How to Make a Tassel Cushion
Tassels are a great way of brightening up anything from the bottom of curtains to key chains, there's nothing a tassel can't embellish! If you've got an old cushion cover that you want to reinvigorate, or want to make a new cushion to add to your collection, this tassel cushion is the perfect weekend craft project. I've used embroidery threads to make my tassels, but you could use yarn for a chunkier look if you prefer.
You will need
How to make
Before starting, wash and iron your fabric. This will make sure that when you wash the cushion cover no shrinking occurs.
Measure out a square on your fabric that is two inches bigger than your cushion pad and cut. My cushion pad is 17 inches so my square will be 19 inches by 19 inches.
Cut a rectangle that is half the width of the square you just cut, but keep it the same height.
Cut another rectangle that is two thirds of the width of the square but the same height.
These two rectangles are going to form the back of an envelope cushion, to make the edges look nice fold over a quarter inch on one of the sides that is the same height as the square.
Sew a straight stitch, as close to the raw edge as possible, on both pieces of fabric. When you have finished, press both pieces.
Lay both rectangles on top of the square (right sides together) and pin all the way round.
Sew along all four sides and back stitch when you come to where the back pieces overlap. This will make sure that they are reinforced and won't pull apart.
When you have finished sewing, turn the cover right way out and check that it fits by inserting the cushion pad.
Now you need to decide how many tassels you would like on your cushion. With seam allowance my cover measures just over 18 inches square, so I am going to do a tassel every inch.
Once you have made all your tassels, use a tape measure and mark out your spacing on the seam inside of the cover.
Now that you have marked out where your tassels are going to go, make sure you sort them into groups so that you don't lose any.
Thread a needle with the tail of a tassel and push it between the stitching of the cover. Do this from the outside so that the thread ends up inside the cushion.
Tie a double knot in the tails and trim off the excess thread. Now repeat the steps for all the remaining tassels – in my case 71 left to go!
When you're finished, turn the cushion cover right way out and insert the cushion pad.
Voila! Find somewhere to display your new cushion, preferably where friends and family can comment on how awesome it is!