The ultimate guide: How to make a pom pom out of yarn, perfect every time! | Pom poms add a delightful touch to various crafts, accessories, and home decor items. Creating a pom pom out of yarn is a fun and easy DIY project that allows you to personalize your creations. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making a pom pom from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this tutorial will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to create beautiful pom poms. Get ready to unleash your creativity and add a playful touch to your projects!
What is a Pom Pom and Why are They Popular?
Pom poms are fluffy decorative balls made of yarn, usually used to embellish various items such as hats, scarves, pillows, and even jewelry. Their popularity stems from their versatility and ability to add a touch of whimsy to any project. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your winter wardrobe or add a playful element to your home decor, pom poms are the perfect choice.
Essential Supplies for Making Pom Poms
To make pom poms, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Yarn: Choose your favorite colors and textures to create pom poms that match your style.
- Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors will help you trim and shape the pom pom.
- Pom Pom Maker: While you can create pom poms without a pom pom maker, it simplifies the process and produces consistent results.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Pom Pom out of Yarn
Follow these simple steps to make a pom pom out of yarn:
Step 1: Wrap yarn around your fingers or a pom pom maker.
Step 2: Tie a piece of yarn tightly around the center of the wrapped yarn.
Step 3: Cut the loops on both ends of the yarn.
Step 4: Trim and shape the pom pom to achieve the desired size and fluffiness.
Step 5: Creative Ideas to Use Pom Poms in Your Crafts (Include an image of various crafts with pom poms.)
If you wonder “What is the easiest way to make a pom pom?”, this is it.
Alternatively, here’s how to make a pom pom out of yarn, with a DIY pom pom maker
If you don’t want to wind the yarn around your fingers, I recommend making your own lDIY pompom maker from cardboard if you have to make more than one of two pompoms. It’s really quick to do so, ensure that your pompoms will all be regular sized and you won’t hurt your fingers.
Step 1
Collect your tools and materials: cardboard, scissors, yarn, ..
Cut 2 circles from some recycled cardboard. Use a bottle cap or small round object so your circle is perfect. Then, use a whole punch to open up the center and then cut an inner circle of about 1/4th of the total diameter. Now you’ll have 2 cardboard rings.
Step 2
If you are a decoration-nut like me, than decorate your rings as you’ll be looking at them for a while…. ;-) However, step 2 is simply taking some yard and putting it through and around your two rings together like so.
Step 3
When the rings are full of yarn, like in the picture, cut in between them all the way around. Now, with double yarn, tie a secure knot in the center of the two. Remove the cardboard rings and fluff your pompom. Trim if/as needed.
First publication of article: 2010. Updated 2023. We’ve included the original images, for nostalgia sake. And voilà, there’s my first pompom: a tiny one, made 12 years ago shown with the smallest photo ever.
Creative Ideas to Use Pom Poms in Your Crafts
Pom poms can be used in countless creative ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Attach pom poms to the corners of a scarf or the top of a hat for a playful touch.
- Create a pom pom garland by stringing multiple pom poms together.
- Embellish a plain pillow or blanket by sewing or gluing pom poms onto the edges.
- Make colorful pom pom earrings or keychains for a trendy accessory.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Shaped Pom Poms
To achieve beautifully shaped pom poms, keep these tips in mind:
- Be sure to wrap really loose in the beginning. It will get tighter as you go. You want to be able to get the loops off your hand with ease.
- Use several shorter threads rather than one super-duper long thread, as it’s faster and less physical exercise.
- If you have an exact size of pompom in mind, realise that your final pompom will be 2x the width of the cardboard ring, not counting the inner center cut-out.
- So, if you want huge pompoms, such as the ones on this bag, just use/make a large pom pom maker.
- Particularly for larger projects, consider getting some pompom making tools (learn more or purchase on Amazon) if you plan to make large pompom projects, such as a rug.
Click image for more info and purchasing.
Tools of the Trade – Pompom Makers
If you want to make very consistent-sized pompoms, and a lot of them, I recommend a pompom maker
- Wrap the yarn tightly and evenly around your fingers or the pom pom maker.
- Use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts and avoid frayed edges.
- Trim the pom pom carefully, making small, precise cuts to shape it without cutting off too much.
- Fluff and shape the pom pom by gently pulling and separating the strands of yarn.
Video Tutorial: How to Make a Pom Pom
Sometimes visuals can be more helpful than written instructions. Check out this video tutorial for a step-by-step demonstration on how to make a pom pom from yarn.
Adding Pom Poms to Your Home Decor
Pom poms can instantly add a playful and cozy vibe to your living space. Consider these ideas for incorporating pom poms into your home decor:
- Make your own DIY pompom rugs — so snuggly.
- Attach pom poms to the corners of throw pillows or cushions.
- Hang a pom pom garland across a mantel or as a decorative backdrop.
- Create a pom pom wreath for your front door or as wall decor.
- Jazz up plain curtains by sewing or gluing pom poms along the edges.
The colors and accessories you choose will transform the look from playful to modern.
I bet you never thought about making a pom pom Christmas tree! Nothing could be more trendy!
Adding Pom Poms to Your Outfits or Accessories
Pom poms aren’t just limited to home decor and crafts; they can also add a stylish and playful touch to your outfits and accessories. Consider these ideas for incorporating pom poms into your fashion choices:
Pom pom Accessories
- Pom Pom Earrings: Create unique and eye-catching earrings by attaching small pom poms to earring hooks or hoops. Choose colors that complement your outfits and let your personality shine.
- Handbag Trim or Charm: Transform a plain handbag or purse into a fashion statement by attaching a pom pom keychain or charm. Opt for a large, fluffy pom pom for a bold look or mix and match smaller pom poms for a playful vibe.
- Scarf Embellishment: Add flair to your favorite scarf by attaching small pom poms along the edges or as fringe. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate a basic scarf and make it truly stand out.
- Hat Accents: Take your hats to the next level by sewing or gluing pom poms onto the brim or crown. This easy customization can instantly give your hat a fun and trendy twist. (Pompom beanie hat knitting pattern:)
- Shoe Decorations: Give your plain sneakers or sandals a touch of whimsy by attaching pom poms to the laces or as decorative accents on the straps. It’s a fantastic way to infuse some personality into your footwear.
Remember to choose pom poms that match or complement the colors of your outfits and accessories. Play around with different sizes and textures to achieve the desired style. Adding pom poms to your fashion choices is a great way to express your creativity and showcase your unique sense of style.
By adding pom poms to your outfits and accessories, you’ll not only stand out from the crowd but also create a cohesive and playful look that’s sure to turn heads.
Over to you: time to start making your own Pompoms!
Now that you have learned how to make pom poms from yarn, it’s time to get creative! Whether you want to add a touch of whimsy to your fashion accessories, elevate your crafts, or spruce up your home decor, pom poms offer endless possibilities. Experiment with different yarn colors, sizes, and textures to create unique pom poms that reflect your personal style. So grab your supplies, follow the steps in this guide, and let your imagination run wild. Have fun and enjoy the delightful world of pom poms!
What’s your favorite use for pompoms? How are planning to use this pompom tutorial?
First publication of article: 2010. Updated 2023. We’ve included the original images, for nostalgia sake. And voilà, there’s my first pompom: a tiny one, made 12 years ago shown with the smallest photo ever.
