How to make yarn tassels is one of the easiest and most versatile crafts you can try. With just some yarn, scissors, and a little time, you can create tassels that add color and texture to almost anything.
These simple accents work beautifully on pillows, blankets, scarves, keychains, and even party decorations. They’re quick to make, affordable, and a great way to use up leftover yarn.
In this guide, we’ll walk through five simple steps to create your own tassels and share creative ways to use them in home décor, fashion, and gifts.
Create tassels in every shade you can imagine. Explore our Colored Yarn Collection for vibrant, versatile options.
How to Make Yarn Tassels in 5 Simple Steps
You can make yarn tassels with just a few tools and some basic steps. The process involves wrapping yarn, tying it securely, shaping the strands, and finishing with neat trimming for a clean look.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
First, gather your supplies: yarn, scissors, and something to wrap the yarn around—cardboard or your hand both work. Cardboard gives you more control over tassel size, while your hand is quick if you’re in a hurry.
Pick yarn based on the look you want. Cotton yarn makes smooth tassels, while wool or acrylic yarn creates a fuller effect. For small tassels, thinner yarn or embroidery thread works best.
Keep a ruler nearby if you want tassels of the same size. A crochet hook or blunt needle helps tuck in loose ends later. If you like, add ribbons, beads, or sequins for extra decoration.
Wrapping and Tying the Yarn
Decide how big you want your tassel. If you’re using cardboard, cut it a bit longer than your desired tassel length. Wrap yarn around the cardboard or your fingers evenly until you reach the thickness you like.
For a fuller tassel, wrap more layers. For a lighter tassel, wrap fewer. Keep the wraps snug but not too tight, or the yarn may stretch. Counting your wraps helps if you’re making several tassels the same size.
Once wrapped, cut the yarn. Slide the loops off the cardboard or your hand. Tie a short piece of yarn tightly around the top of the bundle. Make sure to knot it firmly—this holds everything together.
Double knotting adds strength, and leaving long ends makes it easier to attach the tassel later.
Cutting and Shaping the Tassel
After tying the top, find the folded loops at the bottom. Use sharp scissors to cut straight across all the loops. This turns the loops into free strands.
Hold the tassel upright and check how even the strands look. Some may be longer, so trim lightly to even them out.
If you want small tassels for bookmarks or jewelry, keep the strands short. For larger tassels on curtains or wall hangings, cut them longer. The cleaner your cut, the better the tassel will look.
A flat surface helps when trimming, as it keeps the strands steady and easier to align.
Securing the Top and Adding a Loop
To give your tassel shape, cut a new piece of yarn about 8–10 inches long. Wrap it around the tassel about half an inch below the top knot. This wrapped section is often called the “neck.”
Wrap tightly several times, then tie a secure knot. Tuck the loose ends under the wraps using a crochet hook or the tip of your scissors. That keeps everything neat and hides the knots.
If you want to hang the tassel, make a loop before you wrap the neck. Just fold a piece of yarn in half and tie it at the top knot. The loop lets you attach the tassel to bags, keychains, or other crafts.
Trimming for a Neat Finish
Once the tassel is secure, hold it upside down and shake it gently. This separates the strands and shows if any are sticking out.
Use sharp scissors to trim across the bottom again. Work slowly, cutting small amounts at a time until the strands are even. A straight edge gives a polished look, while angled cuts create a different style if you prefer.
Run your fingers through the yarn to fluff it. This helps the strands fall evenly and makes the tassel look fuller.
Check the knot at the top one last time to make sure it’s tight. Your DIY yarn tassel is now ready to use.
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Creative Ways to Use Yarn Tassels
Yarn tassels work in all kinds of craft projects because they’re easy to make, lightweight, and simple to attach. They add texture, color, and those little details that make everyday items feel more personal.
Home Décor Projects
Tassels can bring a handmade touch to your living space. You might attach them to the corners of throw blankets, the edges of pillows, or even the ends of a table runner. Matching tassel colors to your fabric or wall tones helps pull the look together.
Curtains get a boost with tassel tiebacks. Instead of plain fabric ties, try thick yarn tassels and secure them around your curtain panels. It’s a small change, but it adds both function and style.
Wall hangings are another option. Attach tassels to the bottom of a woven piece or string several together for a simple garland. These projects don’t need much material but can fill empty wall space with color and texture.
Ideas to try:
- Blanket corners
- Curtain tiebacks
- Pillow edges
- Wall garlands
Fashion and Accessories
Tassels can upgrade clothing and personal items with just a little effort. Adding tassels to the drawstrings of a hoodie or sweatpants gives them a custom look. Or, try attaching tassels to scarf ends for a bit of extra detail.
