Directions for a Yarn Pompom

Pom poms make perfect knit hat embellishments for all ages.

Pompoms are useful for a multitude of craft and clothing projects. You can purchase ready-made yarn pompoms in craft and sewing stores. They are so simple to make, however, that it is worth the effort to make your own pompoms and save a little money. Making your own also gives you the freedom to use your imagination and come up with pretty pompoms using any of the hundreds of yarn color combinations available. There are several ways to create a basic pompom out of yarn. This is one of the easiest and quickest methods.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Measure and cut out a 2-by-4-inch rectangle of cardboard with scissors. Fold the cardboard in half to form a 2-by-2-inch square. This is your pompom template. Use medium-weight cardboard that is not hard to cut with scissors, but stiff enough to use through the creation of several pompoms.

2. Start with the loose end of yarn from a yarn ball or skein. Wrap yarn around the folded cardboard several dozen times until you have enough wrapped strands to ensure the thickness you desire, circling around the folded side of the cardboard. Cut the last strand loose from the yarn ball or skein you are using, so that the pompom template with its wrapped yarn is no longer attached to anything.

3. Cut an additional piece of yarn from the yarn ball or skein, making it about 9 inches long. Insert the 9-inch piece of yarn through the folded cardboard template and gather the ends around the wrapped yarn at the open end of the cardboard. Tie a strong knot in the middle that secures all of the wrapped yarn.

4. Cut straight through all of the wrapped yarn at the folded cardboard edge to release the pompom from the template.

5. Fluff the pompom and attach to your craft or sewing project. Repeat the process until you have made as many pompoms as you need for your craft or sewing project. Wrap more strands of yarn around the template if you want fluffier, thicker pompoms. Make the cardboard template larger or smaller if you need bigger or smaller pompoms. Other suggested template sizes are 3 by 6 inches, 4 by 8 inches and 5 by 10 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Making pompoms and pompom crafts are great rainy day projects for kids.

• Be sure to keep completed pompoms away from toddlers because they could easily become choking hazards if swallowed.

References

• Love to Sew.com: How to Make Yarn Pompoms
• Simple Bliss: Yarn Pom Poms
• Nancy's Pom Pom Palace: Make the Perfect Pom Pom; Basic Finger Directions