Tassels Tutorial {Counterfeit Kit Challenge: Forgeries On The Fourth}

For this month's Forgeries on the Fourth for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge each of the Master Forgers chose one item from a current collection as an 'Add On' embellishment and we combined these items made up an 'Add On' Inspiration Kit.

I chose these lovely, colourful tassels from the Maggie Holmes 'Shine' Collection, for Crate Paper. To recreate them, I raided my stash of embroidery threads and found a few co-ordinating beads. Once I'd tried making a couple, I found a method that seems to work well - and I wanted to share it!

You'll need:

Embroidery threads - each tassel uses one, full skein.

Co-ordinating beads in a range of sizes/colours.

Scissors.

Standard 3in x 4in Pocket Card. 

Embroidery needle - make sure it fits through the beads.

Optional: 

Craft wire - a thin, flexible one works best.

1. Unravel the full embroidery skein, removing any knots, then reserve approximately four inches of embroidery thread. Wrap the remaining thread around the width of the card.

2. Whilst the thread is still on the card, thread the 'reserve' through the wrapped thread and tie one or two overhand knots across the thread on the card. Remove the thread from the card.

3. Cut approximately ten inches of craft wire. Starting around half an inch from the knot, start to wrap the wire around the threads - make the wire tight, as this will cause the thread at the top of the tassel to form a nice 'bud'. NB: You can use some of the embroidery thread to do this step instead. Just reserve a little extra at the beginning!

4. Thread the ends of the 'reserve' thread onto the embroidery needle and use it to thread on some bright, cheerful beads. Tie the two ends of the 'reserve' together to form a loop for hanging.

5. Smooth the loop of threads and using some nice, sharp scissors, cut the loops to create the ends of the tassel.

6. Sit back and admire your handiwork for a moment or two, then head on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge to see the rest of the Forgeries on the Fourth - and see the tutorials used, or created, by the Master Forgers.