Make a Bookmark Tassel

What would a bookmark be without the familiar tassel to keep it from getting lost between the pages? If you want to add a tassel to a bookmark that you have made, or if the tassel in your favorite old bookmark has disintegrated, you can make your own tassel in a few minutes with a bit of string or cord.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Steps

  1. Work around a wide ruler or a piece of stiff card (such as from a cereal box). Cut or fold it to an appropriate width, about 1.5 inches (4cm). You can adjust the length of the tassel by making this object wider or narrower.
    • If in doubt, start with a card that's a little wider than you want. You can always trim the ends shorter later.
  2. several times around a card or ruler.]]Wrap the string, cord, or yarn around the ruler or card several times. The number of loops, along with the thickness of the string, determines the thickness of the tassel.
  3. Cut the end of the string off the loops and cut a second piece of a generous length, perhaps a yard (90cm) or more. Fold this second piece in half.
  4. Thread the folded end of the second string under the loops. There should be no need to use a needle. You should have a short loop on one side and two long tails on the other side.
  5. Pull the two long tails through the short loop.
  6. Tighten this knot snugly by pulling on the two long ends. Then slide the tassel off the ruler or card.
  7. Thread both loose ends through a large needle.
  8. Double the two loose ends, leaving about a four inch (10cm) loop.
  9. Push the needle through the top of the tassel and out the side.
  10. Wrap the free ends several times around the tassel, a little ways down from the first knot. Wrap tightly, and aim for even loops, forming a small, round ball.
  11. Push the needle down through the center of these loops from top to bottom.
  12. Pull the two long tails all the way through and tighten the knot firmly.
  13. Cut open the bottoms of the loops from before.
  14. Trim the ends to an even length.
  15. Insert the tassel in the bookmark by threading the loop end through the hole.
  16. Pass the tassel through the looped ends, and tug gently.
  17. Enjoy your new tassel.

Tips

  • This is very similar to a basic tassel, but it includes some extra loops to make it work for a bookmark.
  • For an added touch, string the loops of the finished tassel through an interesting bead or two before placing the tassel on the bookmark.
  • Crochet cotton will hold together with a simple knot like this, but if you think your cord or floss is too slippery, make a couple more knots before bringing the string down through the middle of the tassel. Or, work a dot of glue into the knot to keep things snug.
  • Need an easy bookmark to go with this tassel? Cut a colorful greeting card or postcard into strips. Make the strips about 1.5 inches (4cm) wide and as long as the card, around six inches (15cm). Use a paper cutter if you have one, and try to center the cut on an interesting part of the picture. Or, cut any stiff cardstock to about this size and decorate it with stickers. Use a hole punch to make a hole in one end.

Things You'll Need

  • String or cord in a color of your choice. The string used here is crochet cotton, available in most craft stores and in many different colors. Leftover scraps of yarn also work well, provided they are not too thick.
  • Scissors
  • Card or ruler
  • Tapestry needle or large sewing needle
  • Bookmark with hole or card and hole punch.

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