How to Make A Fabric Tassel Garland (No Sew!)

Last week I shared the big reveal of My New Backyard with y'all. One of my favorite little touches are these fabric tassel garlands.

After our one millionth skype conversation/patio critique session, Jacinda suggested a tassel garland like these from Confetti System. I loved the idea, but those are tissue paper, so not ideal for outside. Hmm.

I decided to whip some up with fabric, so I ordered some Kona Solids from Fabricworm in shades of peach, coral, and blue, as well as some natural linen, and got to work. These are easy as pie and no-sew. Learn how to make a Fabric Tassel Garland after the jump...


How to Make a Fabric Tassel Garland

I made my fabric tassels quite large (12-15" long), but you can make them any size you like. Your final tassel will be just about half the length of the longer side. I cut my fabric rectangles around 24"X30" for most of the tassels, or you could get 4 out of a standard yard by cutting them 18"X24". I recommend you choose fabric that looks the same on both sides (a solid cotton, linen, or even a lighter weight fabric like a chiffon would be lovely) since they will both show on your final fabric tassel. So fold your fabric in half so the two shorter sides meet.


Make cuts in your fabric about an inch apart, stopping around 2" to 3" before the fold. This is much less tedious if you use a rotary cutter rather than scissors.


Now unfold your fabric and lay it flat.


One one uncut end, at the center, begin to roll your fabric up.


Continue until you have a tube with fringe at each end. As you roll, untangle the fabric fringe, and try to keep your roll as tight as possible, though it doesn't need to be super-tight to look nice.


Pick it up, fold it in half, and pinch the top together so the fringe ends meet and the edge of the fabric is hidden between them.


Use a fabric scrap to tightly secure the top of your tassel.


This is what it looks like. Trim it so the ends look even if you need to.


Make another one.


And another one. And another one. And another one. Have a beer. Then make another one. And so on. Tie them to a string of some kind (I used a thick and sturdy jute because my tassels are quite large and heavy) with another little fabric scrap.


Hang them somewhere you can enjoy them.


Ask your husband what he thinks, and smile when he says "I can't talk about those kinds of things. What is it for?" Then go on Prudent Baby's facebook page and share a picture with us and know that someone understands you. You understand me, don't you?