Chapter 6 Simple tassels

This chapter contains simple tassel making techniques, using the complementary colours purple and yellow threads and torn fabrics

Hand made tassels

Machine made tassels

Hand made tassels

The following method was used to make tassels with a head, neck(s) and skirt(s):

Card 10cm x 20cm

Threads and yarn wrapped several times around the card

A thread or cord was pulled through and fastened at the top of the card

The threads or yarns were eased off the card

Thread or yarn was wrapped around to form one or more necks

The bottom of the skirt was cut through the loops (however loops could remain in place)

The tassels were either all in one colour or with a mixture of colours and textures

Illustrations show different techniques:

A1 to A2 variations of one colour

B1 to B3 used a mixture of complementary colours, varying the location of the neck(s)

C1 had a padded head covered with detached buttonhole stitch

D1 was a tassel made from twisted cord, releasing the twist to form the skirt

E1 was a tassel made from a plait, releasing the plait to form the skirt, using leather, suede and velvet

F1 was made using a longer card (A4 book) knotted in half to form the head, folded in half, torn ribbon wrapped around for the neck, the skirt from free yarns

G1 was made from a mix of threads and torn yarn strips and ribbon

A1 to A2

  

B1 to B3

C1 and D1

E1 to G1

Most of these tassels are quite bulky hopefully showing the technique used.

They might be used on bags, curtains, wall hangings or hanging from musical instrument cords

Finer tassels could be achieved using finer threads for jewellery, belts, or smaller gentler features on bags

Each tassel could be used alone or as a collection

I particularly like E1 to G1, C1 needs more practice using detached button hole but I like this as an addition.

Machine made tassels

The following method was used to make tassels with a head, neck(s) and skirt(s), using metallic threads:

Picture frames as a frame in metal or bamboo (not too deep so can go under the needle)

Threads and yarn wrapped several times around the frame

The machine was set for free machine embroidery: zigzag length O, width 6 or running stitch length 3, width 0

The head was stitched along the centre section within the frame

The threads or yarns were eased off or cut from the frame

Thread were wrapped around to form the neck below the stitched head

The bottom of the skirt was cut through the loops (however loops could remain in place)

The tassels were mostly made using Madeira metallic threads in various gold colours

Illustrations show different techniques:

Sample 1 Using zigzag stitch along the centre section of the threads to form the head

Sample 2 Longer length of zigzag stitch to allow a double knot to form the head

Sample 3 Using running stitch across the threads to make a short length of braid to form the head (a wider wrap of threads helped with this)

Sample 4 Using zigzag stitch along the centre to form the head, with extra lengths either side to make necks at the top of two tassels

 

With Sample 3 I added variegated purple cotton thread in the lower spool for contrast, but maybe metallic thread would run better, as the stitching was more problematical.  Overall I found this a quick and smooth way to make tassels.  The effect was a more delicate form.  I was amazed how manipulative the heavily stitched areas were to make shapes.

I like all four samples, but particularly the knotted head in Sample 2, with its Celtic design.

Tassels are an ideal addition to create movement in work.