• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Browse Patterns
    • View ALL Patterns
    • Home Decor
    • Babies + Kids Wearables
  • About our Crew
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Technique Tutorials
  • Cardigans
  • Pullovers
  • Ponchos
  • Shirts + Tops
  • Baby Blankets
  • C2C patterns
  • Throw Blankets
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Christmas
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Easter
  • Mother’s Day
  • Father’s Day

Make & Do Crew

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Patterns
  • Sweaters
  • Tutorials
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Patterns
    • Sweaters
    • Tutorials
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Technique Tutorials

    Updated: Feb 16, 2024 by Jess Coppom ·

    How To Make a Pom Pom For Hats, Crafts, and Everything Else

    6.1K shares

    Yarn pom poms add a pop of color and texture to knit and crochet hats, blankets, and pillows.

    Plus, they use up scrap yarn so you have an excuse to buy more!

    Learn how to make a pom pom out of yarn in this quick tutorial. I’ll show you how to use a cardboard template, a pom pom maker, or even a fork to get the perfect fluffy pom.

    A wooden bowl of perfect pom poms and a scissors.

    This post contains affiliate links.

    How to Make a Pom Pom

    This guide will teach you how to make the perfect DIY pom pom for your craft, whether you add it to a ribbed crochet hat, a chunky knit beanie, or as the adorable tail of a stuffed bunny.

    Here are the basic steps for making a yarn pom pom:

    1. Gather Materials: You’ll need yarn, scissors, and a piece of cardboard or a pom-pom maker.
    2. Wrap Yarn: Wrap yarn around the pom pom maker until it’s fully covered with a few layers of yarn.
    3. Cut the Yarn: Insert scissors under the wrapped yarn and cut all strands.
    4. Tie and Secure: Using an 8-10″ piece of yarn, tie the cut yarn strands together tightly.
    5. Remove Cardboard: Carefully pull away the template or open the pom-pom maker.
    6. Fluff and Trim: Fluff up the yarn and trim any uneven strands to form a perfect sphere.

    And there you have it, your own homemade pom pom! Check out the step-by-step pom pom tutorial below for more detailed instructions.

    Step-by-step pictures of making a pom pom by hand.

    Supplies Needed

    Making a pom pom only requires a few simple supplies. And they’re likely already lying around your house!

    • Yarn
    • A piece of cardboard (toilet paper tubes work well too!)
    • Pair of scissors
    • Tapestry needle
    Types of pom pom makers including a fork and cardboard tube.
    A pom pom maker, cardboard, or a fork– the basic technique is the same for all methods.

    Using Your Scrap Yarn

    You can use almost any yarn to make a pom pom, or even combine multiple colors or weights into one pom.

    The potential of pom poms is actually the reason that I won’t get rid of any yarn in my stash. Not even the little straggly pieces that have really have no hope of ever being knit or crocheted into anything.

    They could become fluffy little balls someday and thus, they remain safely strewn about tucked away in my craft room.

    Multi-color pom poms in different sizes on a white plaster background.

    Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial

    Follow the steps below to learn how to make pom poms for any DIY craft project. These instructions show how to make your own template out of cardboard, but you can also use a pom pom maker or even a toilet paper tube. The basic steps are still the same.

    Important Tip: For the fluffiest, fullest pom poms, I always recommend sizing up. It’s often surprising how small they look once you’ve trimmed them.

    Whether you’re making your own template or using a pom pom maker, go with a larger size than you think you need.

    Step 1: Create a Cardboard Pom Pom Template

    To make your own pom pom template, you’ll need a larger and smaller circle to trace. Make two identical versions of a cardboard “donut” with a small section cut out of it. (See photo in step 2.)

    Tutorial showing how to create a DIY pom pom maker out of a cardboard circle.

    Short Cut: You can even just use a rectangular piece of cardboard, such as a toilet paper tube, as the pom pom maker. The taller the cardboard rectangle, the larger your pom pom will be.

    A piece of cardboard with a piece of white yarn across it.

    Step 2: Place the Foundational Strand

    Lay a 10-ish” piece of yarn across your cardboard pom pom maker. This will become your pom pom’s “belt.” If you’re using the circular cardboard method, place the second circle on top of the foundational strand.

    A strand of yarn sandwiched between a cardboard pom pom maker.
    If using a round pom pom maker, sandwich the strand between the pieces of cardboard.

    Step 3: Wrap Yarn Around

    Wrap yarn around the pom pom maker until several layers of strands are spread out over the entire template.

    Continue wrapping until you’ve snuggled your cardboard template with a good amount of yarn. I aim for 70-100 wraps around, depending on the yarn thickness and size of the pom pom.

