How to Use a Pom Pom Maker – Made Simple for Beginners
Learn how to use a pom pom maker with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Technology has come to the party and taken over the old-fashioned way of making pom poms with cardboard. Now, with a pom pom maker, you can say goodbye to cutting out cardboard circles and say hello to a nifty little plastic tool. The modern pom pom maker is a plastic tool shaped like a doughnut that makes fluffy pom poms easily and quickly.
How to Use a Pom Pom Maker Tutorial
Using a pom pom maker is simple. Most will come with instructions but here is a quick summary of how to use a pom pom maker for beginners.
- Open the pom pom maker at the side hinge.
- Wrap the yarn around the first semi-circle, then the second semi-circle.
- Close the pom pom maker and cut the yarn around the outside edge.
- Tie a piece of yarn around the center of the disks.
- Separate and remove the pom pom from the maker and trim.
All About Pom Pom Makers
What is Pom Pom Maker?
A pom pom maker is a plastic device whose purpose is to make pom poms faster than other methods. It has 2 pieces that are held together, usually through a pin in the center or interlocking nodules. The yarn is wrapped around the 2 halves before being cut and tied together.
Types and Brands of Pom Pom Makers
The main pom pom maker brands are Craft Pom Pom, Habico Pom Pom, Clover Pom Pom Maker, and Brawdress. There are also lots of generic brands sold on Amazon, eBay, and discount craft stores.
They come in four different sizes, which gives you a choice of size depending on the hole size in the pom pom maker.
If you do not have a pom pom maker, try a cardboard cutout or wrap the yarn around a fork. However, the store-bought pompom maker is by far the easiest method for making pom poms.
Best Yarn to Use with Pom Pom Makers
Acrylic yarn is the best choice when you are making pom poms. The thicker the yarn, the fuller the pom pom will be. You can use yarn of any weight but I like using DK yarn (8ply) or worsted weight yarns (10ply).
Other types of yarns like wool, mohair, and even alpaca make very fluffy pom poms. If you are needing something small and delicate, silk blends make soft, delicate pom poms.
Pom poms are a great way to use up scraps of yarn left over from a previous knitting or crochet project. Combining different colors will make an interesting multicolored pom pom. The important factor to remember is to use the same yarn ply together in one pom pom.
Sizes of Pom Pom Makers
Pom pom makers made of durable plastic come in four sizes. Each size has a particular diameter for example, 1 3/8″ (3.5cm), 2″ (5cm), 2 3/4″ (7cm) and 3.5″ (9cm). These diameters, of course, will vary slightly between brands. Check the packet label for the sizes of your finished pom poms.
Although there are four standard sizes, the final project will depend on the yarn and how often you wind it around the pom pom maker.
Supplies Needed
First and foremost, you need a pom pom maker device. Some are supplied as a single maker, while others come in sets with different sizes.
In addition, you need:
- Yarn for the pom-pom
- Sharp pair of scissors
Pom Pom Maker Video Tutorial
Learn how to use a pom pom maker with this step by step video. It will also show you how to make cardboard pom poms.
How to Use a Pom Pom Maker Step by Step Instructions
Here are the pom pom maker instructions.
Step 1: Open Up the Pom Pom Maker
Follow the supplier’s directions and open up the gadget. You will see there are 2 pieces. Play around a little with the arms and screws to be sure to know how it works.
Step 2: Wrap the Yarn Around the First Semi-Circle
Put the 2 sides together. The pom pom maker pictured had interlocking nodules. Some others will have a pin to join them together.
Choose the yarn you will use and wrap a piece of yarn around the first arm of the pom pom maker (wrap around both parts).
Keep wrapping until you are satisfied you have wrapped enough yarn to fill the semi-circle of the pom pom maker.
Step 3: Wrap Around the Second Side
Cut the yarn and secure the first side by tucking the yarn under the threads.
Move over to the opposite arms of the pom pom maker and begin to wind the yarn on the second side. Do this in exactly the same way as you did the first side. Try to get the same thickness of yarn wraps.
