how to make a tassel.

Not only are tassels the perfect embellishment for your crochet projects (or what have you), but they are also a great way to use up left over yarn.

 

First off, grab any piece of scrap cardboard and cut to desired size. Your finished tassel will be slightly shorter than your piece of cardboard. Next, lay a piece of yarn across the top of the cardboard. Starting and finishing at the bottom end of the cardboard, wind yarn around both the cardboard and the piece of yarn lying across the top. I did about 20 wraps.

 

 Pull the top piece of yarn tightly and tie the top of the tassel securely.
 

 

Cut the yarn ends at the opposite end of the cardboard, and remove the tassel from the cardboard.

 

 Cut another piece of yarn and wrap it a few times tightly around the tassel, approximately ½” from the top and tie securely.

To disguise the knot, pass both yarn ends through the center of the tassel as shown.

Trim any excess yarn across the bottom of the tassel.

Voila...a simple, beautiful tassel that will add detail to any project!!!

Another option, that adds both shape and weight to your tassel is to use a bead. To do this start by threading a bead onto a long piece of yarn and tie a knot close to the bead. For the moment, set the bead aside. 

Next, omitting the piece of yarn lying across the top, wind yarn around the piece of cardboard.

Cut the yarn ends at and remove the tassel from the cardboard.

Lay the yarn out flat as shown.

Using the beaded piece of yarn, tie a knot around the center of the tassel. Take care to fan the yarn out evenly around the bead and tie securely.

Again, to disguise the knot, pass both yarn ends through the center of the tassel and trim any excess yarn across the bottom of the tassel. For extra detail, add a bead to the top of your tassel and secure with a knot close to the bead.

kim.