How to Make a Ribbon & Chenille Tassel
Tassels are decorative touches that add whimsy to any project. Whether adding a tassel to a package, handmade greeting card, drawer pull or ceiling fan string, mixing and matching the ingredients that go into its composition makes it interesting and fun.
Look for ribbons and chenille yarns not only at fabric or craft stores but at garage sales and consignment shops. Since tassels can use up lots of short lengths, half used skeins or spools are perfect for the project. Adding beads to the ends of the ribbon or yarn add another element of decoration and surprise.
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Chenille yarn
- Tape
- Beads (optional)
Instructions
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1
Make a tassel template. Measure and cut a piece of sturdy cardboard that will withstand the ribbon and yarn being wrapped around its length without collapsing, approximately 5 inches wide by the length of the finished tassel.
Measure 1 inch from the top of the tassel template and draw a pencil line across the width. Measure two inches down from the top of the tassel template and draw a second line parallel to the first.
Measure in 3 inches from the right hand side of the tassel template and draw a line connecting the two previous lines to form a 1-inch by 3-inch slot.
Cut out the slot.
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2
Cut a variety of ribbons and chenille yarns at least the length of the tassel template multiplied by four to allow a minimum of two full wraps around the length of the template with each piece. Cut yarn laying flat on a table top to ensure you are not stretching it while cutting.
The fuller you want the finished tassel the more yarns and threads you will want to cut. The more variety included, the more interesting the tassel, varying the widths, as well as the colors and textures of the ribbons and yarns make for visual interest.
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3
Loosely wrap one ribbon or yarn around the length of the tassel template starting and stopping the cut ends at the bottom of the template, working over the open slot. Loosely secure this wrap with tape if necessary as you work with the next cut piece.
Repeat by adding additional lengths, alternating between ribbon and chenille as desired, until you achieved the desired look.
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4
Cut a length of ribbon for hanging the tassel and slip it between the loops located at the very top of the tassel template. Tie a square knot in the ribbon to form a loop. Rotate the knot to hide it inside the tassel loops.
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5
Cut a length of chenille yarn long enough to wrap around the tassel a minimum of three to five times and still have its ends become part of the tassel fringe. Hold one end of the yarn at the bottom of the tassel template, and run it up to the slot in the template. Using the slot as your guide, wrap it firmly around all the loops passing over the opening. Knot securely to itself at the point where the length ran up from the bottom of the template, to hold all the loops in place. Let the cut end of the tying yarn extend back down to the bottom of the tassel template to mingle with the rest of the tassel.
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6
Slip a pair of sharp scissors along the inside of the folds located at the bottom of the tassel template and cut all the yarns and ribbons.
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7
Tie beads onto ends of some of the ribbons or yarn by slipping on a bead and knotting the end of the length to keep it trapped onto the tassel. Vary where you tie the knots for a variety of looks.
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8
Slip the finished tassel off the template. Trim any stray ends and fluff before use.
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Tips & Warnings
This template will service most average sized tassels. Adjust measurements if making an extremely small or large tassel.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tassels image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
