How to Sew POM POM Trim (Easy Straight & Corners)

Learn how to sew pom pom trim on clothing, bags, cushions and other sewing projects with this easy tutorial. Pom poms trims are the perfect, pop of color that all your sewing needs. You can sew pom pom trim on top of fabric, insert it into seams, or add it around edges for a playful touch. In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn the best methods for sewing pom pom trim, including how to attach it to seams and sew neat corners for a polished result.

How to Sew Pom Pom Trim 3 Ways

Available in many sizes and colors, pom pom trim is perfect for cushions, clothing, bags, and children’s items. The soft bobbles are attached to a flat braid, making them simple to stitch using a regular, zipper, or cording foot.

Pompom trims come in a variety of sizes and colors. Multi-colors, luminous colors, multilayers and mini and maxi bobbles of fluff just waiting to jazz up your sewing project.  A quick look at the internet will show you hundreds of ways to use these delightful little pom poms to add an extra bit of pizazz to garments and décor items.

Pom poms can be sewn into the garment, added onto the hem or just stitched into a strategic place. They look gorgeous as a trim on cushions and kaftans. Ponchos are a delight to wear with a colorful pom pom or two.

Quick Tip: Pom pom trim can be sewn on top of fabric, inside seams, or around edges, depending on the look you want.

How to Sew Pom Pom Trim on Top

The Carousel Peasant dress and the Kaftan top or dress are perfect examples of ways to use the pompom trim on top.

1. Mark the Position of the Pom Pom Trim

Choose your desired position and mark the line of application with tailor’s chalk or a fade-out marking pen.

2. Stitch in the Center of the Trim

Place the pom pom trim along the marked line and stitch it in place. Small pom poms can be sewn with a cording foot. Larger pom poms may benefit from a zipper foot or a regular foot. For the sample below I used a regular foot with a zig-zag stitch. I did have to stop repeatedly to push the pom poms out of the way.

Sewing Pom Pom Trim into Seams

1. Baste Inside the Seam

Pin or baste the trim onto the RIGHT side of the fabric with the pompom trim facing inside the seam.

2. Stitch to Raw Edge

Use a zigzag or straight stitch and sew the trim on the edge.

3. Determine Position

Gauge the amount of the pom pom trim you want to show. You may want the pom pom to be flush with the edge when the seam is turned open or you may want a bit of braid to show.

4. Pin the Back

Put the other piece of fabric on top with right sides together. Pin in place.

5. Stitch Seam

Stitch the fabric pieces together. I wanted about half the pom pom tape to show so I stitched along my previous stitching. If you wanted to hide the tape completely you could stitch just below this stitching. It gives you a great guide.

6. Press Open the Seam

Turn to the right side and press the seam open.

How to Sew Pom Pom Trim In Corners

Pompom trim is basically a braid so turning corners is not too challenging. You will see this all the time on cushion covers. There are 2 ways you can do this.

Method 1 – Cut and Sew

Cut the braid and overlap it by 1/2 inch (12mm) at right angles. Continue stitching using the same method as above.

Method 2 – Bend Around the Corner

Pompom trim can also be mitered at the corner. When you turn the corner keep the sewing machine needle in the fabric, lift the machine foot and turn ready to continue sewing. Ease the braid around the corner.

Regardless of the method used to sew pom pom trim, don’t forget to clip the corner when you turn the fabric to the right side.

This is how it looks when turned to the right side and pressed. Always be careful not to put the iron on the trim as most are synthetic and can melt.

In Conclusion

Learning how to sew pom pom trim is an easy way to add color and personality to your sewing projects. Whether sewn into seams, along edges, or on top of fabric, pom pom trim creates a professional and decorative finish.

Now you know how to attach pom pom trim, check out my pom pom pillow tutorial

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