Are you interested in learning how to make yarn pom poms? These fluffy and colourful embellishments can be used in a variety of ways. Pom poms can be added to hats, scarves, bags, and home decor projects.
Learning how to make yarn pom poms is simple and affordable. With just a little bit of practice and patience, kids and adults can master the technique. Below, I will show you several different ways how to make yarn pom poms.
What is a Yarn Pom Pom?
A yarn pom pom is a small, fluffy ball. Pom poms are typically used as decorative embellishments on clothing, accessories, and crafts. You can make pom poms in a variety of sizes, colours, and textures.
You can make pom poms with other materials other than yarn. You can also use materials such as ribbon, tulle, fabric, tissue paper, faux fur, and raffia.
What Can You Use Pom Poms For?
Pom poms are versatile and fun embellishments that can be used for a wide range of projects and crafts.
Here are some popular uses for yarn pom poms:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Handbags
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Keychains
- Bookmarks
- Children’s Crafts
- Clothing
- Curtains
- Gift Bags
- Party Decorations
- Jewellery
- Macrame
- Quilts
- Rugs
- Tablecloths
- Wreaths
- Toys
- …and More
Different Ways for Making Pom Poms
When it comes to making pom poms, there are a variety of methods you can use. These methods range from simple techniques that use your fingers to specialised pom pom makers.
Below, I will discuss the 4 most common ways how to make yarn pom poms.
1. Pom Pom Maker
2. Cardboard Templates
3. Fork
4. Fingers
What is a Pom Pom Maker?
Pom pom makers are specialised tools that make the process of creating pom poms easy. The tools come in different sizes and shapes. They are typically comprised of two semicircular parts that snap together.
Yarn is wrapped around the pom pom maker and then cut through the centre to create a pom pom. Pom pom makers are often preferred because they can produce pom poms of consistent size and shape.
How to Make Yarn Pom Poms Using a Pom Pom Maker
Pom pom makers are clever crafting tools that simplify the process of how to make yarn pom poms. While there are various types of pom pom makers available, they usually work the same way. You can check the best pom pom makers here.
1. First, open the tool.
2. Wrap a generous amount of yarn around both sections.
3. Close the tool and cut the yarn.
4. Tie a piece of yarn around the pom pom
5. Open the tool and remove the pom pom.
6. Trim the pom pom if needed.
How to Make Yarn Pom Poms Using Cardboard Discs
How to make yarn pom poms using cardboard discs is an easy and inexpensive technique.
Materials:
- Yarn in your desired colour(s)
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Template
Instructions
1. Download and print the pom pom template, then use it as a guide to trace two identical shapes onto cardboard. Cut out the shapes carefully.
You can access a complimentary printable template at the following link HERE.
2. Place the yarn piece on top of one of the cardboard pieces. Lay one end of the yarn on one of the points. Wrap the yarn up and over the inner circle and place the other side on the other point. The yarn should be in a C shape.
3. Now, take the other piece of cardboard and place it on top of the first, sandwiching the yarn in between them. Ensure that the slits on both cardboard pieces are aligned.
4. Wrapping the yarn around the cardboard pieces. Starting from one side and moving toward the other. Then, continue wrapping, working your way back to the starting point. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary. It is important that the yarn ends, running through the middle, are not entangled or wound up. They should hang freely.
5. Once you have the yarn wrapped around the cardboard pieces several times, cut the yarn from the skein/ball.
6. Next, grab the two dangling yarn ends and slide them up towards the central hole. Then, tie them together gently.
7. With a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut the wrapped yarn along the outer edge of the cardboard pieces. You can insert the scissor tip between the layers to make it easier. While cutting the yarn, put your finger or fingers into the central hole and hold the yarn in place.
8. Grab the tails of the centre yarn and pull them tightly to secure all the yarn together. Make a knot.
9. Remove the pom pom from the cardboard templates.
10. Fluff the pom pom.
11. To guarantee the pom pom is uniform in shape, use scissors to remove any unsightly or uneven pieces.
How to Make Yarn Pom Poms Using a Fork
Making yarn pom poms using a fork is another quick and easy technique.
