DIY: Scrap Fabric Tassels
Hello, it’s Lisa and I'm ready to get creative with you again this month for my Make Me column on on decor8. For September, we're going to make pretty decorative fabric tassels and I’ll show you some fun ways to use them.
Supplies You’ll need: Fabric scraps, ribbon or twine and scissors... That's it!
Step 1: Tear fabric strips To make fabric scrap tassels you can use any fabric including thrifted garments or linens, or leftovers from your sewing stash. As long as they are consistent, the fabric strips can be any length. I used 8 inch strips to make small tassels. Cut the fabric into pieces about 8 inches square. Along one edge of the fabric make small cuts about an inch long and three quarters of an inch apart. Then, with the cuts to start you off, tear the fabric into strips. Keep the different fabric strips grouped.
Step 2: Select colours For each tassel you’ll need about fourteen strips. Design your tassels using a mix of all the fabrics or make them with select colours. Lay the strips in a group with the printed side facing up, and shuffle them around so there is a pleasing combination of colours and patterns on the top.
Step 3: Make the tassel Take a piece of ribbon and tie it around the centre of the tassel with a double knot. Fold the fabric strips in half, then take another strip and tie it around the tassel, about three quarters of an inch from the top. Tie a double knot and flatten the ends of the tie down so they merge with the tassel.
That’s all you need to do to make fabulous scrappy tassels! They’re so fast and easy to make and they add a decorative touch to many different things.
Decorating Tips: Try placing them on your mood board for a dose of inspiration, hang them beneath a lampshade, from a door knob, off the back of a chair or around a vase. Tassels also look great on purse zip pulls and totes, not forgetting that they are always a fun way to jazz up gift wrapping.
I’ll look forward to helping you with handmade again next month in my Make Me column. In the meantime I hope you find some me-time to try this or to do something else creative. It really is great for your soul! - Lisa xo
(text/images: lisa tilse)