During the workshop, you will learn to create beautiful tassels that can be used as stylish accessories or unique decorations for your clothing. Discover the joy of combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style and take home a stunning handmade tassel!

From skilled artisans of ancient Egypt and Persia to the trendsetters of London Fashion Week, tassels have been a timeless medium for artistic expression. The art of handcrafting tassels has evolved from simple bundles of thread to intricate, decorative pieces that reflect rich cultural and artistic influences. As tailoring advanced in the 16th century and garments became more elaborate, passementerie (the art of making elaborate trimmings) became integral in showcasing craftsmanship. Passementerie encompasses braids, fringes, cords, embroidery, pom poms, lace, appliqués, and tassels. In the 20th century, designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior blended traditional techniques with modern fashion, incorporating passementerie into their bespoke pieces.

The workshop begins with winding, tying, steaming, and trimming threads to create a smooth and straight tassel. It may seem simpler than it is; artisans spend hours perfecting this process. You will learn to use materials that make this process faster and easier. Additionally, we will add a decorative bead element for an extra luxurious touch.

During the workshop, all necessary materials will be provided, and additional materials will be available for purchase to continue making tassels at home. You will also receive guidance on the best materials and where to source them. We will share inspiration from modern fashion designers who incorporate tassels into their clothing collections.

By the end of the two-hour workshop, you will have created a beautiful tassel that can be used as jewelry, an accessory, or a clothing decoration. This passementerie element will give your creations a unique, personal touch!

Katja van der Steen is a master cutter specializing in bespoke tailoring for men’s clothing, as well as theater and dance costumes. She has worked on various projects at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and undertakes commissions for the Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam, the National Dance Theater in The Hague, several museums, and other cultural institutions.

In addition to her theater work, her expertise lies in historical pattern drafting and garment construction, bespoke tailoring, various traditional embroidery techniques, and tatting lace. As a true textile enthusiast, she promotes the craft of handmade through various masterclasses and private lessons, including embroidery, traditional garment making, and textile processing.