How To Make Tassels With Embroidery Thread: Step-by-Step

Yes, you can easily make tassels with embroidery thread! It is a fun craft project. It does not take long. Making tassels is simple. This article will show you how. We will go step by step. You will learn how to make great tassels. You can use them on many things.

How To Make Tassels With Embroidery Thread
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Exploring Embroidery Thread for Tassels

Embroidery thread is also called embroidery floss. It is made of cotton usually. It has six strands you can separate. This thread is great for making tassels. It comes in many, many colors. You can find it in craft stores easily. It is not expensive.

Why choose embroidery thread?

Lots of colors: You can find almost any color you want. This lets you match any project.
Small size: The thread is thin. This makes small, neat tassels. You can control the size easily.
Soft and flowy: Embroidery thread makes tassels that hang nicely. They move well.
Easy to find: It is a common craft supply.
Cheap: A small cost gets you a lot of thread. You can make many tassels.

Making a tassel is a simple craft. It does not need fancy tools. Anyone can learn it. It is a good project for beginners. This simple tassel tutorial will guide you.

Yarn Tassels vs Embroidery Thread Tassels

People also make tassels from yarn. Yarn and embroidery thread are different. Let’s see how.

Yarn is thicker than embroidery thread. It is often made of wool, acrylic, or cotton.

Here are some main differences:

Thickness: Yarn is much thicker. Embroidery thread is thin.
Size of Tassel: Yarn makes bigger, chunkier tassels. Embroidery thread makes smaller, finer ones.
Look and Feel: Yarn tassels are often softer and fuzzier. Embroidery thread tassels are smoother and have more defined strands.
Weight: Yarn tassels are heavier. Embroidery thread tassels are lighter.
Colors: Embroidery thread has a huge range of solid colors. Yarn also has many colors, but maybe fewer fine shades. Yarn can also have textures, like bumpy or sparkly.
Drape: Embroidery thread tassels hang straight and swing easily. Yarn tassels can be stiffer or bulkier.

Think about what you want your tassel for. If you want a big, soft tassel for a blanket, yarn is good. If you want a small, neat tassel for jewelry or a bookmark, embroidery thread is better. Crafting tassels with thread gives you fine control over size and look. This DIY thread tassel project uses embroidery thread.

Fathoming Your Tassel Tools

You do not need many tools. You likely have most things at home already. Tassel making tools are simple.

Here is a list of what you need:

Embroidery Thread: Choose the color or colors you like. One skein of thread can make several tassels.
Something to Wrap Thread Around: This sets the size of your tassel. You can use many things.
- A piece of stiff cardboard
- A ruler
- A small book
- Your fingers
- A credit card
- The goal is a flat, firm object. The height of this object will be the length of your finished tassel strands (before trimming).
Sharp Scissors: You need good scissors to cut the thread neatly. Fabric scissors work well.
A Needle with a Large Eye (Optional but helpful): This helps thread the top loop through the tassel head later. A tapestry needle is perfect.
A Jump Ring, Split Ring, or Small Cord (for attaching): If you want to add your tassel to something like a keychain or jewelry.

That is it! Not many things needed for this embroidery floss tassel tutorial.

Preparing Your Thread

Before you start wrapping, get your thread ready.

Take your skein of embroidery thread. It is usually twisted into a loop.

Find the end of the thread.
Keep the skein together. Do not untwist it yet.

You will need two pieces of thread cut from the skein before you start wrapping.

First piece: Cut a piece of thread about 8 to 10 inches long. This will tie the top of the tassel head. Set this piece aside.
Second piece: Cut another piece of thread about 10 to 12 inches long. This will tie the neck of the tassel. Set this piece aside too.

The rest of the thread in the skein is what you will wrap.

Picking Your Wrapping Object

The size of the thing you wrap around sets the length of your tassel.

Want a short tassel? Use a small piece of cardboard or a credit card.
Want a longer tassel? Use a taller piece of cardboard or a small book.

Let’s say you use a piece of cardboard 3 inches tall. Your tassel strands will be about 3 inches long before you trim them. Keep this in mind when picking your object. This helps you know how to make mini tassels too – just use a very small object!

Grasping the Simple Steps: Making Tassels Step by Step

Now, let’s make the tassel. Follow these steps carefully. This is your making tassels step by step guide.

Step 1: Wrapping the Thread

This step builds the body of your tassel.

Take your chosen wrapping object (cardboard, book, etc.).
Take the main part of your embroidery thread skein. Find the end.
Hold the end of the thread against your object. Hold it at one edge.
Start wrapping the thread around the object. Go around and around.
Wrap the thread smoothly. Keep it flat. Do not let it twist.
Wrap many times. The more times you wrap, the fatter your tassel will be.
- For a small, thin tassel, wrap about 20-30 times.
- For a medium tassel, wrap about 40-60 times.
- For a thick, full tassel, wrap 70-100 times or more.
If you want to make mini tassels, use a very small object and wrap maybe just 15-25 times.
When you have wrapped enough times, cut the thread from the skein. Cut it near where you started wrapping.

Step 2: Tying the Top Loop

This step makes the loop to hang your tassel.

