DIY Tassel Jeans: How to Add Trendy Tassel Trim to Your Denim

Jeans (any pair you want to refresh)
Embroidery thread in your chosen colors (one skein per color is enough; total depends on tassel size and quantity)
Or premade tassels if you prefer
Cardboard or cardstock for wrapping threads
Scissors
Sewing needle
Clear nail polish to secure knots

1. Decide how many tassels you want. We spaced ours about 3/4″ apart and used twelve on each leg, but spacing depends on the jeans’ size and style. Measure or hold the tassels up to plan placement.
2. Cut a piece of cardboard twice the length of your desired finished tassel.
3. Wrap embroidery thread around the cardboard until you reach the fullness you want for each tassel.
4. Slide the wrapped thread off the cardboard. Tie a 6–8″ piece of thread tightly around the center of the loop, then pull the tied ends upward away from the loop.
5. Cut the looped ends to create loose strands and gather them into a tassel shape.
6. Secure the top by wrapping a longer thread (about 12″) several times around the gathered strands. Tuck the end and pass it through the loop so it stays put.
7. Trim the tassel ends evenly. Repeat to make the number of tassels you planned.
8. Thread the long securing threads through a sewing needle.
9. Fold the hem of the jeans up for easier access when stitching.
10. Make very small stitches into just the hem — avoid sewing through to the front of the jeans so stitches remain invisible. Pull the thread so the tassel sits against the hem and add one or two more stitches to secure it.
11. Tie the long threads into a knot to finish.
12. Add a small dot of clear nail polish over the knot, let it dry, then trim excess thread.
13. Repeat until all tassels are attached.

I recommend hand-washing these jeans to keep the tassels looking their best.