How to Make a Puff Ball Using a Crochet Needle

Use two of more yarn colors to make a variegated puff ball.

Puff balls are popular embellishments for winter accessories, especially on beanies and scarves. Making a fluffy yarn puff ball or pom-pom is a project that requires only a bit of leftover yarn. The puff ball may be made from single or multiple colors of yarn to match, complement or contrast whatever it is attached to. The size and fullness of the puff ball depends the thickness of the yarn and how it is coiled. A crochet hook simplifies the tying and joining of the puff ball.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted-weight yarn
• 4-inch cardboard square
• Crochet hook
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut one piece of yarn, approximately 18 inches long. This yarn will be used as a tie to bind the center of the puff ball and for attachment.

2. Hold the rigid cardboard square in one hand. Pinch the end of the yarn from the ball or skein between your thumb and the cardboard. With your other hand, wrap the yarn around the center of the cardboard 50 to 60 times. Yarns thinner than worsted-weight may require twice as many wraps. Cut the yarn after the last wrap.

3. Slide the tip of the crochet hook between the coiled yarn and the cardboard. Pick up the center of the yarn tie with the hook and pull a portion of the yarn under the coiled yarn. Gather the ends of the tie and tie them into a bow. This will keep the coils from coming apart while you remove them from the cardboard square. Bend the cardboard slightly. Carefully slide the coils of yarn off the cardboard.

4. Untie the bow, being careful to not disrupt the coiled yarn. Lay the 18-inch-long piece out straight on a flat surface. Place the coiled yarn on top of the tie so the wraps are centered and are at 90 degrees to the tie. Hold one end of the tie in each hand. Tie a tight, secure knot around the center of the coiled yarn.

5. Cut the ends of the tied loops but do not cut the ends of the ties. Hold the puff ball by its ties and shake to fluff it. Trim the ends of the puff ball with scissors to shape it. Do not trim the ties.

Tips & Warnings

• To attach the puff ball to a textile garment or accessory, poke the tip of a crochet hook through the item, from back to front, where the puff ball will be attached. Draw one of the tie strings through the hole. Draw the other tie string through a hole 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the first hole. Tie the ties securely and trim away excess yarn.

References

• Hello Knitty: How to Make A Pom-Pom
• Kid Craft Central: Pom Poms
• Crochet Spot: How to Make Pom Poms