<p>The method I learned in grade school goes like this. I'll try to get some pictures of this later to better illustrate the technique.</p>

<ol>
<li>Find yarn in the color(s) you want in your pom-pom.</li>
<li>Loop it around your fingers repeatedly. The more fingers you use, the "fatter" the final pom-pom will be.</li>
<li>Take the loops off your fingers, and tie (a separate piece of yarn) firmly around the center of the loop group. It should now look like an 8 or ∞.</li>
<li>Cut through the loops on each end, so you've got a bunch of yarn strands tied in the middle.</li>
<li>Fluff.</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T12:01:20.157Z
I found this video tutorial that would compliment this well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSFZ42uq6x4
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T12:08:07.800Z
Also found a variation using cardboard discs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a03BTR3_3qg. Using hands seems easier to me as least.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T12:22:33.583Z
The cardboard has the advantage of making more consistently sized loops, I'd imagine, but it also seems like a lot more work :)
Erica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T13:28:34.337Z
Most the last part when you have to wrap the yarn around. You have to hold the center in place so that it does not become loose. Obviously some people like the idea though.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T21:37:33.503Z
Count the number of wraps you make with the yarn so you can repeat/adjust as needed.
JPhi1618
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-22T15:44:31.567Z
@Matt Yes! I think the cardboard-disc method is the one I read about years ago. +1 to both your and Erica's answers, but they could possibly be improved with some pictures or video links to make the procedure clearer :-)
Rand al'Thor
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T11:43:48.967Z
2016-05-18T11:43:48.967Z
Erica
<p>To make a pom pom from net follow the steps:</p>

<ol>
<li>Create a fan like structure from the net.</li>
<li>Tie a string in middle of your fan.</li>
<li>Open up from all the sides.</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-05-05T11:34:47.160Z
This would be better complimented with pictures, links and or more description. As it stands I don't know exactly what a _net_ is and what a  _ fan like structure_ is.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-05-05T06:40:31.817Z
2017-05-05T06:40:31.817Z
user2028
<p>A variation on <a href="https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/460/44">Erica's answer</a> there are a couple of things you can do differently if making <em>smaller</em> pom poms.</p>

<ol>
<li>Wrap the yarn around a common fork. Using more yarn (more loops) will give you a more uniform/spherical appearance. If possible leave a small space between the tines of the fork and body of the fork. This makes the next step easier. </li>
<li>Use a single strand of yarn and tie it around the loops. You can place it in-between the fork tines in order to get around the yarn loops. Make it tight. (You could also just use a pipe cleaner depending on how you plan to use them)</li>
<li>Cut <em>all</em> the loops out just the same. </li>
<li><p>You can fluff up the end of the pompom by using something <em>like</em> a wire brush. Using the brush all around the surface will fray the ends creating a more solid appearance. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.clonesnclowns.com/2013/10/23/diy-how-to-make-faux-fur-pompoms/" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/wLgwtm.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p><sup>Wool yarn brushed. Image from <a href="http://www.clonesnclowns.com/2013/10/23/diy-how-to-make-faux-fur-pompoms/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">clonesnclowns.com</a></sup></p></li>
<li><p>Using small scissors, like sewing scissors, to clean up if some of the frays got out of control. </p></li>
</ol>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjxJFcm16r0" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Here is a video showing the use of the above process minus the brush</a></p>

<hr>

<h1>Cardboard Disc Method</h1>

<p>To make larger poms or to try and help make ones different sized ones consistently then you can try using a pair of cardboard discs</p>

<p>The following will consist of stills from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EULHNtikVxg" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this video</a> that outlines this procedure nicely. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Make two cardboard discs. They will be shaped like a doughnut with pie slice removed. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/UgLNtm.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/UgLNtm.png" alt="The discs"></a></p></li>
<li><p>Place a small tail of yarn in between those discs. You will be using this to tie of later much in the same way as the other method above. This is a <em>very</em> important part as this will be used to hold the whole pom together. You need to always be aware of where this string is during the process and not lose in inside the yarn wraps.</p>