    Pro Tip: Don’t hold back here! Wrapping too little will result in a wilted-looking pom pom. The bigger your pom pom maker is, the more times you need to wrap the yarn around. This will give your pom enough poofy-ness.

    Lots of yarn wrapped around a round cardboard pom pom template.
    Wrap your yarn around 70-100 times.

    Step 4: Cut The Wrapped Yarn

    If you’re using a round pom pom maker, cut through the wrapped yarn along the outside edge of the circle.

    If you’re using a piece of cardboard or toilet paper tube, cut the wrap yarn across from the foundational strand.

    How to cut the wrapped strands of yarn to make a fluffy pom pom.

    Step 5: Tie a Knot Around the Strands

    Use the short “belt” piece of yarn you created in Step 1 to tie a tight knot around all the cut strands.

    Really cinch it down as tightly as you can. It can be helpful to have someone place a finger over the first knot as you tie the second to get the tightest grip possible.

    In progress yarn pom pom being removed from cardboard circle.

    Pro Tip: If you plan to attach your pom pom to something like a knit or crochet beanie, blanket or Christmas stocking, don’t trim these strands of “belt” yarn. They’ll come in handy later when you’re sewing your pom pom on.

    Tying off the strands of yarn in a handmade pom pom to secure them.
    Tying the strands together tightly is important for making a pom pom that won’t fall apart.

    Step 6: Trim Your Yarn Pom Pom

    Trim the strands of yarn to the same length. This can take a bit of time because, just like a bang trim, it’s hard to make everything even on the first pass.

    A common beginner mistake is not to cut off enough yarn during this step. Doing a good trim will lead to the densest, fluffiest pom pom. It’s better to do a solid trimming than to leave your strands too long and have a wilted-looking pom pom.

    A handmade yarn pom pom being trimmed with gold scissors.
    You might be surprised at how much yarn you trim off your pom pom.

    Wanna save this pattern?

    We'll email you this so you can come back to it later!

    Step 7: Attaching Pom Pom To a Hat or Other Project

    If you’ve kept your yarn “belt” strands attached, thread a tapestry needle with one of the pieces of yarn.

    If not, use a piece of yarn that’s the same color as your crochet or knit hat. Then insert your needle underneath the “belt” of the pom pom.

    Pull the needle through one or two stitches of the fabric of your hat.

    A yarn pom pom with a tapestry needle.

    Repeat steps 1 and 2 so that your yarn is wrapped through your pom pom and your hat at least twice. Pull the yarn together and tie it in a few knots.

    Fastening Off: While the needle is still attached, I like to insert it though the pom pom once more and then cut the yarn to be the same length as rest.

    A yarn pom pom being attached to a crochet hat.
    To add a temporary pom pom to the top of a hat, tie the strands of attaching yarn in a bow inside the hat. This allows you to untie them and remove the pom pom later.

    Tips for the Perfect Pom Pom

    Follow these tips to ensure your yarn pom pom turns out top-notch.

    Size Up: Overestimate the size pom pom maker or template you need. It’s always easier to trim away yarn and this will lead to the fullest, fluffiest-looking pom pom.

    Added Security: If your pom poms tend to fall apart, add a bit of hot glue to the inside of the pom pom to secure strands together. This is especially helpful for items like beanies and blankets that will get a lot of use.

    Don’t Skimp On Sharpness: Using sharp scissors makes trimming your pom pom much easier. Fighting with dull scissors to cut yarn will leave your pompom frayed and misshapen.

    Comb To Fluff: One of my favorite pom pom tricks is to use brush out the yarn plies using a comb or small brush. This creates a fluffy pom pom, which can be perfect as a stuffed animal‘s puff ball tail or ears.

    Yarn pom pom being brushed with metal comb to make it extra fluffy.
    To create a puff ball look, comb the yarn plies.

    Experiment: Try different yarn weights, fibers, and colors. Each type will create a different-looking pom.

    • A super bulky weight, like blanket yarn, will make a thicker, fluffier pom pom.
    • For a tighter, denser pom pom, try a worsted-weight yarn.
    • You could even go for a self-striping cake like Lion Brand Mandala for a brightly colored pom without the need for multiple yarns.

    A DIY pom pom rug is the perfect project to use up all your experimental poms.

    Tutorial showing how to make a pom pom on a cardboard tube.
    Using toilet paper tubes is one of my favorite ways to make pom poms because you can tuck the tales of the foundation yarn inside the tube while you wrap.

    Other Ways to Make Pom Poms

    Don’t worry if you don’t have a pom pom maker. There are plenty of fun ways to create pom poms without one.

    Use a fork: To make a pom pom with a fork, you’ll wrap the yarn around the tines as many times as you’d like. The downside of this method is that you can only make one pom pom size.

    Use your hands: You can even use your hands to make a pom pom by wrapping the yarn around two to four of your fingers.

