Thank you for sharing this Japanese instruction file. It describes how to make a Tombodama (dragonfly bead) tassel strap / root knot (根付) accessory — a traditional Japanese hanging ornament often used on phones, bags, or kimono accessories.
Below is a complete how-to guide, full meaning, and full understanding of every step.
How to Make a Tombodama (Dragonfly Bead) Tassel Strap: Complete Guide
Full Meaning of the Title
| Japanese | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| トンボ玉のタッセル根付ストラップ | Tonbo-dama no tassel netsuke strap | Dragonfly bead tassel netsuke strap |
- Tonbo-dama (トンボ玉) = Dragonfly bead — a handmade glass bead with layered patterns, traditionally Japanese
- Tassel (タッセル) = Decorative fringe made of embroidery thread
- Netsuke (根付) = A small toggle / cord connector, traditionally used to hang pouches from kimono sashes
- Strap (ストラップ) = Phone strap, bag charm, or keychain
Full Understanding: Materials Needed
| Material | Quantity / Spec | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Netsuke cord (根付組) | 1 piece (length not specified, approx. 20–30cm) | Main cord; goes through the bead and connects to the tassel |
| Super sa (スーパーサー) | (Unclear — possibly “super spacer” or a small bead/spacer) | Decorative accent or knot cover |
| Tonbo-dama bead (とんぼ玉) | 1 piece | Focal glass bead |
| Embroidery thread (刺繍糸) | Approx. 10 wraps around a postcard + 20cm extra | For making the tassel |
| Postcard (はがき) | 1 (long edge used) | Template for wrapping tassel threads |
| Scissors, comb/brush | 1 each | For cutting and grooming the tassel |
Step-by-Step Instructions (Translated & Clarified)
Step ① — Prepare the Netsuke Cord
- Take the smaller loop of the netsuke cord.
- Insert a spacer (スペーサー) as shown in the photo.
- Secure (fix) the netsuke cord, then cut it to the appropriate length.
A “netsuke cord” typically has a small loop at one end and a longer tail. The smaller loop will attach to the tassel or bead.
Step ② — Wrap Embroidery Thread Around a Postcard
- Take a postcard (standard size, approx. 14.8 × 10cm).
- Wrap embroidery thread around the long edge of the postcard approximately 10 times.
- Cut the excess thread.
- Also prepare an extra 20cm length of embroidery thread (this will become the “leader” cord).
Step ③ — (Illustration step — likely tying)
- The 20cm embroidery thread is used as a lead cord (リード糸).
- Position it along the wrapped bundle.
Step ④ — (Illustration step — securing)
- Tie the bundle together at the top using the 20cm leader thread.
Step ⑤ — Gather & Tie (まとめ結び)
- Refer to the “Basic Gather Tie” (基本的まとめ結び) instructions (see below).
- Use the 20cm embroidery thread (leader) to wrap and secure the top of the tassel.
- Cut any excess thread.
Step ⑥ — Cut the Bottom Loops
- Insert scissors through the loops at the bottom of the tassel.
- Cut straight across to open the loops into individual strands.
Step ⑦ — Comb & Loosen the Tassel
- Use a comb or brush (プラン — possibly “brush” in katakana) to gently comb and loosen the tassel threads.
- This gives the tassel a soft, full appearance.
Step ⑧ — Trim the Tassel Evenly
- Cut the bottom of the tassel so all strands are the same length.
- The tassel is now complete.
Basic Gather Tie (基本まとめ結び) — Step-by-Step
This is the knot used in Step ⑤ to secure the top of the tassel.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make a loop at the end of the leader cord (20cm embroidery thread), as shown in the photo. |
| 2 | Wrap the same leader cord around the tassel bundle several times, from above the loop downward. |
| 3 | Pass the working end of the leader cord through the loop you made in step 1. |
| 4 | Pull the left side cord (the other end of the loop) to tighten. The wrap will cinch tight around the tassel. Cut the remaining ends. |
This is identical to a West Country whipping or a gathering knot in Western macrame.
Full Understanding: How the Pieces Assemble
| Component | Position |
|---|---|
| Netsuke cord | Topmost; small loop connects to a bag or phone. The cord goes through the Tonbo-dama bead. |
| Spacer (Super sa) | Placed on the cord next to the bead (decorative). |
| Tonbo-dama bead | Centerpiece. The cord passes through it. |
| Tassel | Attached to the bottom of the netsuke cord (after the bead). |
The finished assembly looks like this (top to bottom):
[Small loop of netsuke cord] → [Spacer] → [Tonbo-dama bead] → [Gather knot] → [Tassel fringe]How to Apply to Your Artisanal Purple Macrame Bracelet
Purple Artisanal Version
| Original | Purple Substitution |
|---|---|
| Tonbo-dama (any color) | Purple dragonfly bead (amethyst or violet glass) |
| Embroidery thread | Purple embroidery thread (lavender or deep violet) |
| Netsuke cord | Purple kumihimo cord or waxed cotton cord |
| Spacer | Silver or clear crystal spacer |
Design Idea: Purple Tassel Charm for Your Bracelet
Instead of making a standalone strap, attach this tassel to your purple macrame bracelet as a dangly charm:
- Make the tassel as described (using purple thread).
- Attach it to the bracelet using a small jump ring or by tying it directly to the Pan Chang knot or diamond lanyard knot.
- The result: a boho-artisanal bracelet with a Japanese tassel accent.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tassel falls apart | Gather knot not tight enough | Wrap the leader cord 5–7 times, not just 2–3 |
| Tassel threads uneven | Cut before combing | Always comb first, then trim evenly at the end |
| Bead hole too small for cord | Cord thickness mismatch | Use a thinner cord or a bead with a larger hole |
| “Super sa” unclear | Translation issue | Likely a small metal or glass spacer bead |
| Postcard too narrow | Tassel too short | Use the long edge of an A4 paper (29.7cm) for longer tassels |
Traditional Context: Tonbo-dama
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tonbo-dama meaning | “Dragonfly bead” — the patterns inside the glass resemble a dragonfly’s compound eye |
| Origin | Japan, dating back to the Kofun period (300–550 AD) |
| How it’s made | Layered glass melted over a mandrel, then decorated with fine colored glass rods |
| Symbolism | Dragonflies represent courage, happiness, and strength in Japanese culture |
Using a tonbo-dama in your purple bracelet adds cultural depth and artisanal authenticity.
Summary: Tassel Strap at a Glance
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Technique | Wrapped tassel + gather knot + bead stringing |
| Materials | Embroidery thread, postcard, bead, cord, spacer |
| Key knot | Basic gather tie (West Country whipping) |
| Difficulty | Easy–Medium |
| Time | 15–30 minutes |
| Best for | Phone straps, keychains, bag charms, bracelet dangles |
Complete Project Sequence for Your Purple Artisanal Bracelet Set
Now you can combine multiple techniques into one purple themed set:
- Main bracelet (LIND-Z or shark jaw bone) — deep purple core, lavender accent
- Closure (diamond lanyard knot) — adjustable fit
- Dangly charm (tonbo-dama tassel strap) — attached to the Pan Chang knot
- Weighted end (monkey’s fist) — optional at the opposite end
