Tassel earrings are a trendy and stylish accessory that can be easily customized to match any outfit. Making them yourself is not only cost-effective but also allows you to get creative with colors, materials, and designs.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking to try your hand at some DIY jewelry, this guide on how to make tassel earrings will walk you through the steps to make your very own tassel earrings. With just a few supplies and a bit of patience, you’ll have a beautiful pair of earrings that you can be proud of.
What is a Tassel Earring?
Tassel earrings are long, dangling earrings made up of multiple strands of thread or other materials that hang from a central point. They have been popular in fashion for centuries and continue to be a statement piece in today’s jewelry trends. Tassel earrings can be made with a variety of materials such as thread, leather, beads, and even feathers.
You can make tassel earrings in various lengths, styles, and colors to suit your personal taste. They add a touch of bohemian chic to any outfit and are perfect for dressing up a casual look or adding some flair to a formal outfit.
Supplies You’ll Need
To get started on making your own tassel earrings, you will need the following supplies:
Embroidery Floss, Yarn or Other Material of Choice:
Choose your preferred material for the tassels. Embroidery floss is a popular choice as it comes in a variety of colors and is easy to work with.
Earring Hooks:
You can purchase earring hooks at any craft or jewelry store. They come in different metal finishes such as gold, silver, and rose gold to match your personal style.
Beads (Optional):
Add some extra flair to your tassel earrings by incorporating beads into the design. Choose beads that complement the color of your tassels for a cohesive look.
Scissors:
A good pair of scissors will be essential for cutting and shaping your tassels.
Pliers (Optional):
If you are using wire earring hooks, you may need pliers to help attach them to your tassels.
Materials You Will Need
To make your own tassel earrings, you will need the following materials:
Embroidery Floss or Other Material for the Tassels (Thread, Yarn, Ribbon):
Choose the colors and material of your choice to create your tassels.
Jump Rings:
These are small metal rings that will help attach the tassels to the earring hooks.
Headpins (Optional):
If you are using beads in your design, you will need headpins to secure them in place.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make Tassel Earrings
Step 1: Cut the Embroidery Floss
Start by selecting your desired color of embroidery floss. Unwind a length of the floss and measure out approximately 12 to 16 inches, depending on how long you want your tassels to be.
Using your scissors, cut the floss at the measured length. To ensure that your tassels are even, cut several more pieces of floss at the same length. It’s helpful to keep all the strands together in a neat bundle to make the next steps easier.
Step 2: Create the Tassel Fringe
Take one of your cut floss strands and fold it in half. This will be what you tie your tassel together with, so make sure it is long enough to wrap around the top of the tassel. Then take another piece of floss from your bundle and lay it across the folded strand, matching up the ends. Repeat this process until you have used all your pieces of floss.
Step 3: Tie a Knot
Once you have all your pieces of floss laid out together, take the folded strand and tie a secure knot around the center of the bundle. Pull the knot tightly to ensure that all the strands are held firmly in place. This knot will serve as the top of your tassel. After tying the knot, you can trim any excess floss from the ends of the knot to keep it neat. This step will ensure that your tassel stays together and maintains its shape as you continue to work on your earrings.
Step 4: Create the Tassel Head
Take another strand of embroidery floss and double it over. Wrap this around the top of your tassel, about 1/4 inch from the top knot. This will serve as a head for your tassel and give it a more polished look. Tie a knot at the back to secure it in place. The rest of the floss will become the loop for your earring hook.
Step 5: Trim the Bottom Edge
Now that you have created the head of your tassel, it’s time to trim the bottom edge to give it a clean and even look. Lay the tassel flat on a surface and hold it steady. Using your scissors, carefully trim the ends of the embroidery floss to your desired length. Make sure to cut straight across for a uniform appearance. If necessary, you can make additional small trims to ensure that all the strands are even. This step will give your tassel a neat and professional finish, ready to be attached to the earring hook.
Step 6: Attach the Jump Ring
Take your jump ring and open it with pliers if necessary. Slide it onto the head of the tassel so that it sits just above the knot you made in step four. Close the jump ring securely using your pliers or fingers. This will serve as a link between your tassel and earring hook. It’s essential to make sure that the jump ring is securely closed to prevent your tassel from falling off the earring hook.