    Use a book: To make a very large pom pom, try wrapping the yarn around a hard cover book. The increased size means that you’re yarn pompom might look thin an wilted if you don’t wrap the yarn around enough times.

    To solve this, try making a few book pom poms and tying them together to form a fuller one.

    Use a comb: Using a wide-tooth comb or a hair pick, wrap the yarn around the prongs to create small, tight pom-poms.

    Step-by-step photo tutorial of how to make a pom pom.
    Making pom poms by hand does not require fancy equipment! Use a piece of cardboard as a DIY pom pom maker.

    How to Make a Multi-Color Pom Pom

    Making a pom pom out of two or more colors is an easy way to create a distinct-looking ball for the top of a hat or other project. Some people even make pom poms with designs in them!

    To make a multi-color pom pom, use different colors when wrapping the yarn around the cardboard or pom pom maker.

    A DIY pom pom made with three colors of yarn.
    Experiment with using more than one yarn color in your handmade pom poms.

    Where to Use Your Handmade Pom Poms

    Now that you’ve learned how to make a pom pom, you might be wondering what to do with all those fluffy little balls. Here are some ideas that’ll put your pom poms to good use.

    Knit and Crochet Hats

    A yarn pom pom is a popular finishing touch for a knit or crochet winter hat. Not only does it provide a stylish flair, it also adds a slight weight to give your beanie more slouch.

    Side view of a woman wearing a pink crochet hat that looks knit.
    A pom pom can give your hat more slouch, like in this waistcoat stitch beanie pattern.

    Trim for Blankets and Pillows

    I love using pom poms to trim the edge of a blanket. If you don’t know how to crochet or knit though, try adding yarn pom poms to the edge of a store-bought blanket for a fun, fast DIY project.

    Amigurumi Projects

    As if little amigurumi projects and crochet dolls weren’t already cute enough, pom poms can make the perfect accent.

    Whether they’re used as a tufted tail, a decorative outfit element, or a set of adorable pigtails, you can customize your pom pom size to fit exactly what you need.

    General Crafts

    Yarn pom poms don’t need to be limited to knitting and crochet patterns of course. You can glue or tie a pom pom to almost anything!

    Here are some of my favorite ways to use pom poms in crafts:

    • Seasonal wreaths
    • Pom pom rugs
    • Kids crafts
    • Garlands
    • Christmas ornaments

    Did you try this?


    Leave a ★ review and tag @MakeAndDoCrew on Instagram and Facebook!

    More Pom Pom Projects

    If you’d like to test out your pom pom making skills, check out these tutorials where you can put them to good use.

    • This pom pom blanket is a 4.5 hour afghan pattern using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Bonus Bundle in the color "Spice Market." Free pattern from Make & Do Crew.
      4.5 Hour Afghan – Fast Crochet Blanket Pattern
    • This free crochet beanie pattern is perfect for beginners because the skills involved aren't much harder than making a scarf. Free pom pom hat pattern in sizes baby (newborn), 3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler/preschooler, child, teen/adult. | MakeAndDoCrew.com
      “Pom Pom Party” Free Beginner Crochet Hat Pattern (Newborn – Adult)
    • DIY Christmas wreaths are the best! The idea for this DIY Christmas wreath was inspired by a Pottery Barn wreath that costs $129! The DIY version takes less than an hour and is made using a wooden wreath form, DIY pom poms and some jingle bells. Click to view the full step-by-step tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com
      DIY Christmas Wreath Tutorial (with Pom Poms!)
    • Free Crochet Elf Hat Pattern (With Ears!) – Baby-Adult Sizes
    • How to make a pom pom rug! This soft, scrumptiously squishy DIY pom pom rug takes very few skills to create and is a great way to use up a bunch of scrap yarn! Click for full tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com
      How To Make a DIY Pom Pom Rug
    • An overhead view of a c2c crochet blanket with a crescent-shaped Santa face.
      C2C Crochet Santa Blanket – Free Pattern
    • Plaid corner to corner crochet bunny rabbit blanket pattern with a pom pom tail. Free pattern using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn.
      Corner to Corner Crochet Bunny Blanket – Free Pattern
    • A young girl wearing a crochet Santa beanie and a Christmas jacket.
      Easy Classic Santa Hat Crochet Pattern

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin’!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss making yarn pom poms and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters and knitters answer each other’s questions and share their stitches.