Take the first short piece of thread you cut (8-10 inches).
Slide this piece of thread underneath the wrapped threads on your object.
Slide it under the threads at the top edge of your object. This is the edge where the wraps begin and end.
Bring the two ends of this short thread piece together above the wrapped threads.
Tie a tight knot right at the top edge of the wrapped threads. Tie a double knot to make it secure.
This knot makes the top of your tassel’s head and the hanging loop.

Step 3: Cutting the Bottom Loops

Now, you will free the tassel body from your object.

Hold the object with the wrapped thread and the top knot you just tied.
Look at the opposite edge of the object. This is the bottom edge.
The threads are looped at this bottom edge.
Take your sharp scissors.
Carefully slide the scissors under all the threads at the bottom edge.
Cut through all the loops of thread along this edge.
Make sure you cut all the loops.
Now, you can slide the bundle of threads off your wrapping object.
You should have a bundle of straight threads. They are held together at the top by the knot you tied in Step 2.

Step 4: Tying the Neck

This step shapes the head of your tassel.

Lay your bundle of threads flat. The tied knot should be at the top.
The long tails of the knot form the hanging loop.
Take the second short piece of thread you cut (10-12 inches).
Hold this second piece of thread horizontally.
Place this thread below the top knot. Place it maybe 1/2 inch or 1 inch down from the top knot. This spot will be the “neck” of your tassel.
Gather all the hanging threads together below this point.
Wrap the second piece of thread tightly around the bundle of threads at the neck point.
Wrap it around several times. Go over the top of the thread ends you are wrapping with.
Keep wrapping tightly to make a defined head shape.
When you have wrapped enough, tie a secure knot. Tie it on the back side of the tassel head so it does not show as much. You can tie a double knot.
You can use a needle to help hide the ends of this neck-tying thread. Thread one end onto your large-eye needle. Slide the needle down through the center of the tassel head, under the neck wraps, and out the bottom of the tassel. Pull the thread through. Do the same with the other end. Then, trim these ends even with the other tassel strands. This hides the knot.

Step 5: Trimming the Ends

The last step makes your tassel look neat.

Hold your tassel by the top loop. Let the strands hang down.
The bottom ends will likely be uneven.
Use your sharp scissors to trim the bottom ends.
Trim them so they are all the same length.
You can make the bottom flat or slightly rounded.
Take your time to get a nice, even edge.
You might need to give the tassel a little shake or comb through the ends gently with your fingers to find all the uneven pieces.

You have made a simple DIY thread tassel! This embroidery floss tassel tutorial is complete for the basic form.

Interpreting Different Looks: Tassel Variations

You can change the look of your tassel easily.

Changing the Size

Mini Tassels: Use a very small object for wrapping. A fork is good for tiny ones. Wrap fewer times (15-25). Tie the neck closer to the top knot. Use less thread for the neck tie. (How to make mini tassels).
Larger Tassels: Use a bigger object for wrapping. Wrap many more times for a fuller look.

Using Multiple Colors

You can mix colors in one tassel.

Wrap one color some number of times.
Then, wrap another color on top of the first color on the same object.
You can alternate colors or wrap blocks of color.
When you cut the bottom loops, you will have a mix of colors.
You can also hold two or three colors together and wrap them all at once. This makes a blended color effect.

Adding Beads

You can add a bead above the tassel head.

Before tying the neck (Step 4), thread a bead onto the hanging loop tails (from Step 2).
Push the bead down so it rests just above where you will tie the neck.
Then, tie the neck as usual, right below the bead.
The bead sits on top of the tassel head like a cap.
You need a bead with a hole big enough for the loop tails to go through.

Making a Different Head Shape

Instead of tying a neck, you can wrap the entire head.

Follow Steps 1-3.
Take a long piece of thread (maybe 15-20 inches or more).
Hold one end of this long piece at the top of the tassel body, right below the top knot.
Start wrapping this long piece downwards around the top portion of the tassel body. Wrap it very neatly and tightly.
Wrap down for about 1/2 inch to 1 inch, covering the top section completely.
When you get to the bottom of where you want the head to be, carefully thread the tail end of the wrapping thread under the last few wraps you made using a needle. Pull it tight and trim the end hidden inside the tassel.
This makes a smooth, wrapped head instead of one with a tied neck.

Attaching Your Tassels Clearly: Putting Tassels on Projects

Tassels are great for adding a nice touch to many things. Attaching tassels to projects is easy.

Here are some ideas and how to attach them:

Bookmarks: Tie the tassel loop to the end of a ribbon or chain.
Jewelry: Use a jump ring to connect the tassel loop to an earring hook, a necklace chain, or a bracelet. For a thread tassel keychain, use a split ring or keychain ring.
Bags or Purses: Attach with a jump ring, a small clip, or tie directly onto a zipper pull or handle.
Home Decor: Tie onto cushion corners, curtains, lampshades, or hang from knobs.
Clothing: Sew or tie onto garment edges, drawstrings, or zippers.
Gift Wrap: Tie a tassel onto a present with ribbon.