For bags, tassels work well as zipper pulls or keychain charms. A bright tassel on a neutral tote can add a pop of color and make zippers easier to grab. If you want a fuller effect, layer several tassels together.
Jewelry works, too. Small tassels made from embroidery thread or thin yarn can become earrings, necklaces, or bracelet charms. Keeping them lightweight is important so they stay comfortable to wear.
Accessory uses:
- Hoodie or pant drawstrings
- Scarf ends
- Bag zipper pulls
- Jewelry charms
Party and Gift Decorations
Tassels can take the place of bows and ribbons on wrapped gifts. Tie one around the center of a package or attach several small tassels to string for a decorative wrap. It adds a handmade element without needing special supplies.
Garlands made of tassels work for parties. Hang them across a wall, along a table edge, or over a doorway. Mixing colors helps them stand out and match your theme.
You can also attach tassels to favor bags or jars. A small tassel tied to the handle gives a neat finishing touch. For bigger events, using tassels as part of the table décor—like napkin ties—keeps the look consistent.
Decoration ideas:
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Gift wrap accents
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Party garlands
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Favor bag ties
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Napkin wraps
Tips for Perfect Yarn Tassels Every Time
The look and quality of your tassels really depend on the yarn you pick, how carefully you trim and shape them, and the tools you use. Small tweaks in these areas can make your tassels look neat, balanced, and professional.
Choosing the Right Yarn Colors and Textures
The yarn you choose affects both the style and durability of your tassels. Cotton yarn gives a smooth, polished finish, while wool creates a softer, bulkier look. Acrylic yarn is budget-friendly and holds its shape well.
When working on a project, think about contrast and coordination. For example, a neutral bag looks more lively with bright tassels, while a colorful pillow may benefit from solid, muted tones.
Textures matter, too. Smooth yarns untangle easily and create sharp lines, while fuzzy yarns can make tassels look fuller but less defined. If you want tassels that hang neatly, go for yarn with minimal fuzz.
You can also mix two yarn types in one tassel for added depth. Pairing shiny embroidery thread with matte cotton adds subtle variation without overpowering the design.
Keeping Tassels Even and Tangle-Free
Uneven tassels can make a project look unfinished. To avoid this, always wrap yarn around a flat surface like cardboard rather than freehand. That keeps the loops consistent in length.
After cutting, lay the tassel flat on a table before trimming. Use sharp scissors to make one clean cut across the bottom. If you notice strands sticking out later, trim them while the tassel hangs straight.
To prevent tangling, separate strands with your fingers once the tassel is tied. Running a wide-tooth comb lightly through the ends can help. For storage, keep tassels flat in a box—tossing them in a bag usually leads to knots.
If you plan to add multiple tassels to one project, measure and cut them side by side so they match in length and fullness.
Looking for projects to pair with your tassels? Discover our Circular Knitting Machine Collection and create cozy pieces to decorate.
Conclusion: How to Make Yarn Tassels
Yarn tassels are simple, stylish, and endlessly useful. With just a few steps, you can turn leftover yarn into colorful accents that brighten up home décor, fashion, and gifts.
The more you practice, the more consistent and polished your tassels will look. Play with different yarn textures and colors to match any project or season.
Ready to grow your crafting skills even more? Check out our guide on how to end knitting for another essential technique every maker should know.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can shape yarn into fringes or tassels using simple tools like scissors, cardboard, or just your hands. The type of string and the length you cut also affect how your tassels look and hold up over time.
How to make a fringe out of yarn?
Cut equal lengths of yarn and fold each piece in half. Use a crochet hook or your fingers to pull the folded end through the edge of fabric or a project. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten to secure. Trim the ends so the fringe looks even.
How to make tassels by hand?
Wrap yarn around your fingers or a piece of cardboard several times. Slide the loops off carefully, tie a piece of yarn at the top, and cut through the bottom loops. Wrap another piece of yarn near the top to form the tassel’s neck, then trim the ends to even them out.
What string is used for tassels?
You can use yarn, embroidery thread, cotton string, or even thin rope. Soft yarn creates a fluffy tassel, while embroidery thread gives a smoother and more delicate look. Choose the material based on how you plan to use the tassel, such as for home decor, clothing, or accessories.
What size should I cut tassel yarn?
Cut the yarn to roughly twice the length you want for your finished tassel. Say you're aiming for a 4-inch tassel—grab some 8-inch strands, then fold and tie them. It's usually best to cut a bit longer than you think you'll need, since you can always trim the bottom for a neat finish later.
