Learn the art of making perfect pom poms and how to troubleshoot common issues perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters. This step-by-step tutorial will ensure you create fun and fluffy pom-poms effortlessly.
Yarn pom-poms are a delightful and versatile addition to various craft projects, bringing a fun pop of color and texture. This is also a good way to use up old scrap yarn. Whether you’re looking to embellish a crochet hat, add flair to a craft project, or simply explore your creative side, making your own fluffy pom poms can be a rewarding and enjoyable craft.
In this guide, we will explore different methods, tools, and tips to create the perfect yarn pom-pom for your beanies and other crafting needs.
These pompom makers that I have come in 4 various sizes ranging from 3.5 in/ 8.8 cm down to 1.5 in/3.8cm. The blue larger pom pom in the picture was made using the largest maker and the red pom pom was made using the smallest maker (so fun!).
Depending on the weight of the yarn, a thing to remember thicker yarns require less wrapping, which will give you a fuller pom pom. Thinner yarns = more strands! So play around with fluffy yarn and different sizes and have fun while doing so.
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3 Ways to Make Pom-Poms:
Cardboard Ring Method
Cutting a piece of cardboard into a ring shape, wrap yarn around it until thick, carefully cut the yarn by sliding a sharp pair of scissors between the cardboard layers, and finally, tie a tight knot around the wrapped yarn, securing it in the middle.
Fork Method
Utilizing the Fork Method, wrap yarn around a regular dinner fork until thick, tie a tight knot in the middle of the wrapped yarn, and then slide the yarn off the fork, cutting through the little loops on both ends.
Pom-Pom Maker
Using a set of Pom Pom Makers such as the Clover Pom Pom Maker involves opening the arms, wrapping yarn around each arm until it’s thick, closing the arms, snipping the yarn along the outer circle, tying a tight knot in the middle, and finally trimming excess yarn to complete your ready-to-use pom-pom.
How to Pom Pom Correctly
Like any creative process, making your own yarn pom pom might come with its fair share of challenges. But the good news is there is always a solution to these fixes. Here’s a closer look at potential issues and their solutions:
Loose Knots
It’s crucial to ensure that the knot at the center of the pom pom is tight and firm. Work double-knot if necessary, ensuring an additional layer of security that safeguards the integrity of the pom-pom, preventing any unintended unwinding and contributing to a more durable and polished final result.
Inconsistent Pom-Pom Size
When faced with the issue of a lopsided or asymmetrical appearance after trimming your pom-pom, a solution lies in using a sharp pair of sharp scissors.
To ensure an even and balanced result, exercise patience during the trimming process. Rotate the pom-pom while trimming, viewing it from different angles to achieve symmetry. This approach ensures that your pom-poms not only look polished but also maintain a well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing shape.
Yarn Snags or Breaks
When facing easy yarn snagging or breaking during the wrapping process try switching to smoother yarns to reduce the likelihood of snags.
If working with bulkier yarn, try wrapping with less tension during the wrapping process to prevent breakage. A good tip to note is to check the pom-pom maker for any rough edges that might cause snags.
Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve, making the creative journey all the more rewarding.
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Step by Step Pom Pom Making Tutorial
Step 1
For this tutorial, I am using the medium-sized pom pom maker which is about 2.7 in / 6.8cm.
You will notice that these pompom makers come with 2 arch shape sides that slide open, and on each side, come with 2 “arms”.
Step 2
Take your yarn and hold on to one end and start wrapping your yarn around both “arms” starting from one end to the other end. It is not necessary to wrap all the way to the very end.
For reference, I am using a category 3 weight yarn. You can even choose to use 2 strands of yarn if you prefer a faster wrap.
Once you have achieved a flat bottom like this image, this is a good indication that you have enough yarn.
Step 3
Fold the arms down to close the loop, and cut off a slightly longer yarn tail. Repeat the same steps on the other arm.
Step 4
Now comes the fun part! Place your scissors along the groove between the arms as your guide and snip off one section bit by bit. Repeat on the other side.
Pro Tip: Always use a VERY sharp pair of scissors. I am using a fabric scissor like this
Step 5
Once both sides have been snipped off, take approximately 25in or 50cm in length of yarn and wrap the yarn between the arms through the middle portion of the maker in the round. Tie a knot, turn it over and tie a double knot.
You should have a long tail at the end. Next, gently slide both arms open on each side.
Step 6
To remove the pompom, you will have to pull both pieces apart by gently wiggling the center pin and giving it a strong pull.
Step 7
Last but not least, take your pompom and snip off any stragglers and tidy up where needed.
Your pompom is all done!
Step 8
The easiest way to assemble the pompom maker back into place is to connect the center pin to the other end and push to close.
The arms should be able to fold back in and fit along the sides, ready to be used again.
Watch the Video Tutorial here
Here are 13 Fun Pom Pom Ideas
Pom-poms are versatile and can be used to create a wide range of fun and decorative items. Here are some creative ideas for things you can make with pom-poms:
1. Pom-Pom Garland. String colorful pom-poms together to make a festive garland for parties or to add a playful touch to your living space.
2. Keychain or Bag Charm. Attach a single large pom-pom or a cluster to a keyring or a small chain for a trendy and personalized accessory.
3. Pom-Pom Earrings. Create eye-catching earrings by attaching mini pom-poms to earring hooks. Mix and match colors for a vibrant look.
4. Pom-Pom Rug. Glue or sew pom-poms onto a rug base to add a cozy and whimsical touch to your home decor.
5. Pom-Pom Bookmark. Make reading more enjoyable by creating a cute pom-pom bookmark. Attach a pom-pom to the end of a ribbon or string and use it to mark your place.
6. Pom-Pom Wreath. Craft a beautiful and seasonal wreath by hot-gluing an assortment of pom-poms onto a wreath form. Perfect for holidays or as a cheerful year-round decoration.
7. Pom-Pom Bouquet. Replace traditional flowers with pom-poms in a vase for a playful and long-lasting centerpiece.
8. Pom-Pom Animal Crafts. Turn pom-poms into adorable animals by adding googly eyes, felt ears, and other embellishments. This is a great project for kids.
9. Pom-Pom Clothing. Sew or glue pom-pom anywhere on your clothing items, such as shorts, skirts, or even the cuffs of a sweater, to add a touch of whimsy.
10. Pom-Pom Mobile. Hang an assortment of pom-poms from a hoop or branch to create a colorful and playful mobile for a nursery or kid’s room.
11. Pom-Pom Headband. Attach a row of small pom-poms to a plain headband for a cute and trendy hair accessory.
12. Pom-Pom Wall Art. Arrange pom-poms in a pattern or shape on a canvas and frame it for unique and textured wall art.
Get creative and experiment with different art, colors, sizes, and techniques to make your yarn pom pom creations truly unique!
And that’s a wrap. What would you make with your pom pom maker? The possibilities are endless.
If you have any questions about this tutorial, do get in touch with me by dropping a comment below. And if you’re on social media, don’t forget to tag me @theknottylace, I would love to see your work!
Happy hooking,
Shaz 🧶
