I was working on a wrap bracelet when I got a nagging feeling that it needs a tassel, because tassels are awesome. There were so many trails and errors that did not work out well. This one did though, and I love the way the tassels look when finished. Here it is, how to make a leather tassel.

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Full disclaimer: Folks at Endless Leather sent me some fantastic supplies to try out and to make jewelry with. They supplied me with the leather and the hardware for this project, and before I go on, I would like to note that everything that I got from them was excellent.

First let’s talk about what you will need to make your tassels. I got the super soft leather lace and jewelry findings from Endless Leather.

The metal you see around the top of each tassel came from Michaels. I have not seen anything similar on other sites, though I am sure it is out there. The closest I found is this 6 by 6 sheet of 24 gauge copper (which I plan on purchasing and trying out soon).  It was easy enough to cut with regular scissors. I also have purchased a metal file (from a local store) in order to file away any jags or sharp edges.

Also, as usual, my trusty pliers, a pair of scissors, 26 gauge silver wire , and some large stone beads, I had 10 mm amethyst and jade beads at home, so that is what I used.

I also have a jeweler’s hammer and stamping block to help me work with the metal.

How To Make a Leather Tassel

To get started, I cut several pieces of leather of equal length. 7 pieces to be exact, and about 4 inches each. I wanted the tassel to have thinner strands, so using a pair of scissors, I cut each piece lengthwise.

I wound up with a bunch of extra thin leather cords.

Twist an approximately 6-8 inch long piece of wire around the middle.

I got the strip of metal ready, and filed away the rough edges.

Bring all the tassel strands in one direction.

I pre-bent the metal ahead of time, to make it easier to secure later.

Here is another view on the metal piece. Just bend the one side in to create a colon shape.

Slide the tassel strands in.

Then use every tool you’ve got to get it secure. First, I pressed it down with pliers on all sides.

Then I used a hammer to get it even tighter.

Finally, put a bead on the wire, make a loop, and wrap the wire around the base.

Now you can attach it to everything! Like awesome earrings, or a key chain. See below for the bracelet and the necklace tutorials.

How To Make a Leather and Metal Necklace

How To Make a Boho Wrap Bracelet.