This tutorial will show you how to create and attach a braided tassel to a hat, as seen in the Cottage Hat Pattern.

YOU WILL NEED:
Approximately 25g of yarn (typically, this is the leftovers from your hat project)
Scissors
Measuring Tape
A 6”x4.5” piece of cardboard
Crochet Hook

one

Start making the tassel by wrapping the yarn around the cardboard piece. The more “wraps” you have, the thicker the tassel will be in the end.

Here, I am wrapping two colours randomly to make a multi-coloured tassel.

two

When your tassel has reached your desired thickness, cut the yarn, saving enough for the braiding strands. Cut six 18” strands of yarn (or longer if you prefer a longer tassel). These strands will become your braid.

three

Fold your braid strands in half and using your crochet hook, pull them between the yarn and the cardboard.

four

Using your braid strands, tie a secure knot, making sure to keep both sides even.

five

Slide the wraps off the cardboard and cut the loops opposite of the knot. Don’t worry if your yarn is a bit crinkly like mine - you can wet or steam block these to straighten them later!

six

Next, take a piece of yarn and tie a knot around the tassel about 1.5” from the top. This will form the ball at the top of the tassel.

seven

Give your tassel a hair cut and even out those edges! This will make it look super tidy in the end!

eight

Next, divide up the braid strands evenly and loosely braid the yarn and secure it with a knot. Be sure to leave at least 2.5-3” at the end to pull through. (Admittedly, I left mine a bit short here and struggled!!)

nine

Using your crochet hook, pull the ends of the braid strands through the top of the hat. While you might be able to get all 12 strands at once, it’s fine if you need to do a few strands at a time!

ten

Finally, secure the other side with a knot and trim the yarn. Note: this hat has a bit of slouch built into the hat. For a tighter fitting hat, this method might cause an irritation at the crown of the head. If this is the case, opt for fewer braid strands and weave in the ends with a darning needle after pulling them through with the crochet hook..

AND VOILA!
Now you have an adorable tassel for your hat!

If you have any questions about this tutorial, post below or e-mail katie@knitsprite.com

-Katie