Materials:
- Yarn in your desired colour(s)
- A fork
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Instructions:
1. Take a light-weight yarn and wrap it around the head of your fork around 50 times.
2. Cut the yarn from the skein or ball.
3. From your yarn skein or ball, cut a piece of yarn measuring 14 inches (35.56 cm) in length.
4. Thread a yarn needle with the piece of yarn you just cut.
5. Pass the needle through the central gap of the fork, beneath the wrapped yarn.
6. Remove the needle from the yarn, leaving the yarn in place.
7. Securely knot the piece of yarn around the wrapped bundle.
8. Slide the yarn off the fork.
9. Take your sharp scissors and trim through all the loops on both sides of the knot.
10. Use your fingers to fluff the pom pom.
11. If needed, trim the pom pom to make it round.
How to Make Yarn Pom Poms Using Your Fingers
Making yarn pom poms using your fingers is a simple and easy technique that requires no special tools.
Materials:
- Yarn in your desired colour(s)
- Scissors
Instructions:
1. Cut a long piece of yarn, about 14 inches (35.56 cm) long.
2. Take the cut yarn piece and position it between your middle finger and ring finger. Let one half of the yarn rest on the palm of your hand, while the other half should drape over the back of your hand.
3. Wrap your working yarn around all four fingers, while keeping your fingers pressed together. Using all four fingers will produce a bigger pom pom. You can use fewer fingers, will make a smaller pom pom.
4. Keep wrapping the yarn around your fingers until you have a significant amount of yarn. The more times you wrap the yarn, the denser your pom pom will become. Once you have enough yarn, cut the yarn from the skein or ball.
5. Take the yarn that is dangling between your fingers and use it to firmly knot the wrapped yarn. This is a crucial step, as loose knots may cause the yarn strands to unravel. You may need to slip the yarn off your fingers to tie it tightly. Make sure to create a double knot.
6. Flip the pom pom over and tie the other side with a double knot as well.
7. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut through the loops of yarn.
8. Use your fingers to fluff the pom pom.
9. Trim any uneven piece to create a uniform ball.
Tips for Making Pom Poms
Here are some tips to help you make the best yarn pom poms:
- Choose the right yarn.
The type of yarn you use will affect the final look and feel of your pom pom. For a full and cosy pom pom, use a yarn that is soft and fluffy.
- Use enough yarn.
The more yarn you use, the fuller and fluffier your pom pom will be. Do not be afraid to wrap the yarn around your fingers, cardboard discs, fork, or pom pom tool multiple times.
- Use sharp scissors.
A sharp pair of scissors will make it easier to make clean cuts. This will result in a neat and tidy pom pom.
- Tie it tight.
Make sure to tie your yarn tightly in the centre of your pom pom. This is necessary to hold the pom pom together securely. If it is too loose, the pom pom will fall apart.
- Fluff and trim.
After you have made your pom pom, take the time to fluff it up and trim any uneven strands. This will give your pom pom a more polished look.
- Experiment
When learning how to make yarn pom poms, play around with different yarn weights and colours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pom Pom
How can I make yarn pom poms at home?
You can make yarn pom poms at home using various methods. The most common methods use cardboard discs, a fork, your fingers, and a pom pom maker. The basic steps involve wrapping yarn around your tool, tie it tightly in the middle, and cutting the loops on both sides.
Why do my pom poms fall apart?
There are a few reasons why your yarn pom poms may be falling apart. One common reason is not tying the yarn tightly enough in the centre. Another reason could be using yarn that is too thin or slippery.
Additionally, if you do not use enough yarn when making the pom pom, it can also result in a less compact and less secure pom pom.
Can I make multi-coloured pom poms?
Yes, you can make multi-coloured pom poms. Simply change the yarn colour as you wrap it around the pom pom maker or other tool. You can alternate colours as you wrap or make one side one colour and the other side another colour. Another option is to use a multi-coloured yarn.
How to make yarn pom poms round and fluffy?
To ensure your pom pom is round and fluffy, make sure to wrap the yarn around the pom pom maker as tightly and evenly as possible. When cutting the yarn loops, use scissors that are sharp. After tying the centre, fluff the pom pom and trim any uneven pieces.
Can I use different types of yarn to make pom poms?
Yes, you can use different types of yarn to make pom poms. However, the texture and thickness of the yarn will affect the final appearance and fluffiness of the pom pom. You can also use a combination of different types of yarn to create interesting and unique pom poms.
FOLLOW OUR STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIALS TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE YARN POM POMS.
Pom poms are fun, fluffy, and colourful embellishments. You can use them to decorate a wide variety of projects. Now that you know how to make yarn pom poms using different techniques, grab your yarn and get crafting.
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