Step 4: Close the Pom Pom Maker and Cut
Click the pom pom maker closed. It may just hold closed or there may be a small catch on the side to secure it.
You will see where the two sides meet there is a gap or space to insert your scissors. Cut the yarn threads all the way around the side of the pom pom maker.
Hold the center tightly so the strands do not pull out because they are loose at this stage.
Step 5: Tie your Pom Pom
Take another piece of yarn approximately 10 inches (25cm) long and thread it through the edge of the disks.
Wind it tightly a couple of times around the center of the cut pom pom.
Pull tight the yarn tight before tying a double knot. I like to knot the yarn once, then wrap again and knot a second time. This makes the center extra tight and secure. You don’t want any of the strands to pull out later.
Leave a long tail of yarn to use to attach your pom pom to a hat or any other project you have in mind.
Step 6: Separate the Pom Pom Maker
Now is the moment of truth. Open your pom pom maker and ease the finished pom pom out into the open. It should look full and fluffy.
Take your scissors to trim off any loose ends and neaten the pom pom all around.
Pack away your nifty machine, and either use your pom pom right away or save it for a rainy day.
Alternatives to Using a Pom Pom Maker
To see all the methods for making a pom pom without a plastic maker, see my article on DIY pom poms. Here are the main 3 alternative methods:
1. Pom Poms With Cardboard Disks
If you do not own a pom pom maker you can make pom poms with cardboard which is the traditional way. The method is almost the same as using a plastic pom pom maker but you will have to cut out cardboard disks to use as your tool.
2. With Your Hand
Another alternative to how to use a pom pom maker is to wind the yarn around your hand. Read my article on how to make pom poms for a full tutorial on this quick and easy method.
3. With a Fork
Instead of using a pom pom maker, you can use a fork for tiny pom poms that can be used for jewelry and keychains.
How to Use a Pom Pom Maker FAQs
Rainbow pom poms are easy to make. Firstly, you will need your bright rainbow colors of any contrasting colors. Use up all your scraps of yarn. There are two ways to wrap the colors around the pom pom maker. The first is to wrap one color at a time in sections. This gives your pom poms definite color sections, like the ones below. The second way is to wrap the colors over each other. This gives a speckled look like the pom poms on the right below.
The first easiest way to make a fuller pom pom is to buy better-quality fluffier wool. The more yarn you use in the winding, the fuller and fluffier the result will be. Another idea is to trim your pom pom down for a fuller effect. Another trick is to use a small brush to fluff out the wool on the finished pom pom. Use a small bristle brush or a pet hairbrush. Small brushes for cats are available if you want to try this method.
It is difficult to give a hard and fast rule. The number of times you wrap the yarn around depends on the type of yarn and the size of pom pom you want to make. The yarn must cover all the plastic of the pom pom maker. It should be several layers thick.
The secret to cutting your pom pom evenly is having very good, sharp scissors and using either a pom pom maker or a double layer of cardboard disks. The double layer allows your scissors to slip in between the card and cut neatly all around. Good scissors and even snips will ensure an even cut.
How to Use a Pom Pom Maker – In Conclusion
If you want to make multiple pom poms all the same size, learning how to use a pom-pom maker is your answer. Pom poms are great fun to brighten up all sorts of projects. Go a bit crazy and make a giant pom pom for cheerleading or settle for a tiny one to stitch on a baby’s beanie. Big or small, a pom pom finishes it all.
How to Use a Pom Pom Maker
Difficulty
Tools
- Pom Pom Maker
- Scissors
Materials
- Yarn
Instructions
- Open your pom pom maker and hold or pin the 2 sides together. This will give you 2 semi-circles. Start wrapping the yarn around one side. When you have finished wrapping around the first side, cut the yarn and tuck it under.
- Wrap yarn around the second side. It should be the same thickness as the first side. Cut and tuck the end.
- Close the pom pom maker so you have a complete circle.
- Hold the center and cut around the edge of the pom pom maker.
- Cut a 10" (25cm) piece of yarn and thread it through the disks. Wind it around a couple of times and double knot securely.
- Remove the pom pom maker and trim.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
