As I’ve mentioned in my previous blog post, I will share some of the projects that I was able to complete using crocheted beads. Since I am currently working on a neutral colored crocheted purse, I thought a tassel charm would be a perfect addition to it for an instant pop of color and completely different look! So for my first installment, here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how I made this leather tassel charm and incorporated my crocheted beads. Note that I used 18mm wooden beads for this particular project. If you want to learn how to crochet around this bead size, I recommend heading over to Craft Passion’s tutorial first. If in case you prefer to use the smaller size beads you can check my blog post about Crocheting Around Small Wooden Beads so you’ll have everything ready before moving on to the steps below.
MATERIALS:
- Faux Leather
- Hot glue
- Small jump rings
- Chain-nosed pliers
- Pendant or a charm of your choice
- Lobster clasp (I used a 14mm lobster clasp)
- Mercerized cotton yarn
- Hook: No.8 JAPAN IMIA crochet steel hook (0.90mm crochet hook)
- Crocheted beads (I used 18mm wooden beads, see my blog post on How to Crochet Around Wooden Beads)
HOW TO MAKE A TASSEL FROM LEATHER:
Step 1: Start off by cutting a rectangular faux leather. The width will depend on how long you want your tassel to be, I made mine 10cm x 3cm. Using a ruler, mark a 0.07cm border from the top along the upper edge of the leather piece. Carefully cut thin and equally wide strips all the way to the end of the piece, making sure to stop at the 0.07cm border line each time. Cut one small strip of the leather, the same width as the fringe. This will be the loop for your tassel.
Step 2: With the reverse side of the leather piece facing up, place a small drop of hot glue on the left hand corner. Place the small strip on top of the glue then fold the leather strip over to create a loop and glue down.
Step 3: Start rolling the leather piece tightly adding small drops of glue along the top of the piece when necessary as you roll.
Step 4: At the end of the piece, add a small dab of hot glue and wrap over. You may want to hold the tassel for a few seconds or tie a rubber band around the top of the tassel to help keep it all in place until the glue is completely dried.
ASSEMBLY:
Step 1: Get two jump rings. Using a chain-nosed plier, attach one jump ring to the second jump ring then into the tassel handle.
Step 2: Using your crochet hook and mercerized cotton yarn, chain 70 or more to achieve a 6” long yarn cord. Fasten off.
Step 3: Thread in yarn tail into a yarn needle. Insert yarn needle into one crocheted bead.
Step 4: Insert remaining crocheted beads (I used four 18mm beads to make this tassel charm).
Step 5: Insert the cord into the second jump ring that you’ve attached to the tassel.
Step 6: Insert yarn needle back to the last bead making sure that you leave a 0.5cm long yarn cord that will hold the jump ring in place.
Step 7: With the starting yarn tail still thread into the yarn needle, re-insert yarn cord into the other beads.
Step 8: Pull the yarn needle gently so the starting tail comes out from the other side of the first bead. Sew or tie the yarn tails together.
Step 9: Insert yarn needle back to the first bead and thread in both tails. Pull both tails so they come out from the other side. Using a sharp scissor with a pointy end, cut excess yarn tail.
Add a pendant of your choice and get ready to use it to accessorize your bag or purse!
I hope to share more projects using crocheted beads. In case you made one for yourself, I’d love to see it! Take a picture, share it on Instagram and don’t forget to tag @iheartgantsilyo. Happy crafting!