How to Make a Tassel

Tassels can be used to decorate a variety of home furnishings, such as pillows, curtains and table runners. Experiment with different types of yarn in a variety of colors and textures to achieve the effect you want.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 32 Yards Medium-weight Yarns
• Cording
• Heavy Cardboard
• Tapestry Needles
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Choose yarn and cording for your desired tassel. To make a 6-inch, medium-sized tassel, you'll need approximately 32 yards of medium-weight yarn.

2. Cut a rectangle out of heavy cardboard. It should be approximately 1/2 inch longer than your desired tassel and 4 to 5 inches wide.

3. Cut two 1/2-inch slots into a short end of the cardboard. The slots should be positioned approximately 1 inch from each end of the cardboard.

4. Insert one end of the yarn into either slot so that the end is held securely.

5. Wrap the yarn lengthwise around the cardboard approximately 80 times.

6. Keep the yarn positioned between the two slots as you're winding.

7. Cut the yarn and secure the end in the opposite slot from the first.

8. Cut two lengths of yarn, approximately 10 inches each.

9. Pass one length between the yarn loops and the cardboard. Work the yarn toward the uncut end of the cardboard until it lies under the loops along cardboard's edge.

10. Bring the ends of this piece of yarn together and tightly secure the ends with a double knot.

11. Insert a pair of scissors along the edge of the slotted end and cut the yarn. Cut through all the threads slowly and evenly. The distance from the tied end of the tassel and the cut end should be the same on both sides.

12. Hold the tassel by the knotted piece of yarn so that the ends hang evenly. Tightly and neatly wind the second piece of yarn around the tassel, approximately 1 1/2 inches from the tassel top. This portion will form the head of your tassel.

13. Use the blunt end of a tapestry needle to tuck the yarn's end into the binding. Be careful of the needle's point.

14. Trim the tassel ends as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Combine different colors of yarn to make a multicolored tassel.
• Secure the yarn in the slot by knotting the end, if necessary.
• Thread the yarn onto a tapestry needle to more easily pass it between the yarn loops and the cardboard.
• Substitute cording of different sizes for the two 10-inch lengths of yarn to give your tassel a more professional look.
• Decorate tassels with charms or beads.

on 11/22/2005 For the final "make it look spiffy" trimming, if you are using cotton, rayon or silk thread for your tassel, it's much easier to trim the bottom of the tassel evenly if it's wet. This keeps little threads from flying away and escaping your scissors.

on 11/22/2005 I found a good selection of tassel-making supplies at http://www.meinketoy.com/tassel_faqs.htm. There is a lot of help there, too.