    More Crochet Skills + Techniques

    • Hands demonstrating how to crochet a single crochet stitch.
      How to Crochet: Easy Beginner’s Guide
    • Four grid collection of unique crochet stitches,
      47+ Cool and Unique Crochet Stitches You Haven’t Seen
    • An adult woman wearing an easy pair of crochet slippers made from rectangles. Each slipper has a leather sole.
      2-Hour Easy Crochet Slippers for Complete Beginners
    • Crochet ribbed stitches along the edge of an off white swatch.
      Ribbed Crochet Stitches: How to Add Ribbing to Any Project
    6.1K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kimberly says

      November 27, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      How do you keep the short yarn pieces from pulling out of the “belt”? I cinched the belt as tight as I could and tied it, but the pom pieces still keep pulling out. If I can’t get them to stay in, I just wasted my last little bit of the color I need for the decorative work. Project is for a toddler, so they really need to stay in.

      Reply
      • Jess Coppom says

        December 02, 2022 at 12:20 am

        I know exactly what you mean. I’ve found that adding a little hot glue in the middle of the pom pom can really help secure all those little pieces — especially for toddlers!

        Jess

        Reply
    2. Angie reynolds says

      August 08, 2017 at 12:38 pm

      Where can I buy the rug mat? I’ve got a boat load of yarn and that pin pin rug is just perfect.

      Reply
      • Angie reynolds says

        August 08, 2017 at 12:39 pm

        Oops I meant to say pom pom

        Reply
    3. michelle says

      August 01, 2017 at 7:13 am

      I need some help with attaching the pom poms to the matt, I apparently am not doing it right or have the wrong type matt.
      Where can I get help from?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        August 03, 2017 at 4:38 pm

        I can try to help you! What seems to be going wrong? I just tied them into the mat grid with the longer piece of yarn that I used to tie around the pom pom when it was created. Then I tied several knots to secure it to the mat. Does that make sense?

        Jess

        Reply
    4. jan says

      November 15, 2016 at 8:44 am

      i love love the rug. went straight out and bought pompom makers….easier for me…..and went to work. i am learning quickly which yarn NOT to use. i have more fuzzy bits all over the couch, chair, rug my blankets and my dog than i do in the pompom. i do have a question. does the ‘lumpy’ feel disappear when all is done? should i be making less dense poms?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        November 19, 2016 at 12:04 am

        Ha–yes, the fuzz. That happened to me too a bit, but it generally stopped shedding by the time I finished the rug. I walked on my rug today to see if I could answer your question about the lumps. Mine def has lumps in it, but they’re nothing I’d consider annoying. I find that they become far less noticeable once there are a lot of pom poms snuggled together on the rug.

        Reply
    5. Amy says

      October 20, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this pattern, someone recently asked me to make one and though I’ve been crocheting for almost 4 years..i think. I enjoy a good easy project and it was lots of fun, I made mine with stripes of mint, white and purple. BTW I really like those scissors in the picture, I’m shopping for some new scissors!

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        November 09, 2016 at 8:33 pm

        Those colors sound lovely! Did you find any new scissors? They’re one of my favorite things to shop for. (Besides yarn, of course. 😉

        Reply
        • Amy says

          November 09, 2016 at 9:00 pm

          Haven’t found any yet, I plan on finding some this Friday though! Thank you for replying to my comment. 🙂 I love yarn shopping even if I can’t buy any 🙁

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Tutorial Rating





    Primary Sidebar

    Jess Coppom of the crochet blog, Make & Do Crew, wearing the Cleo Fedora crochet sun hat.

    Hi, I'm Jess! My mom taught me to crochet when I was 8-years-old. Now I work alongside my mom and sisters to bring you free patterns + tutorials that make crochet modern, approachable and fun!

    More about us →

    Popular Crochet Guides

    • How to Crochet a Hat for Beginners
    • Best Easy Crochet Sweater Patterns
    • How to C2C Crochet for Beginners
    • Best Easy, Unique Blanket Patterns
    • Most Loved Crochet Animal Patterns

    Trending Patterns

    • Believe it or not, two simple granny hexagons are the foundation of this free crochet hexagon sweater pattern. "The Campfire Cardigan" is made with Lion Brand New Basic 175 in Juniper, Cafe Au Lait, Thyme and Camel. Woman wearing modern crochet sweater in the forest.
      Free Crochet Hexagon Sweater Pattern – Campfire Cardigan
    • Grid of women wearing modern crochet cardigans and sweaters in muted colors.
      59 Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns [Surprisingly Easy]
    • A collage of women crochet tops.
      30 Best Crochet Top Patterns – Tanks, Tunics + Cropped Shirts
    • A blonde woman standing against an off white wall wearing a green striped crochet bucket hat made from Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton.
      Easy Crochet Bucket Hat Free Pattern | Kids + Adult Sizes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Resources

    • How to Crochet For Beginners
    • Crochet Glossary

    Social

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook Group
    • TikTok
    • Youtube
    • Sign Up for free patterns by email

    This site is reader supported and contains affiliate links.
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Jess Coppom, Make & Do Crew