DIY Tassel Bag–What Not to Do!

Pic via my Instagram feed @krembdelakremb

This tassel bag was not easy. I’ve come to the conclusion I like easy DIY projects. Don’t get me wrong: I’m very pleased with how this tassel bag turned out, but I could have made my life a lot easier if I would have just punctured the leather. With that in mind, I’ll tell you how I made this super cute bag, BUT I’ll also tell you what I should have done….and when to use either method.

1. Gather the Supplies:

This DIY for a tassel bag could be done with any old bag and necklace. For mine, I found this Coach tote during a family excursion to Sandpoint, Idaho this summer. We were in this sweet, old antique mall when I spotted it–which would recognizable from across the shop for me! I had had the necklace in mind since last spring, but when it actually arrived it was a little too much–even for me! I love it anyway, held on to it, and then got the inspiration when I started noticing all the tassels everywhere. The bag and the necklace were a match made. I also needed a very thick and sharp needle–at Joann’s they advised this leather one. Also, I used a thin, black twine. Finally a pair of pliers were needed–for both adjusting the necklace and pulling the actual needle through the leather.

1. Fix Your Necklace.

Whatever necklace you choose to adhere on to a bag, it’s going to need some altering. For mine, I redistributed the tassels so that they’d go across the entire bag. I also took off any of the clasps. My necklace had a tassel on the clasp which I took off to use with the purse’s zipper closing tab. Basically, clean up the necklace as much as possible so as to seem like it was meant for the purse–not your neck.

3. Start Adhering the Necklace.

I was all set to attach the necklace with needle and thread. I started in the middle and worked out. Then, I went back to the middle and stitched out to the other side. This was strenuous: I actually poked my calf plus cut into my thumb twice! While I’m very happy I stitched it on–it’s there to stay, I should have evaluated my materials better. Leather is very difficult to stitch through–using leather punching materials would have proved much easier.

My Advice for Making a Tassel Bag:

Know you’re materials:

• Leather—>leather punching materials
• Cloth—>stitching utensils

Other Necklace Ideas for Attaching:

• beaded necklace
• strand of pearls
• multiple strands of chain
• embroidery trim
• pom pom trim
• upholstery tassels

An Exception to Note:

With either option, leather or cloth, if you think it would work, consider a strong glue–especially if it’s for an occasion bag. If it’s for every day use, go back to stitching with leather punching materials or stitching utensils.

Despite how difficult this tassel bag was to make, I am in love with it. It has been the perfect back-to-school bag!



Pic via my Instagram feed @krembdelakremb

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