How to Make a Leather Tassel – Easy DIY

Learning how to make a leather tassel is so easy and only takes a scrap of leather or vinyl. Have you noticed how popular leather tassels are lately? I keep seeing them on earrings, keychains, and lots and lots of clutches and bags. You will be decorating everything in sight with leather tassels in no time! This easy DIY leather tassel tutorial has step-by-step instructions for beginners.

How to Make a Leather Tassel

A leather tassel is made by cutting out a rectangle of leather and then snipping it into a fringe. Once you have the fringing you can roll it into a leather tassel. Don’t forget to insert a loop if you need one. Keep reading for the step by step instructions and photos.

Supplies

Here is what you will need to make leather tassels:

• Scraps of leather – I have used sheepskin leather in my photos but it will also work with faux leather or vinyl for a vegan option. Thin or medium-thickness types of leather work best.
• Ruler
• Marker
• Fabric glue or strong glue
• Scissors
• Optional – metal O ring or keyring

How to Make a Leather Tassel – Step by Step Instructions

Relax and sit down and watch the YouTube video I made showing you just how easy it is to make a tassel. Subscribe to my Treasurie YouTube channel for more weekly videos on sewing and crafting. Press Play below >>

1. Cut a Rectangle

To make a 3-inch (10cm) tassel, cut a strip of leather 3 x 12 inches. (10 x30.5cm). Adjust the length of your strip according to the thickness of your leather or vinyl. Thicker leathers won’t need as long a piece.

2. Mark Cutting Lines

Draw a line 3/4 inch (2cm) down from the top long edge. Make sure you mark the back so you won’t see it in your finished DIY leather tassel.

3. Cut Strips

Now cut narrow strips 1/4 inch (6mm) apart without cutting through your marked section.

Once you have made a couple of tassels you will probably be confident enough to cut the fringing without drawing all the lines. For the red tassel in the top picture, I just cut freehand and I don’t think you can really tell the difference. But when you make something the first time you want to do it the foolproof way – so start with drawing and cutting lines!

TIME SAVER: You can often purchase leather fringing from craft shops.

4. Create Loop

To form the loop, cut a 1/4-inch (6mm) by 3-inch (7.5-cm) piece of leather or vinyl. If you wish to attach a lobster clip or key ring then thread it through now.

Fold the loop in half and glue the ends together. Then glue the loop to the end of your fringing.

TIP: You could also substitute any kind of cord. Just knot the ends, fold it in half and glue it in place. The knots will be less bulky if your place one a little above the other.

5. Roll the Tassel

On the wrong side of the fringing, apply a line of fabric glue along the top edge. Start rolling! Roll the fringe around your loop nice and tight. Make sure you start at the loop end so it is in the middle of your finished tassel.

You will need to hold your leather tassel top until the glue sets. I know you are probably busy so get an elastic to do the job for you. I grabbed the one out of my hair but found it make a bit of an indent on the top of the tassel as I left it overnight.

Flat elastic bands work better and just leave it on long enough for the glue to set. Sewing and DIY are sometimes about improvisation and learning as you go!

How to Make Leather Tassel Keychains

Using the above method, you can insert a keyring into the loop before it is glued. Alternatively, purchase a ring that is either sprint loaded or has a coil where you can thread the loop through.

Leather Tassel Design Ideas

Here are some design ideas for your tassels.

• Add jewelry bead caps. Make sure you get the flexible ones so you can expand or crimp them to fit securely.
• Thread a bead over the top loop.
• Wrap gold threads around the head of the tassel.
• Add a key ring or ring through the top of the tassel.

Here I have added my tassels to the ends of zipper heads on clutches. This star clutch is a free pattern from my blog.

Looking for more bag decorating ideas? Read:

• Cardboard Template for Pom Poms
• How to Sew Sequins
• How to Make Covered Buttons
• How to Attach Rhinestones
• How to Make Tassels from Yarn

Now you know how to make a tassel, add them to these Treasurie Patterns:

Now you know how to make leather tassels, check out my tutorial on how to make tassels from yarn. These can be used on gift wrapping, bags, clothing, and cushions. Yarn tassels are a good option for when you need to wash an item.