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How to Make Tahitian Hand Tassels

Tahitian dancers and hula dancers alike use Tahitian hand tassels as they dance to hold over their head, shake and give quick flicks to the crowd during their dance. While there are various hand tassels available through specialty party and dance companies, you can make Tahitian hand tassels easily and use them any time you'll be dancing. While traditional hand tassels were made from a native bark, you can make yours from fine combed stiff raffia in a matter of an hour.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine combed raffia
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Two empty paper towel tubes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut several lengths of raffia 20 inches long. Bunch a grouping of raffia together in your hand and check the thickness of the bunch, adding more raffia lengths until you have two sets each about an inch in diameter. Set one bunch of raffia aside.

    • 2

      Measure around your wrist and add six inches to this length. Cut six pieces of raffia to this length. Divide these pieces into two sets of three pieces and braid each set to create wristbands for each arm. Tie the ends of each of the braided portions together to form two loops. Set one loop aside.

    • 3

      Slip a raffia bunch through a braided loop and bring the loop halfway between the ends of the bunch. Fold the raffia over in half, trapping the loop in the fold, and bring the ends together to form a 10-inch long tassel.

    • 4

      Cut a single length of raffia eight inches long. Wrap the raffia around the doubled thickness of the tassel approximately two inches from the point of the fold. Tie the raffia tightly to hold the tassel together. Tie on a second length of raffia, if desired, for added strength.

    • 5

      Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the remaining bunch of raffia and the other braided loop to complete the pair of hand tassels. Slip the wristband portion over your hands and onto your wrist to use the tassels or store individually in paper towel tubes to avoid them being crushed or rubbed by other items.

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