Tassels can add flair and drama, not to mention length, to many garments. They are particularly effective when added to scarves and shawls.

However, like fringes, they do take up a lot of yarn. I usually recommend that you make your tassels first, when you begin your project. Then you won’t have the problem of running out of yarn.

1. Wind the yarn around the cardboard (or CD case) at least 25 times, more if you prefer a fuller tassel. Cut the yarn at 60 cm./24 in. beyond the cardboard and thread the cut end through the darning needle. Pass the needle under all the loops that have been wound around one end of the cardboard. Do this a couple of times. Do not remove the needle.
2. Pull tightly. This gathers the loops together at what will become the top of the tassel. Cut through the loops at the other end of the cardboard, and remove the cardboard.
3. Wind the end of the yarn around all the loops at the tied end, just below the end, forming a knob at the top of the tassel. Fasten securely by passing the needle through the top. Then use that end to sew the tassel into place.