Step 7: Prepare the Earring Hook
If you are using wire earring hooks, use pliers to gently open the loop at the bottom of the hook. This will allow you to attach it to the jump ring on your tassel. If you are using fishhook earring hooks, they should already have a loop at the bottom for you to attach your tassel. You can also use earring hooks with a decorative design or add beads to the hook for an extra touch of detail.
Step 8: Add Beads (Optional)
If you want to add some beads to your tassel earrings, now is the time to do so. Take a headpin and thread on your chosen beads, leaving enough room at the top to make a loop. Using pliers, create a loop at the top of the headpin and slide it onto the earring hook before closing the loop. It’s best to use beads that are lightweight to avoid weighing down your earrings.
Step 9: Repeat Steps 1-8 for the Second Earring
Follow the same steps to create a second tassel and attach it to the other earring hook. Make sure that both earrings are symmetrical in length and design. The beauty of making your own tassel earrings is that you can customize them to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different colors and designs for each earring.
Step 10: Trim Any Excess Floss
Once both tassels are attached to their earring hooks, take a final look at the earrings and trim any excess floss or stray fibers. This step will ensure that your earrings look clean and professional. You can also use a comb or brush to gently fluff and separate the strands of your tassel for a fuller look. It’s best to do this over a surface to catch any loose fibers.
Step 11: Wear Your New Tassel Earrings with Pride!
Congratulations, you have successfully made your own pair of tassel earrings! Now it’s time to show them off and add a pop of color and style to any outfit. You can also use this technique to create larger tassels for statement necklaces or keychains. Let your creativity run wild, and have fun making different variations of tassel earrings to match your personal style. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try this tutorial multiple times until you master the art of making tassel earrings. Happy crafting!
Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to make tassel earrings, you can easily create your own stylish and unique tassel earrings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, bead patterns, and lengths to make them truly your own. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make tassel earrings in no time and add a fun touch to any outfit. Who needs store-bought earrings when you can make your own customized one
Additional Tips for Making Tassel Earrings
- If you want your tassels to have a thicker and fuller look, use more strands of floss for each tassel.
- You can also use different types of materials for your tassels, such as yarn or ribbon, to create a different texture.
- Don’t limit yourself to just one color! Mix and match different colors of embroidery floss to create unique and eye-catching tassels.
- To add an even more personalized touch, you can attach charms or pendants to the bottom of your tassel earrings using jump rings.
- If you’re having trouble tying a secure knot at the top of your tassel, you can dab a small amount of glue onto the knot to ensure it stays in place. Just make sure not to use too much glue as it may seep through the floss and create a mess.
- Have fun and get creative with your tassel earrings! There are no rules when it comes to crafting, so let your imagination run wild and make earrings that truly reflect your personal style. So go ahead, gather your materials, and start making some fabulous tassel earrings today!
Conclusion
Creating your own tassel earrings is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that allows you to express your personal style and creativity. By following the step-by-step guide on how to make tassel earrings and incorporating additional tips, you can craft a pair of unique and fashionable earrings that stand out. Whether you choose vibrant colors, mix and match beads, or add decorative charms, the possibilities are endless.
Handmade tassel earrings not only accessorize your outfits with flair but also make for thoughtful and personalized gifts. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering this craft, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques and designs. Embrace your inner artist and enjoy the process of making beautiful, custom tassel earrings!
About the Author
Adrien Rowe, an expert in knitting, fiber arts, and bookbinding, promotes sustainability and creativity through workshops and tutorials. Passionate about education and community, he inspires crafters of all levels to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, idea-driven environment.
Professional Focus
Specializes in advanced knitting techniques, fiber manipulation, and textile innovation.
Expert in book arts, including cotton papermaking, handmade paper techniques, and bookbinding.
Dedicated to educating and inspiring crafters of all skill levels through tutorials, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences.
Passionate about creating a supportive community where makers can share ideas, learn, and grow.
Education History
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Textiles.
University of Iowa Center for the Book – Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Book Arts.
Expertise:
Advanced knitting, fiber manipulation, papermaking, bookbinding, sustainability-focused crafting, educational workshops, creative tutorials, and fostering a supportive maker community.