How to Make a Yarn Tassel in Minutes! (Two Easy Ways)

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Tassels can add flair to all sorts of things like hats, scarves, bags, shawls, and more. And the best part? They’re a fantastic way to make the most of your leftover yarn scraps. If you’re wondering how to make a yarn tassel, you’ve come to the perfect spot.

In this article, I’ll show you two super simple methods to create yarn tassels, and you’ll be able to whip them up in just minutes.

close up of yarn tassels to demonstrate how to make a yarn tassel in two easy ways.

First things first, there are two ways to make a yarn tassel: by hand, and with a tassel maker. In either case, you need a “frame” to hold the tassel while you make it.

When making a yarn tassel by hand, this “frame” can be anything you have lying around with the right dimensions (more on that later). The benefit of using a tassel maker is that it serves as a frame and can be adjusted to several sizes.

Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:


How to Make a Yarn Tassel by Hand

Creating a yarn tassel by hand is not just easy; it’s also the perfect place to begin. To make a tassel, you’ll need a simple “frame” that you can easily find around your house. Things like a stack of Post-It notes, an old Amazon box scrap, coasters, or even a crochet hook case (which we’ll use in this tutorial) can work wonders.

The key is to find something sturdy to wrap your yarn around, ensuring your tassel comes out neat and uniform. The height of your chosen “structure” determines the length of your tassel. With this essential piece in place, crafting a tassel by hand becomes a breeze.

Supplies

  • A few yards of yarn
  • Some sort of rigid structure that matches how long you want your tassel to be
  • Scissors

Steps to Make a Yarn Tassel by Hand

  1. Cut two pieces of yarn, each about 10 inches long, and set them aside.
  2. Take the yarn you want for your tassel and make sure one end lines up with the bottom of your “frame.”
  3. Wind the yarn around the frame, wrapping it several times until your tassel looks as thick as you want it to be.
  4. When it’s the right thickness, trim the yarn at the bottom of the tassel.
  5. Carefully slide the yarn off the frame, and use one of the yarn pieces you set aside to tie a tight knot at the top.
  6. Cut through the loops at the bottom to make your tassel fringe.
  7. Now, take the other piece of yarn you set aside and wrap it around the top of the tassel, about half an inch down from the knot you tied.
  8. Tie this yarn piece into a secure knot.
  9. Lastly, trim the tassel ends so they’re all even.

How to Make a Yarn Tassel By Hand – Video

Prefer learning through visuals? No problem! Watch this brief video where I’ll guide you through the process of making a yarn tassel by hand. I’ll be using a crochet hook case as the “frame” to show you exactly how it’s done.

Tips to Make Perfect Yarn Tassels by Hand

The thicker, the better: Ensure you have enough wraps around your tassel frame. A thicker tassel not only looks more stylish but also holds its shape and looks more substantial.

Mind your tension: Consistent tension while wrapping your tassel frame is essential. If your wraps aren’t consistent your tassel might look uneven. So, keep your tension just right.

Select the right length: The length of the “frame” or object you use for wrapping your tassel determines how long the tassel will be. Make sure it matches your project’s needs.

Precision trimming: When it’s time to trim your tassel, use sharp scissors and cut evenly to create a polished finish.

How to Make a Yarn Tassel with a Tassel Maker

Using a tassel maker adds a lot of convenience to crafting tassels. Think of it as an adjustable frame that you can customize to your preferred size without searching for household objects. Plus, tassel makers are affordable and readily available on Amazon or at your nearby craft store, making tassel making a breeze.

I held off on getting my first tassel maker for a while. My handcrafted yarn tassels were turning out well, so I didn’t see the need for a special tool. However, once I finally gave it a try, I discovered that the convenience it brings is truly worth it.

Supplies

Steps to Make a Yarn Tassel by Hand

  1. Cut three pieces of yarn, each about 10 inches long, and set them aside.
  2. Adjust the tassel maker to the size you desire for your tassel. Note that the tassel will be half the length you set it to.
  3. Fasten the end of your yarn in the catcher of the tassel maker.
  4. Wrap the yarn around the tassel maker until it’s half as thick as you want the tassel to be.
  5. Secure the yarn in the second catcher.
  6. Now, take one of the yarn sections and thread it through the middle of the wraps, tying a loose knot to create a loop. Make sure the knot is centered within the wraps.
  7. Wrap another piece of yarn around the entire section and tie a knot. Feed the ends of the knot through the loop, and tie it at the back.
  8. Carefully cut the yarn at each end of the tassel.
  9. Fold it in half so the looped yarn section is at the top.
  10. Use the last piece of yarn you set aside to wrap it around the top of the tassel, about half an inch down from the knot you tied.
  11. Lastly, trim the tassel ends so they’re all even.

How to Make a Yarn Tassel With a Tassel Maker Video

Getting the hang of using a tassel maker through written instructions alone can be quite challenging, as I found when I tried it for the first time. I even struggled with the provided instructions and had to learn some things the hard way. So, I recommend giving this video a quick watch to make the process much simpler!

Tips to Make Perfect Yarn Tassels with a Tassel Maker

The thicker, the better: Make sure you have enough wraps around your tassel maker. A thicker tassel not only looks more stylish but also holds its shape and looks more substantial.

Practice with scrap yarn: Before creating a tassel for your actual project, use scrap yarn to practice a few. This way, you can refine your technique and ensure your final tassel looks just as you want it to.

Experiment with lengths: Don’t be afraid to vary the length of your tassels to see what works best for different projects. Longer tassels can add elegance, while shorter ones might suit a more casual look.

Yarn texture: Experiment with different yarn textures to achieve unique tassel effects. A fluffy yarn can create a playful tassel, while a smoother yarn can offer a sleek finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Yarn Tassels

Can I use different yarn types for tassels?

Yes, you can choose any yarn type that fits your project.

What’s the best length for tassels?

It depends on your preference, but most tassels are around 4-6 inches long.

How do I attach tassels to my project?

Thread the tassel loop through your project and tie a knot to secure it. Weave in the ends to hide them or trim them short.

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