Fringe DIY Balloon Tassels
Learn how to make DIY Balloon Tassels with this easy fringe tassel tail tutorial. Perfect for parties, showers, and celebrations with simple materials.
If you’re looking for a simple way to make your party decor feel instantly more elevated, this DIY balloon tassel tutorial is one of our all-time favorites. These party tassels take a basic helium balloon and turn it into a statement piece with colorful tassels and a touch of shimmer.
The best part? You don’t need any special tools or crafting skills. This DIY balloon tassel garland comes together quickly using paper, ribbon, and a little creativity. Whether you’re decorating for a birthday, baby shower, or just love a good excuse for pretty decor, this is one of those easy projects that looks way more impressive than it actually is.
What are Balloon Tassels?
A balloon tassel is a decorative garland made from strips of paper, ribbon, or fringe that hangs from the base of a balloon. In this DIY balloon tassel tutorial, we’re creating a “fancy fringe” version by layering soft pastel colors with metallic accents for extra texture and movement.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Tissue paper or metallic sheets in (multiple colors): Use a mix of colors to create that layered, dimensional look. Or you can also use plastic tablecloths (like us) for a more durable, slightly glossy finish.
- Ribbon or twine: You’ll need this for both your main balloon tassel garland and for securing the top of each individual tassel.
- Tinsel garland: Optional, but highly recommended for sparkle.
- Scissors
- Stapler or tape: For securing the top of each tassel and keeping everything in place.
How to Make a Balloon Tassels DIY
Step 1 — Cut the paper
Start by cutting your tissue paper into long wide strips. Stack a few sheets together to speed things up, then cut evenly for a clean, uniform look.
Step 2 — Create the tassel fringe
Fold each strip in half and cut fringe along the open edge, leaving about 1 1/2 inch uncut at the top so everything stays attached.
Step 3 — Form the tassel shape
Gently fold and roll up the center of each fringed strip to form a tassel shape that’s about about a 1-inch-wide. After folding inward, give the center a gentle twist. This helps the tassel hold its shape and makes wrapping the top much easier.
Now your DIY balloon tassels has that signature “frill” effect. Place a piece of ribbon at the top fold and secure it with a staple or tape. Then, wrap the extra ribbon tightly around the top to create a clean, finished tassel head.
Repeat to create multiple tassels, mixing colors and lengths for a fuller, more dimensional look.
Step 4 — Attach to your string
Tie or loop each tassel onto a long piece of ribbon or twine.
Step 5 — Add gold tinsel (optional)
For extra flair, secure a tinsel garland to your string by by tying or stapling. Weave the garland between the tissue tassels. Let it peek through for a subtle shimmer rather than overpowering the colors.
Step 6 — Attach to the balloon
Tie your finished tassel garland to the base of your balloon string. Adjust spacing and fluff the tassels so they fall naturally.
Tips for the Best DIY Balloon Tassels
- Go with oversized balloons: Attach your DIY tassel garland to large helium balloons for maximum visual impact. We used giant 36-inch balloons.
- Mix textures like tissue paper and metallic tinsel for contrast.
- Keep the top straight: Make sure the uncut portion stays aligned and flat. If it’s crooked, the tassel will hang unevenly.
- Fan the fringe before folding: Lightly separate and fan out the fringe strips first. This prevents them from sticking together and gives you better volume when you gather.
- Twist slightly for structure: After folding inward, give the center a gentle twist. This helps the tassel hold its shape and makes wrapping the top much easier.
- Don’t over-pack the tassels: A little movement makes them feel more elevated. Plus, you don’t want the tassels to weigh down the balloon.
- Trim for a clean finish: Once shaped, trim any uneven ends at the bottom so the tassel hangs evenly.
When to Use DIY Balloon Tassels
These fancy frill balloons are perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Baby showers
- Bridal showers
- Holiday gatherings
- Photo backdrops
More Party Decor
Love this simple balloon tassels DIY? They also pair beautifully with other party decor like our:
- Faux Balloon DIY Letter Banner: Our hack to making a “balloon” letter banner that never deflates.
- DIY Balloon Cake Topper
- Balloon Table Centerpiece
- DIY Balloon Christmas Tree: You can customize the colors for any occasion.
DIY Balloon Tassels
Equipment
- Scissors
- Stapler or tape
Materials
- Colorful tissue paper
- Ribbon or twine
- Tinsel garland optional
Instructions
- Cut the paper: Start by cutting your tissue paper into long wide strips. Stack a few sheets together to speed things up, then cut evenly for a clean, uniform look.
- Create the fringe: Fold each strip in half and cut fringe along the open edge, leaving about 1 1/2 inch uncut at the top so everything stays attached.
- Form the tassel shape: Gently fold and roll up the center of each fringed strip to form a tassel shape that’s about about a 1-inch-wide. After folding inward, give the center a gentle twist to form a tassel shape that’s about about a 1-inch-wide. Place a piece of ribbon at the top fold and secure it with a staple or tape. Then, wrap the extra ribbon tightly around the top to create a clean, finished tassel head. Repeat to create multiple tassels, mixing colors and lengths for a fuller, more dimensional look.
- Attach to your string: Tie or loop each tassel onto a long piece of ribbon or twine.
- Add gold tinsel (optional): For extra flair, secure a tinsel garland to your string by by tying or stapling. Weave the garland between the tissue tassels. Let it peek through for a subtle shimmer rather than overpowering the colors.
- Attach to the balloon: Tie your finished tassel garland to the base of your balloon string. Adjust spacing and fluff the tassels so they fall naturally.
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what’s the best way to tie off the 36″ balloons? I’ve got some that I’m planning to use for my son’s first birthday and I’m not sure how to tie it off securely. I’ve read somewhere that some kind of plastic lock tie can be used.
Do you mean tying them off so they don’t float away? If so, you can tie them to just about anything with a decent weight. As for tying them once they’ve been inflated, you can tie them just the same as a regular balloon (that’s what the party store did when I had mine inflated). Let me know if you have anymore questions! :)
So sweet I wanna eat it!!! :) Love it!
xo Jenny
I love this! I have bought these huge balloons for photo shoots, my kids birthdays, and now as a backdrop for a table at a baby shower I’m throwing. Thanks so much for this DIY, I have been wanting to spruce up these already awesome big balloons!
-Kristy
roeandlee.blogspot.com
Thank you SO much for sharing :) I absolutely love the idea and can’t wait to do this for my daughters 5th birthday party this month.
X
p.s. I just posted a link to this on my blog.
Awesome! Let me know they turn out :)
I love this! I’ve been thinking about attempting a similar DIY. Did a party store fill the balloon for you? I heard they take a lot of helium? How long did the balloon last once it was filled?
Love your blog!
Mandy
The Klury Report & Kini Style
Thanks, Mandy! Yes, Party City filled them and it cost 50 cents each, not bad at all. They lasted about 3 days, hope this helps :)
These balloons are so fun and fancy- I love it! =)
Sooooooo beautiful!!!!!
these are gorgeous! great work : )
Thanks Ana, and same to you! Your whole blog is pretty :)
Love this! Such a cute idea!
Hha this is cute. I was thinking for my wedding too!
Yes! Especially using creamy, neutral colors.
i may use this for a tea party. i may hunt down some 36inch balloons to!
They’re easy to find online in lots of colors (and inexpensive). I found some at a local party store, too.