How to Make a Tassel DIY Tutorial 2 Ways

🧶 Want to add flair to your handmade projects? Learn how to make a tassel with yarn in this fun tutorial, and check out more on my knitting tutorial page!

How to Make a Tassel DIY Tutorial 2 Ways

I don’t know what it is about tassels, but they instantly make any handmade piece feel a little more finished—like the cherry on top of a sundae! Whether you want to jazz up a scarf, add some charm to a zipper pull, or give a shawl a playful edge, learning how to make a tassel with yarn is one of those beginner-friendly skills you’ll use again and again.

In this blog post, I’m walking you through exactly how to make a tassel with yarn, using my go-to yarn for accessories, KnitPicks Heatherly (affiliate link). I’m also using a Lantern Moon crochet hook (affiliate link) to attach the tassels—a tool I always keep close by for finishing touches like this.

If you’ve never made a tassel before, don’t worry! It’s honestly so satisfying and surprisingly easy. I’ll include step-by-step written instructions, a note about the video tutorial on YouTube, and a few of my favorite patterns you can add tassels to—like the Points of Solace Shawl and my new Cable Crossbody Bag. Keep reading to learn how to make a tassel with yarn (and get inspired to add them to your next knit!).

Why You’ll Love Learning How to Make a Tassel with Yarn

Tassels are like the confetti of the knitting world—simple to make, totally customizable, and always festive. Whether you’re decorating home items like throw pillows or giving your favorite knit bag a little flair, knowing how to make a tassel with yarn is a skill you’ll use often. And since they’re made with leftover yarn, it’s also a great way to use up your scraps.

What makes this version especially fun? We’re using soft, stretchy KnitPicks Heatherly yarn (affiliate link), which gives each tassel a plush, full finish. The strands hold their shape beautifully, and they’re not too slippery—perfect for beginners. And with a Lantern Moon crochet hook (affiliate link), it’s easy to weave and attach the tassels securely.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what I used to make these tassels:

All of these tools make it super easy to learn how to make a tassel with yarn. Let’s dive into the steps!

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Tassel with Yarn The Traditional Way

Step 1: Wrap the yarn

To start, you’ll need to decide how long you want your tassel to be. Cut a piece of cardboard that’s the desired length of your finished tassel, or simply use your hand.

  • Hold the end of the yarn against your palm or cardboard.
  • Wrap the yarn around 20–40 times, depending on how thick and full you want the tassel to be.
  • Carefully cut the yarn once you’re done wrapping.

Step 2: Tie the top

  • Cut a separate 10-inch strand of yarn.
  • Slide it underneath the entire bundle of wrapped yarn.
  • Tie it in a tight knot at the top, securing the wrapped bundle. This will be the loop you use to attach the tassel.

Step 3: Cut the bottom

  • Slide sharp scissors through the bottom loops of the wrapped yarn.
  • Cut cleanly across the bottom to release the strands, creating your basic tassel shape.

Step 4: Wrap and secure the tassel head

This is where the tassel really comes together!

  • Cut another 12-inch piece of yarn.
  • Wrap it around the tassel about ½ inch below the top knot.
  • Wrap it tightly several times, then tie a secure knot and tuck the ends into the tassel strands. You can use your crochet hook to weave those ends in so they disappear.

Step 5: Trim and shape

Give your tassel a little haircut! Trim the ends so they’re all the same length. Shake it out and fluff it up. You’ve now made a tassel with yarn—yay!

Attaching Your Tassel to Your Knit Project

Now let’s talk about how to make a tassel with yarn look like it’s always belonged on your project. Here’s my favorite method for attaching tassels to scarves, blankets, and even bag zippers.

Attaching a tassel to a scarf or shawl corner:

  1. Take your Lantern Moon crochet hook (affiliate link) and insert it into the fabric at the point where you want the tassel to hang.
  2. Grab the top ties of your tassel (the 10-inch tie you used earlier) with the hook and pull it through the fabric.
  3. Pull tight and fluff.
  4. Thread the tie ends through the tassel

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Tassel with Yarn The Easy Way

Here’s another method for how to make a tassel with yarn that skips the tying and wrapping altogether and goes straight into attaching it to your project. Instead of securing the top of your tassel with a separate strand, you’ll cut the yarn loops directly and attach them as you go.

