Difference between revisions of "Make Tassels"
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The most common tassels are made out of yarn or embroidery floss. They are most often used to decorate knit hats, scarves, and blankets. Did you know that you can also make tassels out of paper and leather or suede? Paper tassels make great garlands for parties, and leather/suede tassels make great additions to boots and purses. | The most common tassels are made out of yarn or embroidery floss. They are most often used to decorate knit hats, scarves, and blankets. Did you know that you can also make tassels out of paper and leather or suede? Paper tassels make great garlands for parties, and leather/suede tassels make great additions to boots and purses. | ||
| − | [[Category:Needlecraft]] | + | [[Category: Needlecraft]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Using Yarn or Embroidery Floss === | === Using Yarn or Embroidery Floss === | ||
#Choose some yarn or embroidery floss. You can make tassels out of just about anything, but this method works best with stringy materials, such as yarn or embroidery floss. You can also use other types of string, such as twine, cording, or very thin rope. | #Choose some yarn or embroidery floss. You can make tassels out of just about anything, but this method works best with stringy materials, such as yarn or embroidery floss. You can also use other types of string, such as twine, cording, or very thin rope. | ||
| − | #Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard. The longer your cardboard is, the longer your tassel will be. For a standard tassel, start with a 4 inch (10.16 centimeters) piece of cardboard.<ref>http://www.aliceandlois.com/10-minute-diy-tassel-necklace/</ref> You can always trim the tassel shorter when you are done if it is too long for you. | + | #Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard. The longer your cardboard is, the longer your tassel will be. For a standard tassel, start with a 4 inch (10.16 centimeters) piece of cardboard.<ref name="rf1">http://www.aliceandlois.com/10-minute-diy-tassel-necklace/</ref> You can always trim the tassel shorter when you are done if it is too long for you. |
| − | #Cut a piece of string, and tape it across the top of the cardboard. This will make the string your tassel hangs from. You can use the same color as the rest of your tassel, or a contrasting color. The string should be at least 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long.<ref | + | #Cut a piece of string, and tape it across the top of the cardboard. This will make the string your tassel hangs from. You can use the same color as the rest of your tassel, or a contrasting color. The string should be at least 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long.<ref name="rf1" /> Remember, you can always cut it shorter at the end, if you need to. |
| − | #* Consider braiding three strings together first, and then taping them to the cardboard. This will not only make the handing string stronger, but also prettier.<ref>http://www.operationoverhaul.com/2012/08/tassel-tutorial/</ref> | + | #* Consider braiding three strings together first, and then taping them to the cardboard. This will not only make the handing string stronger, but also prettier.<ref name="rf2">http://www.operationoverhaul.com/2012/08/tassel-tutorial/</ref> |
| − | #Start wrapping your string around the cardboard, lengthwise. Make sure you are wrapping across/over the string you taped to the top of your cardboard. The more you wrap, the fuller your tassel will be. Plan on wrapping it at least 24 times.<ref | + | #Start wrapping your string around the cardboard, lengthwise. Make sure you are wrapping across/over the string you taped to the top of your cardboard. The more you wrap, the fuller your tassel will be. Plan on wrapping it at least 24 times.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Cut the string when you reach the bottom of the cardboard on the final wrap. Don't cut it any higher, of your tassel will be uneven. | #Cut the string when you reach the bottom of the cardboard on the final wrap. Don't cut it any higher, of your tassel will be uneven. | ||
#Take the tape off, and tie the ends of the string into a tight knot. This will help hold your tassel together. | #Take the tape off, and tie the ends of the string into a tight knot. This will help hold your tassel together. | ||
#Cut the wrapped string along the bottom and take it off the cardboard. Your tassel is almost ready. Don't worry if a few strings fall out. | #Cut the wrapped string along the bottom and take it off the cardboard. Your tassel is almost ready. Don't worry if a few strings fall out. | ||
| − | #Cut a 10 inch (25.4 centimeters) piece of string.<ref | + | #Cut a 10 inch (25.4 centimeters) piece of string.<ref name="rf1" /> You will be wrapping this string around the top part of your tassel to hold it together. You can match the color to your tassel, or use a contrasting color. |
#Tie the string around the tassel, ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) down from the top. Make the knot as tight as you can without breaking the string. | #Tie the string around the tassel, ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) down from the top. Make the knot as tight as you can without breaking the string. | ||
#Wrap the string around the tassel 6 to 8 times. Try to stay as close to the knot as possible. | #Wrap the string around the tassel 6 to 8 times. Try to stay as close to the knot as possible. | ||
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=== Using Tissue Paper === | === Using Tissue Paper === | ||
