How to Make a Tassel

If you’re looking to add a bit of swish to your summer projects, try adding a tassel or two (or ten). Tassels are usually created separately and added to the crochet design after the fact. They can be used to spice up a blanket, a shawl, or any other project.

A number of crochet patterns use tassels in their construction. In fact, tassels appear in several of this year’s trendiest summer crochet patterns. Nicoletta Tronci uses a tassel as a closure in her Neverland Tote (check out the photo above), and Michelle Moore’s Beach Blouse in the Spring 2019 issue of Interweave Crochet uses tassels on the end of the tank’s closures. Use this stylish embellishment with any of your projects. You can use any weight of yarn, from fine to chunky. When you’re done, use the top tied loop of the tassel to attach it to something—anything—everything!

Tassel

Cut a piece of cardboard 4″ (10 cm) wide by the desired length of the tassel plus 1″
(2.5 cm). Wrap yarn to the desired thickness around the cardboard. Cut a short length of yarn and tie it tightly around one end of the wrapped yarn (Figure 1). Cut the yarn loops at other end. Cut another piece of yarn and wrap tightly around the loops a short distance below the top knot to form the tassel neck. Knot securely, thread the ends onto the tapestry needle (affiliate link), and pull to the center of the tassel (Figure 2). Trim the ends.

Enjoy the swish!

This article originally appeared in Interweave Crochet Summer 2015 Featured Image: The Neverland Tote uses a tassel as a closure. Image by Harper Point Photography

In search of more tassel tips? Check out these resources!