DIY Tassel Garland Tutorial (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
A tassel garland is one of the cheapest and cutest party decorations you can make. It costs a few dollars, and it adds color and movement to any space. The best part is that it is easy. You just fold, cut, and tie. This DIY tassel garland tutorial walks you through each step, with exact quantities and a cost breakdown.
At DecorWillow, our top tip is to pick three or four colors that match your party. A tassel garland is simple, so the colors are what make it look styled.
- Best for: backdrops, mantels, tables
- Time: about 30 to 45 minutes
- Cost: about $5
- Made from: tissue paper
- Difficulty: beginner-friendly
Table of Contents
- What you will need
- How to make a tassel garland
- Tassel garland color ideas
- How to hang it
- Before and after
- Exact quantities you need
- Cost breakdown
- Worth it vs skip
- Time and where to use it
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Tassel garland checklist
- FAQ
- Related articles
What you will need
This is a cheap and simple project. Here is all you need:
- Tissue paper in 3 or 4 colors
- Scissors
- A ruler
- String, twine, or ribbon
How to make a tassel garland
Once you make one tassel, the rest are quick. Follow these steps.
Step 1 — Fold the tissue paper
Take one sheet of tissue paper and fold it in half the long way. Then fold it in half again. You want a long, folded strip.
Step 2 — Cut the fringe
Cut thin strips along the folded edge, stopping about an inch from the top. Do not cut all the way through. Leave that inch uncut so the tassel holds together.
Step 3 — Roll and twist
Open the paper back up. Roll it up from one end into a loose tube. Then twist the uncut middle section to form the neck of the tassel.
Step 4 — Fold and loop
Fold the twisted tassel in half so the two ends meet. Twist the top to make a little loop. This loop is how you thread it onto the string.
Fold, cut the fringe, roll, and twist. Each tassel takes just a minute once you get going.
Step 5 — Thread onto the string
Thread each tassel onto your string through its loop. Space them out evenly, or push them close for a fuller look. Tie the ends and your garland is done.
Tassel Size & Spacing Guide
To get the best results, use standard tissue paper sheets (usually 20” x 26”).
- Fringe width: Cut strips about 0.5 inch wide.
- Finished tassel length: About 10 to 13 inches long (half the width of your paper).
- Spacing: Space tassels 2 to 3 inches apart for a standard look, or push them right up against each other for a very full, fluffy garland.
Tassel garland color ideas
The colors make the garland. Stick to three or four that match your party:
- Boho: cream, terracotta, sage, mustard.
- Pastel: peach, blush, mint, blue.
- Bright: rainbow colors for a fun kids’ party.
- Elegant: white, gold, and one soft color.
Choosing three or four matching colors is what makes a simple tassel garland look styled.
How to hang it
A tassel garland is light, so hanging it is easy:
- Use Command hooks or small pieces of tape.
- Drape it across a backdrop, a mantel, or the front of a table.
- Hang it in a gentle swag for a soft look.
- Layer it over a balloon garland or a balloon wall for more texture. See more party backdrop ideas.
Hung in a gentle swag across a backdrop or mantel, a tassel garland adds color and movement.
Before and after
A tassel garland adds instant color to a plain spot. Here is the same wall before and after.
The same plain wall, brightened up with a simple, colorful tassel garland.
Exact quantities you need
- Tissue paper: about 8 to 10 sheets make a 6-foot garland. One sheet makes 1 to 2 tassels.
- Tassels: 20 to 30 for a 6-foot garland. Push them closer for a fuller look.
- String: cut it about a foot longer than your space so you have room to tie it up.
Cost breakdown
This project is about as cheap as decor gets:
| Item | What’s included | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue paper | 8 to 10 sheets, 3 to 4 colors | $4 |
| String or twine | One spool (reusable) | $1 |
That is about $5 for a full garland, and the leftover tissue paper makes more.
Worth it vs skip
- Worth it: buying a few colors of quality tissue paper. The colors are what make it look styled.
- Skip: fancy string. Plain twine or even sewing thread works, since the tassels hide it.
Time and where to use it
A 6-foot garland takes about 30 to 45 minutes to make. The first tassel takes a minute to learn, then the rest go fast. It is extremely versatile: use it for a birthday party backdrop, a baby shower, a bridal shower, or even a DIY photo booth. You can drape it on a mantel, the front of a dessert table, or layer it over balloons. For a small spot, make a 3-foot version with 10 to 15 tassels.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- The tassels tear. You cut too far up. Stop about an inch from the top so the strip holds.
- The fringe is too chunky. Cut thinner strips for a softer, fuller tassel.
- The garland looks thin. Use more tassels and push them closer together.
- The colors clash. Stick to three or four shades that match your party.
- It will not hang straight. The string is too thin or loose. Use twine and pull it taut.
Tassel garland checklist
- Tissue paper in 3 to 4 colors
- Scissors and a ruler
- String, twine, or ribbon
- Command hooks or tape to hang
- A backdrop, mantel, or table to decorate
FAQ
How do you make a tassel garland?
Fold a sheet of tissue paper into a long strip, cut thin fringe along the folded edge while leaving an inch uncut, then roll and twist it into a tassel. Fold it in half, twist the top into a loop, and thread each tassel onto a string.
How many tassels do I need for a garland?
For a 6-foot garland, plan on 20 to 30 tassels. Push them closer together for a fuller look, or space them out for a lighter one. A small 3-foot version needs about 10 to 15.
How much does a DIY tassel garland cost?
About $5. A few packs of tissue paper and some string are all you need, and one pack of tissue makes many tassels, so the leftovers cover more garlands.
What paper is best for a tassel garland?
Tissue paper is the best and cheapest choice. It is soft, easy to cut, and drapes nicely. Crepe paper also works, but tissue paper gives the classic fringe look for the least money.
How long does it take to make a tassel garland?
About 30 to 45 minutes for a 6-foot garland. The first tassel takes a minute to learn, then the rest go quickly once you get the folding and cutting down.
How do I hang a tassel garland?
Use Command hooks or small pieces of tape, since the garland is light. Drape it across a backdrop, a mantel, or the front of a table in a gentle swag. You can also layer it over a balloon garland for more texture.
Can I reuse a tassel garland?
Yes, if you store it carefully. Lay it flat or loosely coil it so the tassels do not crush. Kept undamaged, a tissue paper garland can be used for a few parties.
What size tissue paper should I use?
Standard 20” x 26” sheets work best. When folded and cut, they create tassels that are about 10 to 13 inches long, which is the perfect classic size for a party garland.
How far apart should tassels be?
For a standard look, space them 2 to 3 inches apart on the string. If you want a fuller, thicker garland, push them right next to each other so they touch.
Related articles
- 15 Party Backdrop Ideas
- How to Make a Balloon Garland Without a Kit
- Balloon Wall & Ceiling Ideas
- How to Set Up a Dessert Table
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