NB Change of tutor: this class was to be taught by Anna Crutchley. It will now be taken by Elizabeth Ashdown who will be teaching exactly as advertised.

In this course we will be making a classic large-scale tassel for interior decoration, with a modern twist of a glorious combination of colours of Swedish linen. The tassel comprises 6 moulds which are either rolled with a 2-strand cord, or covered vertically with linen yarn. You then make a cut skirt using a skirt board and wire, and assemble all the parts with a 3-strand cabled cord. The cords are made on a 4-hook cordtwister.

If you have never made tassels before you will find all these new textile techniques intriguing, and sometimes difficult, but always rewarding (i.e. everyone can do it!) so if you are concerned about your level of ability, don’t worry – I always start from the beginning and give 1:1 tuition, or help, where it is needed.

If you wonder how this particular historical trade ever came about, my inspiration comes from historical practices, tassels for interior decoration finding their place from the mid-17^th century, with the creation of the ‘upholstered room’.

Class kit

We start with packs made up for students in advance, and you will have a choice of colour combinations. At the time of writing, a tassel mould is £19.50, and the yarn £15.00. (Prices can rise but materials are sold on at cost). The kit cost will be payable to the tutor in class.