DIY Tassel Garland: A Quick & Easy Guide

Updated at: 17/05/2025

Add a touch of bohemian charm or festive flair to any space with a DIY tassel garland! These vibrant, handcrafted decorations are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal materials and even less time. Whether you're sprucing up your living room for a party, adding a playful element to a child's bedroom, or creating a stunning backdrop for a photoshoot, a tassel garland is a versatile and impactful addition. They're perfect for adding a pop of color, texture, and personality to your home, and the best part? You can completely customize them to match any theme or color palette you desire.

Forget expensive store-bought decorations – creating your own tassel garland is both rewarding and incredibly budget-friendly. This guide will walk you through a quick and easy step-by-step process, empowering you to craft stunning garlands in a matter of minutes. Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform your space with this simple yet elegant DIY project!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Plastic rectangle tablecloth (54" x 108")
  • Rotary cutter
  • Scissors
  • Low-temp glue gun
  • Clear straightedge ruler
  • Rotary cutting mat with 1-inch squares
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using scissors or other sharp tools.
  • Be mindful of long tassel lengths, especially around young children or pets to prevent choking hazards.
  • If using hot glue, ensure adequate ventilation and keep away from flammable materials. Use caution to avoid burns.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric

    • Unfold the tablecloth lengthwise, keeping the width folded.
    • Align the tablecloth with the lines on your cutting mat. Cut to your desired length (e.g., 23 inches).
    • Cut the single folded edge at the bottom to create two separate pieces.
    Cut the single folded edge at the bottom to create two separate pieces.Cut the single folded edge at the bottom to create two separate pieces.Cut the single folded edge at the bottom to create two separate pieces.
    Prepare the Fabric

  2. Cut the Fringe

    • Place one piece with the fold on top and the opening at the bottom. Align the top and sides.
    • Cut three-quarters of an inch off one side using the rotary cutter.
    • Cut one-inch strips along the bottom up to the one-inch mark using the clear ruler as a guide. Leave a one-inch seam at the top.
    • Comb through the cut strips to separate them. Unfold the piece completely, being careful not to pull too hard.
    Comb through the cut strips to separate them. Unfold the piece completely, being careful not to pull too hard.Comb through the cut strips to separate them. Unfold the piece completely, being careful not to pull too hard.Comb through the cut strips to separate them. Unfold the piece completely, being careful not to pull too hard.Comb through the cut strips to separate them. Unfold the piece completely, being careful not to pull too hard.
    Cut the Fringe

  3. Create the Tassel

    • Gather the two ends together to create fringe on both sides, leaving the two-inch seam in the middle. Gather the middle tightly.
    • Twist the middle section tightly for about two inches to prevent unraveling.
    • Make a loop with the twisted piece and apply a dab of glue to secure it. Avoid touching the glue gun to the plastic.
    • Cut about three or four inches from the three-quarter-inch piece saved earlier. Wrap this around the bottom of the loop and secure with glue. Do not pull too tightly.
    Cut about three or four inches from the three-quarter-inch piece saved earlier. Wrap this around the bottom of the loop and secure with glue. Do not pull too tightly.Cut about three or four inches from the three-quarter-inch piece saved earlier. Wrap this around the bottom of the loop and secure with glue. Do not pull too tightly.Cut about three or four inches from the three-quarter-inch piece saved earlier. Wrap this around the bottom of the loop and secure with glue. Do not pull too tightly.Cut about three or four inches from the three-quarter-inch piece saved earlier. Wrap this around the bottom of the loop and secure with glue. Do not pull too tightly.
    Create the Tassel
    • For extra stability, add a dab of glue in the center of the tassel and pinch together.
    For extra stability, add a dab of glue in the center of the tassel and pinch together.
    Create the Tassel

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Use a rotary cutter for even cuts. If you don’t have one, scissors work but will take longer.
  • Don't pull the plastic too tightly when wrapping and gluing, as it tears easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Tassel Lengths

Reason: Inconsistent cutting or variations in yarn can lead to tassels of different lengths, making the garland look messy.
Solution: Carefully measure and cut each yarn strand to ensure uniformity before knotting.

2. Loose Knots/Tassels Falling Off

Reason: Using loose knots or insufficient knotting can cause tassels to detach from the garland string.
Solution: Double knot each tassel securely to the main string to prevent them from falling off.

3. Inconsistent Spacing Between Tassels

Reason: Rushing the process or not measuring spacing between tassels results in a disorganized look.
Solution: Measure and mark the garland string at regular intervals before attaching the tassels.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a tassel garland?
You'll primarily need yarn or embroidery floss in your chosen colors, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and something to hang the garland from (like string or ribbon). Optional materials include beads, glue, and a cardboard template for consistent tassel sizes.
How long does it take to make a tassel garland?
The time it takes depends on the length and complexity of your garland. A simple garland can be made in under an hour, while a longer, more elaborate one might take a couple of hours.
Can I use different types of yarn or string?
Yes! Experiment with different yarn weights and textures to achieve various looks. Thicker yarns create bolder tassels, while thinner yarns result in more delicate ones. You can even mix and match different types for a unique effect.