Your Cart is Empty
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a yarn tassel. Maybe it’s the way they dance from the corners of handmade blankets or the cheerful finish they add to knitted hats and keyrings. Or maybe it’s simply that they’re so satisfying to make. Whatever the reason, if you’ve ever wondered how to make a tassel, you're in exactly the right place.
Tassels are one of those delightful little embellishments that manage to be both decorative and useful - and no, you don’t need a craft room filled with gadgets to get started. Just yarn. (Okay, and a few other bits, but nothing fancy.)
Let’s dive in.
Before we get into the fun stuff, let’s make sure we’re prepped and ready.
To make a tassel with yarn, you’ll want:
That’s it. No need for glue guns, sewing machines or mysterious crafting contraptions. Just the basics.
You can use pretty much any yarn, but your choice does make a difference. Chunky yarns create thick, fluffy tassels, whereas lighter yarns like cotton or DK weight will give you a sleeker, finer finish. And yes, you can mix colours for a multi-tone effect (we love a bold contrast or a soft gradient!).
That said, avoid yarns that fray too easily - they can make your tassel look a bit tired before it’s even finished. For vibrant, polished results, we recommend using something smooth and strong. Think acrylic blends or quality cotton yarn.
Ready? Let’s break it down, nice and easy.
First, cut a strand of yarn around 12 inches long. Set it aside - this will be used to tie your tassel later. If you’re working with finer yarn, cut two strands instead for added strength.
Next, decide how long you want your tassel to be. Cut a piece of cardboard that matches your desired tassel length (or raid the kitchen drawer for a fork, which works brilliantly for smaller tassels).
Now wrap your yarn around and around the cardboard or fork. Keep the wraps snug but not too tight. Aim for 30–40 wraps for a standard tassel - though there’s no hard rule here. Want it fluffier? Wrap more. Want it sleeker? Wrap less. You get the idea.
Once you’ve reached your desired thickness, stop. Don’t overdo it. We’ve all been there and ended up with a bulbous woolly pompom rather than a tassel.
Slide your previously cut strand of yarn (remember that?) through the top of the loops - between the cardboard and the yarn - and tie it tightly in a double knot. This becomes the head of your tassel.
If you’re using a fork, thread the strand between the middle prongs before tying off.
Now for the transformation moment. Carefully slide your scissors through the bottom of the loops and cut straight across. Congratulations - you’ve just birthed a tassel!
Give it a little shake to fluff it up. Feels good, doesn’t it?
Hold the tassel by the top and give it a tidy haircut. Snip the ends so they’re all even (or deliberately uneven if you're going for a more boho vibe).
If you'd like a more defined “neck”, you can wrap a strand of yarn around the top of the tassel just below the knot and tie it securely. This creates that classic tassel shape and keeps everything in place.
Now that you’ve made one (or a dozen - we won’t judge), here’s what to do with them.
Tassels make lovely accents for handmade cushions, curtain ties, or even garlands draped over a headboard. They're an easy way to add a personal, textured touch to any room. (We’ve even seen them used as festive decorations - why not?)
For more on enhancing your home with yarn crafts, see our blanket knitting guide for ideas that pair beautifully with tassel embellishments.
Add a tassel to the end of a knitted hat, a scarf or a handbag. It gives your handmade pieces a playful flourish - and they’re especially lovely on baby garments. If you subscribe to our boxes, you might even find a tassel-worthy project coming through your letterbox soon...
Yarn tassels make brilliant gift toppers. Tie one to a wrapped present or a gift bag handle for an instant upgrade. You can even colour coordinate them with your wrapping paper (a dream for detail-oriented crafters).
You’d think something this simple wouldn’t go wrong. But alas - there are pitfalls.
This one happens if your loops are inconsistent or you cut unevenly at the end. No big deal - a trim will fix it. But it's worth taking your time when cutting the loops and shaping the final tassel. A steady hand (and a good pair of scissors) works wonders.
If the tie at the top isn’t secure, your tassel may unravel or droop. (And no one wants a sad, saggy tassel.) Make sure to double-knot tightly and consider reinforcing with a wrap-around tie just below the knot.
Tassels are the sort of craft that remind us why we love knitting and handmade things to begin with. They’re simple. They’re joyful. And they add character to just about anything they touch.
Whether you’re jazzing up a handmade blanket, topping off a baby hat, or adding flair to your wrapping paper stash, knowing how to make a tassel with yarn is a small skill with big potential.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to bring yarn to life, don’t forget to explore our high-quality knitting kits in the UK. And remember - sometimes it’s the little things (like a tassel) that make the biggest difference.
Comments will be approved before showing up.