Creating Tassels

When Creating Tassels you must first learn the knots used in Macrame, especially the different types of Button knots.

Visit the Learn Macrame section to practice any of the knots on this page that you are not familiar with.

A Tassel is simply a pendant ornament consiting of a bunch of threads or slender cords, which hang below a round knot, also called the "head".

Tip #1: The most important part of creating Tassels is making the “round knob or head”. That’s the term used to describe the particular Macrame knot that forms the button near the top. You can use several different button knots, including the Knife Knot shown in this image.

Step 1: Create Loop 1 in a counter-clockwise direction. Bring the working end over the first part of the bundle as you come down to make Loop 2.

Pass the cords under the tail, forming a Figure 8 shape.

Step 2: Bring the working end up to Loop 1, creating a large loop on the left.

Moving clockwise, pass the working end under Loop 1, as you head to the right side of the knot.

Step 3: Direct the working end down near Loop 2. Pass over the lower curve of Loop 3, and under the tail, moving clockwise.

Bring the end up to Loop 1, and weave through the coils. The over - under sequence is marked in red.

Look closely at the images. There is a + sign in the middle of the Figure 8 design you just made.

Step 4: Following the path of the arrows, bring the working end down, under the tail and over the lower portion of Loop 3. Pass into the space indicated from below, moving left to right. The end will come out where the large pointer is on the right.

Step 4: Take group 1 and pass it under group 2. Then bring it over group 3.

This is a bit different than the usual method of making Lanyard knots, but the concept is similar.

Step 6: Use the cords in group 3 next. Pass under group 4. Go over group 2.

At the bottom left, pass over both parts of the loop formed by group 1.

Step 7: Pass group 4 under group 2. Direct the bundle to the loop at the bottom left, passing under the group 1 cords. Go over the portion of group 3 that passes through it.

At the right, pass over group 2, and under the cords in group 1.

Step 8: There are four spaces surrounding the central Wall Knot. I numbered them in green, and marked the path with arrows, to show you where each group of cords need to go next.

For example: The ends of group 3 need to be passed into space 3, which is just to the right of where they are resting.

Step 9: Bring all the ends together behind the knot, and tighten it gradually. Leave one or two strands a little loose at the top of the button, to give you a loop for hanging it.

Step 10: Take 1 of the dangling strands and wrap it around the entire group to gather them together, below the Manrope knot. Make one or two Half Hitches to secure it. Trim all the ends so they are even and neatly arranged.

Step 2: Direct the right end into the loop at the top.

Tighten the Oysterman knot slowly, by pulling on the ends. The cords above the knot can be used to make a loop, and the ones below are the ones that dangle. You can tie an Overhand knot, leaving about 1/2-inch of space, to make the loop (see large image above).

Step 3: Pass the working end, which made the wraps, through the loop.

Tighten the knot slowly to prevent it from bunching up.