| − | #Cut a piece of tissue paper into a 24 by 14 inch (60.96 by 35.56 centimeters) rectangle.<ref>http://theknottybride.com/26177#more-26177</ref> Position the rectangle so that the narrower end is facing you. | + | #Cut a piece of tissue paper into a 24 by 14 inch (60.96 by 35.56 centimeters) rectangle.<ref name="rf3">http://theknottybride.com/26177#more-26177</ref> Position the rectangle so that the narrower end is facing you. |
| − | #Fold in half so that the narrower end of the rectangle has the fold.<ref | + | #Fold in half so that the narrower end of the rectangle has the fold.<ref name="rf3" /> Make sure that the folded edge is at the top of the rectangle, facing away from you. |
#Draw a horizontal line 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) down from the fold. Use a pencil to draw the line, and a ruler to make the line as straight as possible. This is your guideline. You will be cutting up towards this line, but you won't be cutting past it. | #Draw a horizontal line 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) down from the fold. Use a pencil to draw the line, and a ruler to make the line as straight as possible. This is your guideline. You will be cutting up towards this line, but you won't be cutting past it. | ||
#* Draw lightly with the pencil so that you won't see the marks when you are done. | #* Draw lightly with the pencil so that you won't see the marks when you are done. | ||
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#Unfold the rectangle. The rectangle will now have a fringe on both of the narrow ends, like a giant set of whiskers. | #Unfold the rectangle. The rectangle will now have a fringe on both of the narrow ends, like a giant set of whiskers. | ||
#Start rolling the rectangle, from left to right. Straighten the strands as you roll. | #Start rolling the rectangle, from left to right. Straighten the strands as you roll. | ||
| − | #Twist the rolled up tissue paper tightly around the middle. Leave the "whiskers" loose. The only part you should be twisting is the solid, uncut part.<ref>http://www.penniesforafortune.com/diy-mint-and-silver-tassel-garland/</ref> | + | #Twist the rolled up tissue paper tightly around the middle. Leave the "whiskers" loose. The only part you should be twisting is the solid, uncut part.<ref name="rf4">http://www.penniesforafortune.com/diy-mint-and-silver-tassel-garland/</ref> |
| − | #Fold the rolled up tissue paper in half. Keep the top part of the loop (the twisted part) at the top.<ref | + | #Fold the rolled up tissue paper in half. Keep the top part of the loop (the twisted part) at the top.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Wrap some tape around the base of the loop to hold the tassel together.<ref>http://inspiredbycharm.com/2015/02/diy-tassel-garland.html</ref> Wrap the tape around the twisted part, about 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) down from the top. Do not get any tape on the tassels. | + | #Wrap some tape around the base of the loop to hold the tassel together.<ref name="rf5">http://inspiredbycharm.com/2015/02/diy-tassel-garland.html</ref> Wrap the tape around the twisted part, about 1½ inches (3.81 centimeters) down from the top. Do not get any tape on the tassels. |
#* You can use clear tape, or patterned/washi tape. | #* You can use clear tape, or patterned/washi tape. | ||
#String the tassel onto a long piece of string. If you make enough tassels, you can make a garland to hand across your doorway. Typical tassel garlands are between 3 and 4 feet (0.91 and 1.22 meters) long. | #String the tassel onto a long piece of string. If you make enough tassels, you can make a garland to hand across your doorway. Typical tassel garlands are between 3 and 4 feet (0.91 and 1.22 meters) long. | ||
=== Using Leather or Suede === | === Using Leather or Suede === | ||
| − | #Cut a 10 by 3½ inch (25.4 by 8.89 centimeters) rectangle of leather or suede.<ref>http://lovelyindeed.com/diy-leather-tassel-keyring/</ref> This will make the body of your tassel. Make sure that the material you are using is thin and soft, of your tassel will be too stiff. | + | #Cut a 10 by 3½ inch (25.4 by 8.89 centimeters) rectangle of leather or suede.<ref name="rf6">http://lovelyindeed.com/diy-leather-tassel-keyring/</ref> This will make the body of your tassel. Make sure that the material you are using is thin and soft, of your tassel will be too stiff. |
| − | #Cut a 3 by ¼ inch (7.62 by 0.64 centimeters) strip of leather or suede.<ref | + | #Cut a 3 by ¼ inch (7.62 by 0.64 centimeters) strip of leather or suede.<ref name="rf6" /> This will make the loop so that you can hang your tassel later on. You can use the same color as your tassel, or a contrasting color. |
#* Make sure that the rectangle is oriented horizontally, with the long edge facing you. | #* Make sure that the rectangle is oriented horizontally, with the long edge facing you. | ||
#Fold the small strip in half to make a loop, and secure the ends with glue. If you'd like to make a keychain, place a key ring inside the loop before you add the glue. | #Fold the small strip in half to make a loop, and secure the ends with glue. If you'd like to make a keychain, place a key ring inside the loop before you add the glue. | ||
#Hold the ends together with a binger clip or a clothespin until the glue dries. Once the glue dries, you can remove the clip. If you don't have any clips, then place a heavy object, such as a book or jar, down on top of the folded loop. | #Hold the ends together with a binger clip or a clothespin until the glue dries. Once the glue dries, you can remove the clip. If you don't have any clips, then place a heavy object, such as a book or jar, down on top of the folded loop. | ||
