Tassels are most commonly made with rayon, silk, or cotton thread. The choice of thread depends on the project for which the tassel will be used. For example, a tassel that will be used as a keychain might be made with sturdier thread than one that will be used as an embellishment on a scrapbook page. Generally speaking, tassels made with natural fibers like cotton or silk will be more durable than those made with synthetic fibers like rayon.