The tassel is a historic symbol of the ceremony, such as college graduation. I still have my tassel from graduation. I just read this interesting article on the history of tassels in ceremonies. You can easily make tassels to decorate for parties or add to a graduation cards to accessories or be the focal point.  This post is a tutorial on how to make the perfect tassel.

Tassels have a long history back to Roman emperors. Next we started seeing them in home decor as an accessory to pillows. Do you remember seeing tassels on curtains?  I’m actually glad that trend is gone.  Tassels are fun and easy to make whether they are for home decor, cards and gifts, or even clothing and jewelry.

The steps to create them are the same, just change out the material that you use.

This tutorial is using a spool of Emerald Envy Thick Baker’s Twine which is included in the Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin July Kit.

Stampin’ Up! offers a number of twine options from thin and delicate to thick and decorative.  You’ll see the full twine collection by clicking here.  Stampin’ Up! Thick Twine packages for $3.50 containes 15 yards.  You can make 5 of the tassels in this projects.

Bermuda Bay Thick Baker’s Twine. Item #138413 Price: $3.50

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Start with approximately 104″ of twine. Cut 16″ and 8″ from the spool and set it aside.

Wrap as much of the 8 feet twine around two fingers.

More twine makes a thicker tassel, less makes a thinner delicate tassel. This sample used all but 6”.

Step 2:

Thread the 16″ piece you cut through the loop in the wrapped twine and knot it.

Leave one end of the twine about twice as long as the other side.

Step 3:

Lay the 8” pre-cut piece of twine on the work surface. Place the looped twine over it.

Knot the twine around the looped twine about 1/2” from the top to create the tassel.

Step 4:

Cut the loops at the end of the tassel with scissors and trim the bottom so it is even.

Step 5:

The tassel will look similar to this.

NOTE: If you are adding a tag to the ornament stamp a greeting like “Merry Christmas” onto the tag and add it to the ornament in the next step.

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