DIY Fabric & Paper Tassels

May 22, 2012


Save This
Print This
 
    The classic tassel gets a fun, modern update in minutes with this simple, kid-friendly craft. Learn how to make both fabric tassels and crepe or tissue paper tassels, plus get ideas for using them as indoor and outdoor decorations.

How to Make Fabric Tassels

If you’re decorating outdoors, fabric tassels are your best bet. They long outlast paper ones, especially when you use outdoor fabric.

1. Pick & trim fabric. Since you’ll see the front and back, opt for something that’s colored or patterned on both sides. A standard yard of 45” wide fabric cut into roughly 18x24” pieces will make four tassels, each about 11” long. If you’d like bigger or smaller tassels, adjust the measurements accordingly.

2. Fold & cut. Fold fabric in half crosswise so the shorter sides meet. Next, with a ruler and pencil, lightly draw lines from 2-3” below the fold to the cut edge, spacing them about 1” apart. Cut along the lines with scissors.

Tip: Speed things up with a rotary cutter and cutting mat. Rather than making lines, just line up your fabric on the cutting mat and, using the measurement markers as a guide, quickly slice 1” wide strips.

3. Roll & tie. Unfold the fabric, then roll it tightly lengthwise, untangling the fringe as you go. Pick up the roll and pinch it in half lengthwise so the seam faces inward, then tie a strip of fabric or string around the top to secure. Leave ends as-is for a rustic finish, or trim them to even lengths for a cleaner look.

Tip: Try stacking two different fabrics—a solid color with a geometric print, a striped fabric with a floral one—to make fuller, more colorful tassels.

DIY Tassels

How to Make Crepe Paper Tassels

Crepe paper gets its characteristic crinkle from a coat of sizing, which also makes it easy to work with. That said, tissue paper does the trick, too!

1. Cut. Since crepe and tissue paper usually come folded, simply cut a stack into sections. The longer you cut it, the fuller your tassel will be; just remember that the more paper, the harder it will be to secure. Then, measure and cut lines about 1” apart, starting at the short end and cutting to 2-3” below the fold.

2. Twist & tie. Unfold the paper, then tightly yet carefully twist together the middle. Continue until the twisted paper starts to loop around itself, then tie off with any type of string.

Quick Tip

Febreze There′s an easier way to clean post-crafting spills, splatters and other floor messes. Just reach for Swiffer® WetJet®; it powers through up to 2X more dried-on dirt & grime with less effort*. That′s because the Swiffer WetJet Extra Power Pad has over 200 power scrubbers. *than a mop & bucket

Decorating with DIY Tassels

Backyard party or weeknight dinner, tassels make for fun decorations. Try them:

  • On a garland. Knot fabric tassels to sturdy twine, as they’re heavy, or knot crepe paper tassels to colorful yarn or thread. For a floating effect, tie either to fishing line instead.

Tip: For an unexpected twist on the usual garland, hang it vertically to create a cascading effect.

  • In the garden. Decorate for an outdoor celebration or perk up your backyard by hanging single fabric tassels from branches. Or weave tassel garlands into trees or drape them around shrubs.

  • With a gift. Make mini fabric or crepe paper tassels (just cut smaller pieces and thinner strips) to adorn packages.

Tip: Tie nametags to tiny tassels, and you’ve got cute-as-can-be place cards.

  • As chair decorations. Tie clusters of tassels to chair rungs, or hang tassel garlands across the backs for beyond-the-bow chair decorations.



Inspiration Meets Conversation

Previous statement Next statement
  • Join our community for daily inspiration & advice for home.

  • Get solutions, deals, and cleaning tips directly from home experts.

  • Visit our channel for quick and easy how-to videos.

  • Sign up for our free emails & get the latest recipes, projects and special offers.

  • Subscribe to our feeds & receive automatic updates on your favorite content.

Special Offers

  • Brand Savers

    Get $13 in savings from some of your favorite brands.

    Pampers

    Get deals and personalized newsletters from Pampers®.

  • www.pgeveryday.com

    Find coupons, product samples, expert advice and more.