How to Make Pom Poms – Printable Pom Pom Template

This how to make pom poms tutorial shows you how to make pom-poms the classic way which will give your pom-poms a great shape and result in thicker fluffier pom poms. Get the sizing you want without any measuring with my printable pom pom template.

Pom poms are a fun way to decorate hats, bags, clothing, Christmas presents, necklaces… I think this is an endless list!

Did you know? Pom poms can also be referred to pom-poms, pompoms or even bobbles.

How to Make Pom Poms | Supplies

• YARN in any fun colors. I like to use 8 ply yarn but you can use any thickness you like. You can use all one color or use several different colors in the same pom pom for a rainbow effect.
• CARDBOARD – Here I used a box from the garage. No need for anything fancy! Thicker cardboard works the best.
• TOOLS – Sharp scissors
• TEMPLATE – Print my printable pom pom template. Choose your size and get started.

Printable Pom Pom Template

Click this link to DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE POM POM TEMPLATE.

The PDF will open in a new window. When you print, don’t forget to make sure your printer is set to 100% scale and “fit to page” is NOT ticked.

If you are new to printing PDF patterns and pages, here is a quick tutorial – How to print PDF patterns.

Don’t feel like printing? You can make your own template using a compass or from circular items found in your kitchens such as a mug for the outside circle and a bottle top for the inside circle.

How to Make Pom Poms: Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Cardboard

Trace the template onto cardboard and cut out 2 disks in your desired size.

Cut through one side of each ring as shown.

You can make a pom-pom without the slits and just pass the yarn through the center each time in the next step but I’ve always found that this takes 4 times as long to wind as you will need to cut a long piece of wool and thread it through the center with a needle. I like fast and easy methods, don’t you?

Step 2: Cut the Center Piece of Wool

Cut a piece of wool 10 inches (25cm) long and lay it aside. This will be for the tie around the middle.

Step 3: Start Winding Wool

Hold your 2 template pieces together and start winding the yarn around both pieces of cardboard.

Make sure the 2 slits are lined up. You will find that you can wind really fast by winding the yarn through the 2 slits instead of trying to pass it through the middle circle.

Now I have used just one color but you could combine several colors. Just start a new color on the outside edge.

Stop when you get to the end. Don’t worry if there is a little gap at the slit as you won’t notice in the final product.

Step 4: Cut Around the Edge

Cut around the outside edge of the cardboard between the 2 layers.

TIP: It is best to lay the rings flat on the table to do this and just slowly cut around it while supporting the top with your hand. You need to be especially careful at the slit that the pieces don’t come off the cardboard.

Step 5: Tie the Center

Thread your 10-inch (25cm) piece of yarn through the center of the two cardboard disks. Pull tight and tie a knot.

You will notice that when you pull tight and tie the knot, the wool starts to pull through the disks.

Step 7: Remove the Cardboard

Remove the disks and trim the pom pom into shape if necessary.  You can cut the long tie ends off or use them to attach it to your project.

And there you have it! A beautiful fluffy pom-pom.

One idea is to add pom poms to the ends of the ties on clothing. If you are adding them to kid’s clothing make sure they are sewn on very well.

Alternative Ways How to Make Pom Poms

There are 3 other ways to make pom poms

1. With a commercial pom pom maker
2. With a fork
3. Using your hand

Pom Pom Makers

Pom pom makers are made from hard plastic and replace the need for using cardboard circles. They come in limited but different sizes and can be purchased in kits.

If you are making many of the exact same size pom pom they can save you cutting circles but other than that they don’t save much time and I find them a bit gimmicky. You still have to wind the yarn around, cut the edges and thread through the center. Maybe in the future, there will be some tool to do the winding for you! That would really save time.

Pom Poms with a Fork

Using a fork to make pom poms is a great time saver if you need to make tiny pom-poms under an inch (2.5cm). Instead of using cardboard, wind the yarn around and around the prongs of a fork.

Tie the center then cut the ends and slip it off the prongs.

Pom Poms Using your Hand

You can use your hand as a substitute for cardboard for medium-sized pom poms. The pom poms with your hand don’t end up quite as thick and fluffy as those made with templates but it is a really quick and easy method.

Wind the yarn around your hand and then slip it gently off. The trick is not to wind too tight so the loops don’t get tangled when removed. Then tie the center and cut the ends.

You will get consistent sized pom poms since they will be the width of your hand.

Pom Pom Crafts

Now you have finished your pom poms it is time to attach and use them on some projects.

Make headbands, pom pom animals, beanies and keyrings.

More How to Make Pom Pom Articles

• How to Make Pom Poms: With Printable Pom Pom Templates
• DIY Pom Poms Fast
• Pom Pom Making
• How to Sew Pom Pom Trim