How do I create a tassel shape?

JorisArt

So after finding out what it was called in the first place, I am now faced with the task to get it into UE4. Because it will be a game asset it obviously can't be a million polygons. How do i do this? I'm assuming zbrush but I am not sure where to start.. Anything that will get me in the right direction is appreciated!
Tassel on Google Images

Preferably one that looks like this:

FULGORE

Shouldn't this be in Technical Talk?

Either way, the method I've seen most is just for the low-poly a convex shape as if you've wrapped paper around the tassle, and for the high-poly you could just draw each string with a spline. These days I'd just rely on Substance Painter and/or a Detail Normal for the micro-detail Easy as

slipsius

Moved to tech talk.

ActionDawg

I wouldn't use zbrush for this. If you want it accurate then you need to figure out the structure of the strands and how it ties together. Do this with splines. Then you can deform a rope mesh along the splines, model the simple top, and presto you've got your high poly.

JorisArt

Thanks for the fast replies, I will try to use splines like suggested, using the 'paper wrap' as a low poly, and finishing it off in substance painter.

phbillones

I made a cheap  IMM brush for tassels but only as placeholder- as I figured I can save more triangles in the tail ends if they were alpha planes (like hair). the top rope part of it is a lot easier done with curves especially if they are interacting with other models / parts.

Mark Dygert

Maybe I'm old school but that seems really easy to model using simple shapes and splines.