How to Attach Using the Loop:

The simplest way is using the loop you made in Step 2.

Direct Tie: Just thread the loop through a hole or around a cord and tie it.
Using a Jump Ring: Open a jump ring. Slide the tassel loop onto the ring. Slide the other item (like a keychain ring or jewelry finding) onto the jump ring. Close the jump ring securely.
Sewing: Thread the loop onto a needle. Sew the loop firmly onto fabric.

Making a thread tassel keychain is very popular. Just attach the loop to a small keychain ring using a jump ring.

Comprehending Floss vs. Yarn: A Deeper Look

Let’s look more closely at why you might choose one over the other.

Feature	Embroidery Thread (Floss)	Yarn
Typical Use	Fine embroidery, cross stitch, small crafts	Knitting, crochet, weaving, larger crafts
Material	Usually cotton, sometimes rayon, silk	Wool, acrylic, cotton, blends
Strands	Usually 6, easily separated	Variable, often plied (twisted)
Thickness	Thin, fine	Thicker, bulkier
Tassel Size	Small to medium, mini	Medium to very large
Look	Smooth, defined strands, neat	Softer, sometimes fuzzy, full
Drape	Flows easily, hangs straight	Can be stiffer, more body
Color Range	Huge range of solid colors	Wide range, includes textures, variegated
Weight	Light	Heavier
Best For	Jewelry, bookmarks, small decorations, keychains	Blankets, scarves, large bags, home decor

This comparison shows why embroidery thread is great for mini tassels and fine details. Yarn works well for bigger, cozy projects. Crafting tassels with thread gives a different feel than crafting with yarn. This embroidery floss tassel tutorial focuses on the fine, detailed look you get with floss.

A Few Common Questions

People often ask these things about making tassels:

How much thread do I need? A standard skein of embroidery thread has about 8 meters (around 26 feet) of thread. For a medium tassel (wrapping 50 times around a 3-inch object), you use roughly 50 * 6 inches (wraps go around and back) = 300 inches of thread plus the tying pieces. 300 inches is about 8 yards. So one skein can make 2-3 medium tassels, or many mini ones.
My tassel looks thin. What did I do wrong? You likely did not wrap enough times. To make a fuller tassel, wrap more thread around your object in Step 1.
My tassel ends are messy. How can I fix them? Make sure you use very sharp scissors for trimming in Step 5. After cutting, hold the tassel, gently comb through the ends with your fingers, and trim again any strands that stick out.
Can I use other types of thread? Yes! You can use perle cotton, sewing thread (though you need many strands), or even fine wire for special effects. The method is the same.
How do I make the loop stronger? When you tie the knot in Step 2, make it a very tight double knot. You can also use a slightly thicker cord or multiple strands of embroidery floss held together for the top loop if you need extra strength.

Keeping Your Tassels Looking Nice

Embroidery thread tassels are quite durable. But they can get a bit tangled or messy over time.

Here’s how to care for them:

If the strands get tangled, gently separate them with your fingers. You can use a fine-tooth comb or a needle to carefully untangle knots.
If the ends look uneven again after use, you can give them another trim with sharp scissors.
If a tassel gets dirty, you can gently hand wash it in cool, soapy water. Rinse well and let it air dry hanging up. Reshape the strands while damp.

Crafting Tassels with Thread: A Fun Project

Making tassels with embroidery thread is a rewarding craft. It is simple, fast, and uses basic supplies. This DIY thread tassel project lets you explore many colors and sizes. You learned how to make mini tassels and standard ones. You saw the simple steps for making tassels step by step. You know about tassel making tools. You understand the difference between yarn tassels vs embroidery thread tassels. You have ideas for attaching tassels to projects, like making a thread tassel keychain.

Whether you are new to crafts or have made things before, this embroidery floss tassel tutorial is easy to follow. Try making a few tassels today! They add a lovely handmade touch to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many strands of thread are in one piece of embroidery floss?

A: Standard embroidery floss usually has six strands. You can use all six together or separate them for finer work. For tassels, you usually use all six together.

Q: Can I use cardboard from a cereal box?

A: Yes, if it is stiff enough. The wrapping object just needs to be firm so it holds its shape as you wrap tightly. Thick cardstock or a piece of plastic work well too.

Q: My top knot keeps slipping. What should I do?

A: Make sure the knot is pulled very tight right at the edge of the wrapped threads. Tying a secure double knot is important. If it still slips, you might try tying the knot slightly before you slide the thread off the object, making sure it’s snug against the top edge.

Q: How far down should I tie the neck knot?

A: This is up to you! Tying it closer to the top knot makes a rounder, smaller head. Tying it further down makes a longer head. About 1/2 inch to 1 inch down is typical for many tassels.

Q: Can I use metallic embroidery thread?

A: Yes, you can use metallic floss. It works the same way but can be a bit more slippery to work with. It adds sparkle!

Q: How do I make sure the bottom is cut straight?

A: Hold the tassel by the loop and let the threads hang freely. Gently smooth the strands down. Use a ruler or the edge of your wrapping object as a guide against the bottom to help you cut a straight line. Cut slowly and take off small amounts at a time.