| − | #Draw a horizontal line across the rectangle, ¾ inch (1.91 centimeters) from the top/long edge.<ref | + | #Draw a horizontal line across the rectangle, ¾ inch (1.91 centimeters) from the top/long edge.<ref name="rf6" /> This will be your guideline. You will be cutting the fringe up to this line. Make sure that you are drawing the line on the back of the leather/suede. This way, you won't see it when you are done. |
#* If your leather/suede is very dark, try a light-colored pen or a white colored pencil. | #* If your leather/suede is very dark, try a light-colored pen or a white colored pencil. | ||
#* Use a ruler to make your line as straight as possible. | #* Use a ruler to make your line as straight as possible. | ||
| − | #Draw vertical lines, spaced ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) apart.<ref | + | #Draw vertical lines, spaced ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) apart.<ref name="rf6" /> Make sure that they are going from the bottom of the rectangle up to the horizontal line. These will be the cutting lines for your fringe. The vertical lines should not go past the horizontal line. |
#* Remember to use a ruler so that the lines will be as even as possible. | #* Remember to use a ruler so that the lines will be as even as possible. | ||
#Cut the vertical lines using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft blade. Do '''not''' cut past the horizontal line, or your tassel will be uneven. | #Cut the vertical lines using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft blade. Do '''not''' cut past the horizontal line, or your tassel will be uneven. | ||
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#Secure the end of the rectangle with glue. Once you reach the end of the rectangle, draw a line of glue along the side, going from the horizontal guideline all the way up to the top. Do not get any glue on the fringe. Press the glued edge down firmly onto the tassel. | #Secure the end of the rectangle with glue. Once you reach the end of the rectangle, draw a line of glue along the side, going from the horizontal guideline all the way up to the top. Do not get any glue on the fringe. Press the glued edge down firmly onto the tassel. | ||
#Wrap a rubber band around the tassel to hold it together until it dries. You don't need to wrap anything around the fringe part, because there is no glue there. Once the glue dries, you can remove the rubber band. | #Wrap a rubber band around the tassel to hold it together until it dries. You don't need to wrap anything around the fringe part, because there is no glue there. Once the glue dries, you can remove the rubber band. | ||
| − | #Consider wrapping a piece of ribbon or colored thread around the top to hide the seam.<ref>http://missrenaissance.com/2013/04/01/6697/</ref> Once you have pulled the rubber band off, your tassel is ready to go. If you want, however, you can wrap a piece of ribbon around the top part of the tassel to hide the side seam. | + | #Consider wrapping a piece of ribbon or colored thread around the top to hide the seam.<ref name="rf7">http://missrenaissance.com/2013/04/01/6697/</ref> Once you have pulled the rubber band off, your tassel is ready to go. If you want, however, you can wrap a piece of ribbon around the top part of the tassel to hide the side seam. |
#Use your tassel. You can attach it to a key ring, or sew it onto a purse, handbag, or pair of boots. | #Use your tassel. You can attach it to a key ring, or sew it onto a purse, handbag, or pair of boots. | ||
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| − | + | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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* Use string tassels to make jewelry and bookmarks. You can also add them to knit scarves, blankets, and hats. | * Use string tassels to make jewelry and bookmarks. You can also add them to knit scarves, blankets, and hats. | ||
* Use paper tassels to make a garland for a party. | * Use paper tassels to make a garland for a party. | ||
| − | * When making tissue paper tassels, stack up to 5 sheets of tissue paper at one time when cutting. This will make your work go by faster. Roll and twist the papers separately, however. stack up to 5 sheets at once to make it go by faster<ref>http://www.tomfo.com/how-to-make-your-own-tissue-paper-tassel-garland</ref> | + | * When making tissue paper tassels, stack up to 5 sheets of tissue paper at one time when cutting. This will make your work go by faster. Roll and twist the papers separately, however. stack up to 5 sheets at once to make it go by faster<ref name="rf8">http://www.tomfo.com/how-to-make-your-own-tissue-paper-tassel-garland</ref> |
| − | * When making leather/suede tassels, try using shorter rectangles, in different colors, and stacking them together to make multicolored tassels.<ref>http://www.brit.co/tassels/</ref> | + | * When making leather/suede tassels, try using shorter rectangles, in different colors, and stacking them together to make multicolored tassels.<ref name="rf9">http://www.brit.co/tassels/</ref> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
| Line 78: | Line 78: | ||
* 3 to 4 feet (0.91 and 1.22 meters) of string (optional, for garland) | * 3 to 4 feet (0.91 and 1.22 meters) of string (optional, for garland) | ||
| − | === Leather or Suede Tassels<ref | + | === Leather or Suede Tassels<ref name="rf6" /> === |
* Leather or suede | * Leather or suede | ||
* Scissors or craft knife | * Scissors or craft knife | ||
