Making Tassels

I spent some time recently making tassels. It is another one of those quick little tasks that can really make the difference to an item. They are great on chairs, bags, clothing and banners and can really make an item look complete.

  
I always have grand plans to decorate the head of the tassel with detached needle lace - but there never seems to be enough time!

You can find a tassel making tutorial here: http://broidermebethan.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-century-challenge-simple-tassels.html


This portrait of a youth  by the Florentine School, traditionally identified as Francesco I de'Medici, shows tiny tassels on the ends of the shirt ties:

Image from: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/paintings/florentine-school-late-16th-century-portrait-of-5287723-details.aspx