Tassels seem to be everywhere, they are the new pom poms. And I do love them! I was so happy when I worked out how to make denim tassels from my favourite material to upcycle, old jeans.
Previously, I have made sweater felt tassels from repurposed scraps. Even though those tassels were a fun way to use up old felt scraps and were very colourful I think I prefer these denim ones.
How to Make Tassels From Upcycled Jeans With Pom Poms
These denim tassels are made by fraying squares of old jeans offcuts. They are much more robust than other handmade tassels as the threads are still attached to the denim fabric. As with all my other denim upcycles, I love the different shades of indigo you get from old jeans.
The great thing about this tutorial is that you can easily make the denim tassels in various sizes.
You can make large denim tassels to use as curtain tie backs, smaller ones to fringe cushions and blankets. Or even smaller to make earrings and necklaces. I’ve even seen tassels of various sizes hung up as a unique wall decoration.
This is what I call a Netflix craft. That is it doesn’t take much concentration so it can be done whilst catching up on a Netflix boxset.
Each denim tassel takes about 30 minutes to make, and is a no-sew jeans upcycle.

These tassels featured under T in the A to Z of denim crafts.
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What You Need
- Scraps of denim from old jeans at least 12cm (5″) square. The size of the denim scrap will determine the size of the handmade tassels.
- Bright colourful embroidery thread.
- Embroidery needles.

How To Make Tassels From Old Jeans
1.. First, decide on what size you would like the denim tassel to be. As the size of the scrap piece of denim you choose will determine the size.
If making them for a cushion I recommend using a scrap piece of denim approx 4 inches (10cm square).

2. Next, pull some of the loose blue threads of denim to expose the white threads down one side of the scrap piece of material.

3. Denim is a woven material and the tassel is created by pulling out the white cross threads one by one. Grab the end of a white thread and pull it firmly away from the denim material until it all comes out.

4. Carry on pulling out all the white threads until you are left with approximately 2cm of material at the top. I found that with some denim I could pull more than one thread at a time.
If you turn the denim scrap of fabric 90 degrees and pull out the blue threads rather than the white ones you will end up with white tassels. I did this when making my denim feather wall hanging so that I ended up with feathers of different colours.
Top Tip: If the white thread snaps as you pull it out, just use a pin to find the end and pull it again.

Finishing Touches
5. Next, roll up the denim tassel tightly. Using colourful embroidery thread and a needle hold the top together with a stitch through the denim.
Then, wind the coloured thread around the top of the tassel and finish off with a stitch to stop it unraveling.


Pom poms and denim tassels look fantastic together. For my bigger denim tassels I added a couple of colourful pom-poms to give them extra panache. I’ve just been hanging these on the doors for decoration for now.

I’m on the look out for a nice rattan beach bag to addorn with these lovely tassels too.

I just love the different shades of indigo threads you get from different pairs of jeans. Also, these tassels do feel very soft.


To add decoration to my DIY Frida Kahlo cushion, I’ve added a small denim tassel to each corner. I’m making a stack more denim tassels to fringe the recycled sweater blanket I made.
Other woven fabrics can be frayed like denim. I’ve upcycled plaid and tartan to make DIY fabric feathers by fraying. I will use this fraying method to make some colorful and patterned tassels with plaid and tartan scraps.
I used this denim fraying technique to give a Boho finish to a gorgeous stenciled denim table runner.

For more denim sewing projects visit allfreesewing.com
Sandra Irene McGehee
I need how to attach the poms and then the cord to hang them.
Claire Armstrong
When you tie the pom-poms make sure you have an excess of embroidery thread use this to make a loop for hanging. I just used thread to stitch the Pom poms to the tassels by going through the middle of the Pom Pom. I hope that helps.
Linda at Mixed Kreations
I didn’t know that you could make the cutest tassels out of jeans. Love the bright colors with the denim.
Claire Armstrong
Thannk you. Yes they are fun to make too.
Pat
Can’t wait to try this, thanks for the great ideas!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! They are fun to make.
Rosie (@greenrosielife)
I reckon preparing the jeans for this must be very therapeutic – something to do on a winter’s night in front of a roaring fire! Another great upcycling project and thanks for adding it to #GoingGreen
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, it was very therapeutic. I’m a bit of a fidget when watching TV so crafting with my hand helps.
Pam @Threading My Way
Who’d have thought jeans could be made into tassels. Such a clever idea, Claire. I could see these being added to denim bags, too. I’ll be showing this in my sidebar as a Free Featured Tutorial.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Pam. I have big ones as door decorations as small ones trimming cushions and pillows. Others have used my tutorial to make denim earrings.
Christine
These look great. Just pinned this article for later!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?
Kippi
Amazing idea and the results are so pretty and fun! Happy Summer, Kippi
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?
Beverly
What a fun upcycle idea! The tassels all look great. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, they were fun to make.
Amanda Lee
Wow, these are brilliant! Thanks so much for the tutorial — I will be trying this one.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much and have fun making them.
Julie
You had me at ‘denim tassel’! i am SO making myself some of these, not a clue what I will do with them but I feel that I NEED them in my life!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Julie. A repetitive but satisfying craft.
Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Claire, I am so impressed with your vision when it comes to denim! Thanks for sharing your adorable tassels at Vintage Charm! Pinned & tweeted!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Cecilia.
Virginia
I love the jean tassels. Pinned.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for the share,
Joanna @DIY Project
Awesome way to deal it with old jeans. Love your thoughts. Cutest pom pom DIY tutorial
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?