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A DIY leather tassel keychain is a simple way to turn a small sheet of leather into a useful, colorful accessory. The finished tassel can be attached to keys, a bag, or a suitable necklace chain. Choose a leather color that suits your project, then follow the cutting and rolling steps below. Taking time to keep the fringe strips even will help the tassel look neat when it is finished.
Supplies for a DIY Leather Tassel Keychain
- One 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of leather
- One keychain ring
- Scissors
- Hot glue and a glue gun
A sheet that is already cut to size makes preparation easier. Before you begin, place the supplies on a flat work surface and check that the scissors can cut through your leather cleanly. Use care with the hot glue, as both the glue and the gun can cause burns.
How to Make the Leather Tassel
1. Trim the leather
Cut approximately 1 inch from the long, 11-inch side of the leather sheet. Keep the cut as straight as you can; this edge will help form the top of the tassel when the leather is rolled.
2. Cut the fringe
Starting at the opposite end, cut long strips about 1/4 inch wide. You can estimate the spacing by eye, or use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter if you prefer more consistent strips. Leave the uncut section at the top intact so the fringe stays connected and can be rolled into a tassel.
Cut the top section in half to make a thinner strip for attaching the keychain ring. Keep this strip separate from the fringe so it can be folded around the ring during assembly.
3. Roll and attach the ring
Begin rolling the leather from one end, applying hot glue as you go to hold the layers together. Work steadily and press the roll gently so it stays compact. Avoid using so much glue that it squeezes out onto the visible fringe.
When you have rolled about one-third of the leather, pause to add the keychain ring. Take a strip about 2 inches long and fold it in half over the ring. Secure the folded strip with hot glue, then continue rolling the tassel until the leather is fully wrapped. Glue down the final edge to hold the roll in place.
Finishing and Using Your Tassel
Allow the glue to cool and set before attaching the tassel to keys or a bag. Check that the folded leather loop is firmly secured around the ring. If any fringe strips look uneven, carefully trim their ends with scissors. The finished DIY leather tassel keychain can add a handmade touch to everyday items, and the same basic method can also be used to make a decorative tassel for another suitable accessory.
