Adding a tassel to your zipper pull is a fun and easy way to personalize your bags and pouches. This simple tutorial will guide you through making a stylish tassel using embroidery floss or any thread of your choice.
Materials Needed:
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Embroidery floss, cotton thread, or thin yarn
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A small piece of cardboard (slightly longer than your desired tassel length)
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Scissors
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A tapestry needle
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A zipper bag
Sew Along Video
1. Attach the Base Strands to the Zipper Pull
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Cut one strand of floss, about 8-10 inches long.
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Take one strand, fold in half, and thread it through the hole in the zipper pull, matching the ends.
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Hold all four ends together, loop them around, and tie a tight knot at the top.
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Divide the strands into two sections and leave tehm spread apart while preparing the tassel.
2. Make the Tassel Body
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Cut a piece of cardboard slightly longer than your desired tassel length. Mine is about 2" x 1.5" [5cm x 3.8cm]
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Wrap the embroidery floss around the cardboard about 20-40 times (adjust depending on how full you want your tassel).
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Press and crease the top edge, then cut along the bottom edge to remove the loops.
3. Assemble the Tassel
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Place the center crease of the tassel strands on top of the strands attached to the zipper pull.
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Tie the strands together tightly with a double knot to secure them.
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Fold down the strands to cover the knot.
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Use your fingers to smooth them neatly.
4. Wrap the Tassel Neck
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Cut another strand of floss, about 8 inches long, and place it above the folded-down strands and form a small loop at the bottom.
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While holding onto the loop and the tassel with the left hand, take the other end and wrap tightly around the tassel about ½ inch from the knot (about 5 times).
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Once wrapped, thread the end through the loop and gently pull on the top strand until the loop disappears inside the wrapped section.
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Thread a tapestry needle through the strand.
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Insert the needle through the loop underneath the knot.
- Bring the strand downward through the tassel neck, and pull it downward to secure it.
5. Trim and Finish
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Cut a small piece of paper, about a half the length of the tassel.
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Wrap the paper tightly around the tassel to form a cylinder, and slide it down the bottom to desired tassel length.
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Cut close to the edge of the paper an even trim.
- Fluff strands with your fingers and snip any stray ends for a polished look.
You're Done!
Now you have a beautiful handmade tassel to enhance any zip pouches, bags, and accessories.
If your're looking for a project to complement your new tassel, check out my latest pattern, Lila Pouch, that will highlight details like this.
Thanks for visiting and happy crafting!
Warmly,
Darae