<p>If your yarn is weak and prone to snapping under tension you should use something stronger. Wire work here as well if these will be part of a larger project. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/UlNFem.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/UlNFem.png" alt="The center yarn"></a></p></li>
<li><p>Starting wrapping as much yarn as you deem necessary around the doughnut/circle. The more you use the tighter your pom will be. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/x2ARjm.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/x2ARjm.png" alt="Start wrapping"></a></p></li>
<li><p>Get scissors and cut the yarn in between the discs. Again, be aware of the location of the yarn tail so as to not cut it or lose it. You will have to hold the center of the discs to keep them together until you tie off. </p></li>
<li><p>Use the tail and tie around the cut yarn. You should be able to remove the disc now. </p></li>
<li><p>Beyond that the rest is the same. Fluff up the yarn to make your ball. Trim to get a more spherical shape. Use a brush if that effect is desired.  </p></li>
</ol>

<hr>

<h1>Disc Variation</h1>

<p>There is at least one other variation to the cardboard disc method that uses specialized templates. It claims to be 5 times faster. If you are making more than a fair share of these it would be worth considering. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/how-to-make-pom-poms.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/cGiyNm.jpg" alt="disc variation template"></a></p>

<p><sup>Image from <a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/how-to-make-pom-poms.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">homemade-gifts-made-easy.com</a>. Two of them, wrapped with yarn, would be used to make a pom</sup></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-27T20:40:05.033Z
I have seen plastic thingies that do the job of the cardboard for sale in several countries. They do work fast and the prices have come down enough for most people to be able to afford them.
Willeke
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-18T12:17:23.367Z
2016-05-22T18:25:56.330Z
2017-04-13T12:52:58.053Z
Matt
<p>Many years ago, I made some small model people and animals out of fabric, wool, old toilet roll tubes, etc. Their heads were usually made out of <strong>pom-poms</strong> perhaps 5-10 cm in diameter, as you can see in this model of a witch:</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/CpmC5m.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/CpmC5m.jpg" alt="pom-poms"></a>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/77nafm.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/77nafm.jpg" alt="pom-poms"></a></p>

<p>I had a nice simple way of making these pom-poms, which I found in a book (a Ladybird children's book - <em>ah, nostalgia</em>), but now I can't remember how it went.</p>

<p><strong>How can I make a pom-pom of this kind?</strong></p>

<yarn>
How to make a pom-pom?
Rand al'Thor
# How to make a pom-pom?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-05-17)

Many years ago, I made some small model people and animals out of fabric, wool, old toilet roll tubes, etc. Their heads were usually made out of **pom-poms** perhaps 5-10 cm in diameter, as you can see in this model of a witch:

[![pom-poms](https://i.sstatic.net/CpmC5m.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/CpmC5m.jpg)
[![pom-poms](https://i.sstatic.net/77nafm.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/77nafm.jpg)

I had a nice simple way of making these pom-poms, which I found in a book (a Ladybird children's book - *ah, nostalgia*), but now I can't remember how it went.

**How can I make a pom-pom of this kind?**

**Tags:** yarn


---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-05-18. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

A variation on [username_1's answer](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/460/44) there are a couple of things you can do differently if making *smaller* pom poms.

1. Wrap the yarn around a common fork. Using more yarn (more loops) will give you a more uniform/spherical appearance. If possible leave a small space between the tines of the fork and body of the fork. This makes the next step easier.
2. Use a single strand of yarn and tie it around the loops. You can place it in-between the fork tines in order to get around the yarn loops. Make it tight. (You could also just use a pipe cleaner depending on how you plan to use them)
3. Cut *all* the loops out just the same.
4. You can fluff up the end of the pompom by using something *like* a wire brush. Using the brush all around the surface will fray the ends creating a more solid appearance.

