How to Make Yarn Tassels

Yarn tassels are useful in decorating in many different ways. They can be used in draperies, pillows, table toppers, and other decorating embellishments. If you purchase these tassels ready-made, they can be quite expensive. Why not learn how to make yarn tassels, so that you can have tassels that complement your decor perfectly while you save money? They are easy to make once you learn the technique.

Learn how to make a 6-inch yarn tassel. Once you know this technique you can experiment with other materials and sizes of tassel.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 32 yards acrylic yarn (sport weight)
• cardboard
• scissors
• tapestry needle

1. Cut a 6 1/2-by-5-inch rectangle out of cardboard.

2. 

   Cut two 1/2-inch slits in one of the short ends of the cardboard. The slits need to be one inch from each edge and end of the cardboard.

3. Insert one yarn end into one of the slits to securely hold it in place.

4. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard lengthwise at least 80 times. Keep the yarn between the two slits while you are winding. Clip the yarn when finished winding and insert the end in the other slit.

5. Cut two 10-inch lengths of yarn.

6. Place one yarn length between the wrapped yarn and the cardboard. Arrange the 10-inch length of yarn at the end of the cardboard without the slits, under the loops along the edge of the cardboard. Tie this yarn length tightly in a double knot around the wrapped yarn.

7. Slip the blade of the scissors along the edge with the cut slits and clip the yarn carefully. Make sure that the distance from the tied end of yarn and the cut end are the same on both sides.

8. Grasp the tassel by the knotted length of yarn and wind the second length of yarn around the top of the tassel about 1 inch from the top.

9. Tuck the loose ends of the yarn under the tied and wrapped yarn by pushing it in with the tapestry needle. Trim the tassel ends to make them even if necessary.