How do I replicate this

[kittieb]

One of my friends asked me to make a hat that looks just like this
http://i47.tinypic.com/1hsf2s.jpg
I can get the rest of the hat no problem. I just can't seem to figure out how to make the tassels stand up like that.
What do you guys think?
I was thinking fabric starch. don't know if it would be the desired look though.

[bananaleg]

It looks like those bits are braided, right? I would think if you braid with enough strands and tightly enough, they would be able to stand up on their own.

[Melladh]

Seconded, tightly braided dry cotton should behave like that on its own

[mama24boyz]

I was just going to say braided!! lol

[kittieb]

thanks ladies! I hadn't tried it before so I didn't know if it would stay up like that.
  Good to know that it would.