How to Make a Pom Pom without a tool
In preparation for my second elementary fiber fun class, Ally and I have been making pom poms. I experimented with several ways of making a pom without a store bought tool. In the end, using just your fingers is the easiest. For Method II: Using a Handmade tool click here. My favorite part is trimming and shaping the pom pom. It can be a bit addictive and very messy, so don't make a pom pom over the carpet - the kitchen floor is definitely easier to clean up. I think we may try making a pom pom rug, pillow, or scarf.
Method I - Just your fingers
Step I - The Wrap
Wrap the yarn 75 - 100 times around two to four fingers. The more you wrap the denser it will be. The more fingers you use the larger it will be. Fasten off.
You can make a multi colored pom by holding strands of two or more colors together when wrapping. When using bulky or multiple stranded yarns you don't have to wrap as many times. Just make it thick.
Step II - Tying it off
Cut a separate length of yarn about 10" long. Push one end, of the short yarn, between the fingers closest to the hand, bring it around the back of the wrapped yarn and between the fingers closest to the tips of the fingers. Tie the two ends together over the middle of the bundled yarn and knot it as tight as you can. Remove the bundle from your fingers.
Step III - Cut the loops
Without cutting the center knot, cut through the loops at both ends.
A sharp pair of scissors is your friend.
Step IV - Shape, Trim, Fluff, and Trim
Spread the threads out from the center and squish it flat like a pancake, with the knotted thread on the inside of the bundle.
Begin trimming and shaping into a circle. You're giving your pom pom a new "do". Keep rotating the pom, squishing it flat and trimming around to shape it into a circle.
As it gets more dense and starts to resemble a 3-dimensional pom pom, give it a fluff and a trim the ends that are sticking out. Repeat fluffing and trimming to desired shape.