How to Make Tassels

Tassels are an easy and fun way to dress up your clothing, home, or gift. This page will give you some quick instructions about how to make a basic tassel, plus some ideas about how to enhance them with a little extra work and additional supplies.

The first tassels were simply the frayed ends of cord, tied into a knot. Eventually people began creating that frayed look on intentionally. In France in the 16th century, the art of tassel-making was so popular that a guild was formed to document the techniques used to make them. Called the Guild of Passementiers, it also covered the art of making decorative fringe.

Historically, tassels have been found in most cultures around the world. Even today, graduates often wear mortarboards decorated with a ceremonial tassel in the school's colors. Tassels have religious value as well; certain members of the Jewish faith must wear garments that feature tassels on each of the four corners of the cloth.http://www.bible-history.com/sketches/ancient/fringes.html

To make a basic tassel, you will need:

1. Yarn: You can work with several types. No matter what kind you choose, you'll need about 32 yards to create a 6 inch tassel.
   • Thick yarns, such as chenille and raffia will result in a chunkier tassel
   • Thin yarns, such as rayon, stranded cotton, or embroidery floss produce a more elegant tassel
2. Metallic Yarn or String: You'll need about 2 feet of string to tie off your tassel.
3. Masking Tape
4. Cardboard: 3-inch by 5-inch rectangle
   • As a general rule, the heavier the yarn or threading, the sturdier the cardboard needs to be. While a cereal box may work fine with lighter materials, heavier materials will require stiffer cardboard to avoid warping.
5. Tapestry needle
   • A tapestry needle is a needle that has a blunt edge with a large eye.
6. Scissors
   • 5-inch sewing scissors will work well with lighter materials, while 10-inch multi-purpose scissors will be more suitable with heavier yarns.

Optional Materials (for a more elaborate tassel):

1. Jewelry wire, about 28 gauge
2. Glass seed beads
3. Craft Glue

The steps for the basic tassel are the same, but there is room for variation. The size of the cardboard and the number of times you wrap will depend on the desired tassel size and the thickness of the yarn being used. Experiment to find your favorite style.

1. Cut a 6-inch length of metallic yarn or string.
2. Tape this string along the top of the width of the cardboard.
3. Wind the yarn around the length of the cardboard in one direction until it is about an inch thick on either side.
4. Remove the masking tape from the first string length.
5. Bring the ends of this string together and tie with a double knot, so that one end of the tassel is gathered tightly.
6. Slip the scissors between the opposite (untied) end of the yarn and the cardboard, cutting the untied side slowly and evenly.
7. Cut a 12-inch length of metallic yarn or string.
8. Wrap this yarn evenly and neatly around the outside of the gathered end of the tassel. You want the binds to form a head for the tassel.
9. Use the tapestry needle to weave in and conceal the end piece of yarn within the tassel body.
10. Fluff the tassel and trim its ends as needed to achieve a neat and professional look.

1. For a more elaborate tassel, you can use jewelry wire in place of the metallic thread.
2. Try adding beads at the ends of the tassel.
3. Depending on the cord used, you might be able to just string a bead on to the end and then knot the end of the strand, or use a bit of glue to secure the bead.
4. After cutting the strands, feed one end of the bunch into the hole of a large wooden bead. Fold the strands over so the bead is hidden and then secure the strands with metallic thread or wire.