DIY tassel keychains

Tassels are so trendy right now. I’ve seen them on necklaces, sandals, attached to purse zippers, pillows and curtains, and even made into banners. Today I’m going to show you how to make you own tassels, add some beads and turn them into useful, pretty keychains. These keychains would make really sweet gifts for that special teacher or graduate – or you can add an initial charm and they make great personalized gifts for anyone – including yourself!

Here are the materials you’ll need:

Embroidery thread in the color(s) you choose (I used 2 packs her tassel)
White hemp fine cord
Thin metallic string – I found this at Michael’s but not online
Large clasp or lobster clasp with split key ring – also found at Michael’s but not online
Various beads
Monogram beads, if you want to personalize
Good, sharp scissors

First, cut a piece of the hemp cord about 12″ long, fold it in half and loop the folded end through the bottom ring of the clasp. Tuck the ends through the loop and pull until tight.

Thread your beads through the hemp cord as you’d like them. I used about 4 beads per keychain.

Next, take your embroidery thread and slide the wrappers off. They’re already wrapped in a 6″ loop so just stack them together and tie the ends of the hemp cord tightly around the center of the threads. Trim the leftover hemp cord.

Then, fold the two ends of the embroidery thread down and tie another piece of hemp cord down around the folded thread – about 1/2″ down. Tie 2 knots and trim off any excess hemp cord. This gives a nice ball shape at the top of the thread and just under the beads.

Tie a piece of your metallic stringing around the white hemp cord and then continue to wrap it tightly around the hemp cord until you cover it completely. I tied the end of my metallic stringing to one of the strands from the first knot. Trim off any excess string.

Next, cut the folded ends of the thread with sharp scissors.

Trim the ends of your tassel so it’s neat and even.

I added a personalized charm to one of my tassels by attaching it right onto the key ring.

Now you have a fun beaded tassel keychain! Use different colored treads and beads to change up the look.

You can also use these tassels as an embellishment on your favorite purse. Or you can use a metal jewelry loop instead of a key ring and add it to a necklace chain. Perfect for gift giving!

If you’re not feeling like doing-it-yourself, you can purchase similar tassel keychains in my Etsy shop. Click here to check them out. And for all the local peeps: my tassel keychains are for sale at Silver Tree Jewelry in Franklin! Stop by and see. Enjoy!