DIY Pom Poms - Fastest, Easiest Methods

DIY pom poms are fun to make for kids and adults alike. The traditional method of how to make pom poms uses cardboard rings that you wrap the yarn around. But did you know there is a faster and easier way to make pom poms without any fancy tools? Use your fingers! You can also make mini pom poms with a fork. Keep reading for these great and easy options.

Today we're going to learn how to make super-fast hand pom poms.

DIY POM POMS - 4 Easy Methods

There are 3 main methods to make DIY pom poms

1. Fingers - this is the fastest method to make pom poms and all you need is your fingers!
2. Forks - makes tiny little cute pom poms
3. Cardboard rings - slowest method but gives more control and better to mix colors.
4. Pom pom maker - these plastic devices can be bought from craft stores and will quicken your pom pom making. They are generally cheap and come in numerous sizes.

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DIY Pom Poms - Supplies

To make finger pom poms you will need -

• YARN - I used 8 ply (DK) and 12ply knitting yarn for my samples but any thickness will work. You can also try cotton crochet yarn for a modern trendy look. The thicker the yarn, the fewer times you will need to wind it around your hand. Your yarn can be wool, acrylic, cotton or a blend.
• SCISSORS

That’s a nice short supply list, isn’t it?

Method #1 - DIY Pom Poms by Hand

DIY Pom Poms by Hand - The Video

Here is a video I made for you on making these quick DIY pom poms by hand. Enjoy and make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

Step 1 - Secure the End

Take the end of the yarn and tuck it between your two fingers to keep it from unraveling. Remember not to let go as you start wrapping.

Step 2 - Start Wrapping Yarn

Then wrap the yarn around 3 or 4 fingers leaving the thumb free. 

The number of fingers you wrap around will determine the size of the finished pom pom.

If you need to make multiple pom poms the same, then count the number of times you wrap it around your hand.

IMPORTANT - Wrap loosely as you will find it gets tighter and tighter the more times you wrap. You need to be able to get the loops off your hand in the next step.

Step 3 - Remove the Yarn

When you are happy with the volume, take the yarn carefully off your hand. Make sure it all stays neatly together. If it comes off in a mess, that means you wrapped too tight. Try again wrapping a little looser.

Step 4 - Tie the Center

Take a 6 inch (15cm) piece of yarn and wrap it around the center of the DIY pom poms a couple of times. Pull very tight and tie a double knot. (If you want a shorter or longer tie, cut the length of yarn double your desired length)

Cut the ends of the center string. Alternatively, leave the ends long if you want to attach them to a clutch or purse, or knitted hat.

Step 5 - Shape and Cut

Fluff up your DIY pom poms and trim the ends to shape.

All done! Happy, fluffy DIY pom poms.

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Method #2 - DIY Pom Poms with a Fork

This next DIY pom pom method makes smaller pom poms suitable for use for keyrings, jewelry, and accessories.

• See the full tutorial on how to make mini pom poms including a video.
• Wrap your yarn around a fork until you get your desired thickness.
• Wrap a 6 inch piece of yarn around the center prongs and tie in a knot in the middle of the pom pom. Make sure this is nice and tight. It helps to wrap the yarn a couple of times.
• Remove from the fork and trim the ends.

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Method #3 - DIY Pom Poms with Cardboard

Using cardboard rings is the traditional way to make pom poms and gives a consistent size. The thicker you wrap the yarn the fluffier your pom poms.

• See my tutorial on cardboard pom poms which includes a video and a printable cardboard template for several sizes. The difference between the inside and outside circle will determine the size of the pom pom.
• Cut 2 pieces of cardboard in a donut shape and a slit on one side.
• Stack the 2 rings together and wrap the yarn around until thick. Use lots of yarn for thick pom poms.
• Cut around the edge in between the 2 rings.
• Use a long piece of yarn to wrap and tie the center between the 2 rings.
• Remove the rings and trim the DIY pom poms.

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Method 4 - DIY Pom Poms with Pom Pom Makers

The last method of making DIY pom poms is using a commercial plastic pom pom maker. These come in various sizes and make perfect fluffy, dense pom poms fast.

• Open the 2 halves of the maker and wind yarn around the rings. Wind the yarn thickly until there is no plastic visible.
• Close the plastic halves with the catch on the side.
• Cut around the edge of the pom pom maker.
• Insert a long piece of yarn in the groove around the edge and tie it tightly to secure the center.
• Open up the pom pom maker and trim the edges.

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DIY Pom Poms - In Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy method to make DIY pom poms. Please check out my other pom pom articles

• Pom Pom Pillows - learn how to use pom pom trim around easy to make envelope style pillows
• Mini Pom Poms - make mini pom poms with a fork
• Cardboard Pom Poms - includes printable templates
• Sewing PomPom Trim - how to sew trim around corners and in seams

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What will you use your DIY pom poms for? Share in the comments.