Today I needed to make tassels for a project, so I figured, why not make a tutorial? So here is my version of a tassel.

The first time I learned to make a tassel was in Girl Scouts probably 30 years ago. I have not needed to make many in my life, but it was nice to know that the lesson has not gone to waste.

Tassels are one of those things that look hard to make, but are actually very easy. I’m not sure what the official use for tassels is, but in this case, I needed them to weigh down the edges of my wall hanging.

Here’s what you need to make a tassel: yarn, scissors, and needle, and a piece of cardboard or, in my case, a board book. The ruler is there to measure the book. This book is 5 inches tall.

Step 1: Wrap the yarn around the book the desired amount of times. I did 26 times. Then cut the yarn.

Step 2: Cut a piece of yarn about 8 inches long. Using the needle, thread it under the wrapped yarn. Work it up so that it is in the center of the top of the wrapped yarn.

Step 3: Tightly tie the yarn to gather the top of the tassel.

Step 4: Cut through the center of the yarn on the bottom.

Step 5: Remove from the book or cardboard. At this stage, your tassel looks like Rapuzel’s wig. You can straighten up the yarn a little to keep it neat.

Step 6: Using another piece of yarn, tie the yarn around the top about an inch below the top. Pull it tight and tie a couple of times.

Step 7: Trim the ends so they are all the same length. Attach to your project using the top strings. CONGRATULATIONS! You just made a tassel.

Repeat steps 1-7 for however many tassels you need. I needed three.