   [![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/wLgwtm.jpg)](http://www.clonesnclowns.com/2013/10/23/diy-how-to-make-faux-fur-pompoms/)

   Wool yarn brushed. Image from [clonesnclowns.com](http://www.clonesnclowns.com/2013/10/23/diy-how-to-make-faux-fur-pompoms/)
5. Using small scissors, like sewing scissors, to clean up if some of the frays got out of control.

[Here is a video showing the use of the above process minus the brush](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjxJFcm16r0)

---

# Cardboard Disc Method

To make larger poms or to try and help make ones different sized ones consistently then you can try using a pair of cardboard discs

The following will consist of stills from [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EULHNtikVxg) that outlines this procedure nicely.

1. Make two cardboard discs. They will be shaped like a doughnut with pie slice removed.

   [![The discs](https://i.sstatic.net/UgLNtm.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/UgLNtm.png)
2. Place a small tail of yarn in between those discs. You will be using this to tie of later much in the same way as the other method above. This is a *very* important part as this will be used to hold the whole pom together. You need to always be aware of where this string is during the process and not lose in inside the yarn wraps.

   If your yarn is weak and prone to snapping under tension you should use something stronger. Wire work here as well if these will be part of a larger project.

   [![The center yarn](https://i.sstatic.net/UlNFem.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/UlNFem.png)
3. Starting wrapping as much yarn as you deem necessary around the doughnut/circle. The more you use the tighter your pom will be.

   [![Start wrapping](https://i.sstatic.net/x2ARjm.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/x2ARjm.png)
4. Get scissors and cut the yarn in between the discs. Again, be aware of the location of the yarn tail so as to not cut it or lose it. You will have to hold the center of the discs to keep them together until you tie off.
5. Use the tail and tie around the cut yarn. You should be able to remove the disc now.
6. Beyond that the rest is the same. Fluff up the yarn to make your ball. Trim to get a more spherical shape. Use a brush if that effect is desired.

---

# Disc Variation

There is at least one other variation to the cardboard disc method that uses specialized templates. It claims to be 5 times faster. If you are making more than a fair share of these it would be worth considering.

[![disc variation template](https://i.sstatic.net/cGiyNm.jpg)](http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/how-to-make-pom-poms.html)

Image from [homemade-gifts-made-easy.com](http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/how-to-make-pom-poms.html). Two of them, wrapped with yarn, would be used to make a pom

> **Comments:**
> **username_5**: I have seen plastic thingies that do the job of the cardboard for sale in several countries. They do work fast and the prices have come down enough for most people to be able to afford them.  

---

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-05-18. Score: 3

The method I learned in grade school goes like this. I'll try to get some pictures of this later to better illustrate the technique.

1. Find yarn in the color(s) you want in your pom-pom.
2. Loop it around your fingers repeatedly. The more fingers you use, the "fatter" the final pom-pom will be.
3. Take the loops off your fingers, and tie (a separate piece of yarn) firmly around the center of the loop group. It should now look like an 8 or ∞.
4. Cut through the loops on each end, so you've got a bunch of yarn strands tied in the middle.
5. Fluff.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: I found this video tutorial that would compliment this well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSFZ42uq6x4  
> **username_2**: Also found a variation using cardboard discs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a03BTR3_3qg. Using hands seems easier to me as least.  
> **username_1**: The cardboard has the advantage of making more consistently sized loops, I'd imagine, but it also seems like a lot more work :)  
> **username_2**: Most the last part when you have to wrap the yarn around. You have to hold the center in place so that it does not become loose. Obviously some people like the idea though.  
> **username_3**: Count the number of wraps you make with the yarn so you can repeat/adjust as needed.  
> **username_0**: @username_2 Yes! I think the cardboard-disc method is the one I read about years ago. +1 to both your and username_1's answers, but they could possibly be improved with some pictures or video links to make the procedure clearer :-)  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2017-05-05. Score: 0

To make a pom pom from net follow the steps:

1. Create a fan like structure from the net.
2. Tie a string in middle of your fan.
3. Open up from all the sides.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: This would be better complimented with pictures, links and or more description. As it stands I don't know exactly what a _net_ is and what a  _ fan like structure_ is.  

---

