clips until the glue is dry.
Some people add a wooden bead for a rustic appearance. You may also attach the two leather fringes and insert them through a key ring.
You could also make decorative tassels easily with fringe trims, as long as you have a ready fringe and a cord to tie the tassel.
Start by cutting out a piece of the cord that is 10-inches long.
Make a knot on one end of this piece.
Next, apply glue around the knot and also at the bottom of the fringe, and then tie the fringe securely around the knot a few times. You can also use thread instead of craft glue to wrap the fringe made of frayed public around the bottom.
Attach the fringe to the cord by threading it under the knot that is now facing the front, and trim the ends.
Turn over the fringe, and with the knot now inside the tassel, tie a thread about ¼ inches from the tassel head.
Some tassel tutorials involve using cords made of fibers that have been twisted together to form a bunch. You can tie and then separate the fibers to create a fluffy tassel.
To make curtain tie backs tassels with cotton or silk cords, fold 2 cords together in half and stitch them at the neck.
Twist the other parts into a clover shape, thread them in position and tie the neck once more.
Lastly, separate the fibers to have a tassel that is fluffy.
If you search online, you will find diverse DIY projects that use tassels. Here are some ideas to start you off.
Accessorize your curtain with tie back tassels made with card stock, yarn, a cord, and beads. You could loop the ends of the tassel with removable hooks, or use the cord to tie around the curtain.
You can make tassels for bookmarks. Tie the yarn or ribbon tassel through a hole at the top of your bookmark.
For steps on to make tassels on a scarf, use our tutorial of fringe trims above. This is the tassel that is often used for crocheted and knitted fabric such as blankets, sweaters, or shawls.
These tassels employ embroidery thread such as the thread that hangs in some silk saris. Make holes at the hem and insert the strands. Next, create loops, tie the tassel neck and trim the ends.
Jewelry such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces look great with decorative tassels made of beads, faux leather, silk, or cotton. We have already outlined how to make tassels using these materials.
Give your pillow a new look with just scissors, yarn of complementary color, thread of matching color, needle, and a cardboard.
Follow the directions for making tassels featured in this guide, and then sew the tassels while evenly spacing them around the pillow case. Tie the tassel ends on the inside of the pillow to secure them.
These include tassels that you can hang on walls, doorknobs and other areas in your house for a personal touch.
In the past, tassels were found on the caps of undergraduates from Cambridge and Oxford universities. They have now become common as a way of making unique garments. A simple tassel is created with threads bound by a cord. Beads, embroidery threads, fringe trims and ribbon are also popular for custom clothes.
Tassels are tied to keychains or looped on doorknobs and make a creative and distinguishable accessory for everyday life.
By the end of this guide, you should have several ideas that will inspire you. We have discussed the various materials you can use; they include silk, ribbon, beads, and the best embroidery thread to use. We have also explained the different ways you can use tassels to decorate your garments, house, beddings, upholstery, and jewelry. Our detailed tassel tutorial lists out the steps involved in making different types of tassels. However, you can always experiment with other materials and adjust our recommended measurements to make large or mini tassels for your DIY projects. You should now be able to explore more ways of how to make tassels that will stand out.