Start by wrapping your KnitPicks Heatherly yarn (affiliate link) around a book or piece of cardboard, just like before.

When you’ve wrapped it to your desired fullness, carefully cut along one edge so you have a bunch of strands of equal length.

Then take your Lantern Moon crochet hook (affiliate link) and insert it into the spot on your knitting project where you want the tassel to hang—like the corner of a shawl or the end of a scarf.

Fold those strands of yarn in half, place the folded center on the crochet hook, and pull it partially through the fabric to form a loop.

Next, pull the loose ends of the yarn through that loop and tighten to secure.

That’s it! You can repeat this process with more or less strands side by side for a fuller tassel look. This is a super fast, seamless way to add movement and texture to your knit.

See It in Action: YouTube Video Tutorial

Some things are just easier to learn by watching someone do it—so if you’re a visual learner like me, head over to my YouTube channel for the full video tutorial on how to make a tassel with yarn. I walk you through each step, show you how I attach tassels to my projects, and share some tips for keeping the strands even and neat.

Patterns That Look Even Better With Tassels

Now that you know how to make a tassel with yarn, let’s talk about projects that could use a little extra flair! Tassels work on way more than just scarves. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:

  • On the Points of Solace Shawl – add one tassel to each corner to give your shawl some drape and swing.
  • On the zipper of the Cable Crossbody Bag – a mini tassel on the zipper loop is both cute and functional.
  • On Leah’s First Scarf (coming soon!) – this sweet beginner scarf looks darling with a tassel on each end.

👉 Check back soon for links to Leah’s First Scarf Free Pattern

👉 Link to Solace Shawl Free Pattern

👉 Link to Cable Crossbody Bag Free Pattern

Other Fun Ways to Use Yarn Tassels

Once you’ve got the hang of how to make a tassel with yarn, you’ll start seeing opportunities for them everywhere. Here are a few more ideas:

  • Use them as bookmarks for your favorite current read or pattern book.
  • Add them to the ends of drawstrings on hoodies or kids’ cardigans.
  • Tie them onto gift bags or wrap for a handmade finishing touch.
  • Make a garland of tassels to hang in your craft room or homeschool space or even on your Christmas tree.

And don’t forget, you can make them in all sizes! Use finer yarns for smaller, delicate tassels, or chunky yarn for big statement ones. Play around and see what you like best.

Common Questions About How to Make a Tassel with Yarn

What kind of yarn works best for tassels?
I love soft and springy yarn like KnitPicks Heatherly (affiliate link) because it fluffs up nicely and has just the right amount of stretch. Cotton works well too if you want something with more drape. But don’t be afraid to play with different textures and fibers, maybe even mixing and matching!

Do I need to use a crochet hook?
Technically, no—but the Lantern Moon crochet hook (affiliate link) makes it so much easier to pull yarn through knit fabric, especially when attaching tassels.

Can you wash tassels?
Yes, but be gentle! If you’re adding tassels to a project that will be machine washed, tie them securely and trim neatly so they won’t unravel.

How do I keep my tassel from fraying?
You can use a drop of clear fabric glue on the knot, or simply wrap the neck of the tassel tightly and tuck in the ends with your hook.

Give It a Try!

I hope this post has made you feel confident about how to make a tassel with yarn. Once you make one, you’ll want to add them to everything—and honestly, I say go for it! Tassels are one of those little details that bring handmade projects to life.

If you try this tutorial, leave a comment below and tell me what you added your tassels to! I’d love to hear your ideas. And if you found this helpful, share the post with a fellow yarn-loving friend who needs a little tassel joy in their life.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I truly use and love.

The post How to Make a Tassel DIY Tutorial 2 Ways appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.



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