So Much Fun! 20 FREE Pom Pom Projects to Delight You and…
Pom pom projects are such a fun thing to add to your craft repertoire. You can make them yourself in several different ways. Plus there are even yarns that are made up of strings of pom poms. You can add one big pom to the top of a hat, which always makes it a bit more interesting. Alternatively, you can stick a bunch of little pom poms onto a wreath for fun decor. There are more fun pom pom projects than you might realize. So here we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorites. From daily decor to Christmas decorations, there’s got to be something great here for you.
How To Make A Pom Pom
There are several different ways to make a pom pom. You can use supplies that you have around the house to get started. However, if you’re going to make lots of pom pom projects then you’ll probably want to invest in a good pom making tool. Don’t worry; they’re not expensive. Each one is a little bit different. Here are some tutorials for using popular ones:
Making pom poms with Clover Pom Pom Maker
As you’ll see in the video tutorial above, it’s really easy to make pom poms thanks to Clover’s tool for the job.
Making a pom pom with Red Heart Pom Pom & Tassel Maker
Making pom pom with Susan Bates Pom Pom Maker
While I don’t have a video tutorial for this particular tool, I do have a photo tutorial. This shows you exactly how to use the Susan Bates pom pom maker.
20 FREE Pom Pom Projects
Try out these 20 different FREE pom pom projects to make some great home items and holiday items as well. Which will be your favorite?
1. Yarn Pom Pom Wall Tree designed by Red Heart
Use yarn and pom poms to create an on-the-wall Christmas tree. This is perfect for small spaces like studio apartments. Kids also like to have their own wall tree in their rooms. Plus it’s just delightful decor. And it’s much easier to set up and take down than a live Christmas tree!
2. Pom Pom Frog With Handprints designed by Yarnspirations
This is a great kids’ craft party activity. Make handprints for the bottom. Use a pom for the frog. Then add the eyes which are what make it so much fun.
3. Pom Pom Garland designed by Red Heart
Garlands are a fun way to change out the decor of your home. You can obviously use them during the holiday season. However, don’t limit yourself. The right colors can make a garland give you the feel of any season that you’re in. They’re also perfect to wrap around table edges for party decor. This one is a basic crochet foundation from which you hang your pom poms.
4. Everyday Pom Pom Ornament designed by Red Heart
You can also use pom poms in combination with other designs, such as tassels, to create simple ornaments. You don’t have to hang these on Christmas trees, although of course you could. Use them as doorknob decor, wall hangings, and more.
5. Pom Pom Wall Hanging designed by Red Heart
Have fun making a bunch of easy pom poms. Then combine them together to create a textural wall hanging. Easy peasy.
6. Pom Pom Cupcake Garland designed by Yarnspirations
Returning to the idea of party garlands for a minute, we couldn’t fail to include this idea. Turn your pom poms into little cupcakes. Then string them into a garland. Perfect! We also think that you could take the basic idea of the pom pom cupcake and run with it – make trays of them and use them for display for example.
7. Pom Pom Critters designed by Yarnspirations
We think that this is one of the cutest, most creative pom pom projects that we’ve ever seen. If you love the idea of making little critters, but you’ve never really gotten into amigurumi, then this could be the project for you. Simple and easy but so fun. If you ever get bored with your crafting, shake it up with a small project such as this one.
8. Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern by Marly Bird
You don’t have to make your own pom poms to create this funky chic knit hat. Instead, you’ll use Pomp-a-Doodle yarn which does all of the work for you.
9. Pom Pom Package Topper Tutorial
This pom pom project is so simple that you’ll be surprised that you didn’t think of it yourself. Simply make a cute little pom. Then combine it with some extra yarn to create an alternative to ribbon for wrapping gifts. It’s personalized, crafty, and perfect.
10. Pennant and Pom Pom Garland
Here’s another great garland idea for pom pom fans. This one combines the poms with triangle pennants. It’s great dorm room decor, team spirit crafting, etc.
11. Team Spirit Knit Hat with Pom Poms
Speaking of team spirit, that’s exactly what this free knit hat pattern is all about. It’s a simple stockinette knit hat. However, then you add pom poms to either side. It makes for a fun accessory in your team or school colors.
12. Knit Skater Hat with Pom
This is a striped knit hat. Therefore, you could also make it in team colors. However it’s designed as more of a sporty, casual, slouchy unisex hat. And obviously it’s got the pom pom on top.
13. Wings of Hope Hat
Although the pom pom is optional on this one (as it is with most hat projects, actually), we think it makes a really great design feature. I created this hat to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer. It’s a beautiful hat, but the pom makes a statement. Therefore, people are more likely to ask you about it. Then you can spread that awareness.
14. Beginner One-Ball Knit Hat with Two Poms
That’s right, this is an easy beginner knit hat pattern that requires only one ball of yarn. It’s created without shaping so it’s great as a first knit hat. However, it does have a subtle single-color chevron pattern that makes it a little bit special. And the poms on either side of the top also make it special.
15. Chunky Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns With Fun Pom
Back when Olympian Chloe Kim wore her terrific snowboarder hat, I designed two that had a similar look. Since I love to be bicrafty, one was crochet and the other was knit. They’re both chunky and warm. And they each have a unique pom on top.
16. Pom Pom Party Wreath
Make pom poms in varied sizes and colors. Attach them to a wreath form. You’ve got the perfect decoration for your door, your wall, or any event space.
17. Red Heart Luxurious Bath Rug
Step out of the bathtub and straight onto the plush wonder of this pom pom mat. This is one of our favorite pom pom projects.
18. Pom Pom Kitten Pencil Toppers
Make school a lot more fun with kitten-shaped pencil toppers made from pom poms. These are also a terrific teacher’s gift or party favor.
19. Bernat Pom-Pom-Edged Pillow
Make an easy crochet pillow. Then edge it with beautiful, colorful, squishable pom poms. These are great floor pillows as well as couch pillows. They’ll brighten up any space and are particularly great for kids’ rooms.
20. Aunt Lydia’s Pom Pom Headband
There are lots of great headband pom pom projects out there. This one has a patriotic feeling to it. Add one or more pom poms to a storebought headband. Or make a simple knit or crochet headband and decorate it with poms. Have fun with this idea!
Pom Pom Tips and Extras
There are so many different ways to work with pom poms! In addition to the free pom pom projects above, here are some helpful tips, tutorials, and ideas to take your pom crafting even further.
Adding a Removable Pom Pom to Hats
Sometimes people look at their finished pom and wonder, “okay, but how do I add it to a hat?” Learn two ways to add a removable pom pom to your next hat project with this video:
Adding a Pom Pom Border to a Crochet Blanket
Learn how to add a pom pom border to your next blanket project. This isn’t strictly a traditional pom but instead uses crochet stitches to create a pom pom project effect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a pom pom for a hat or project?
There are a few methods! The classic way is to wrap yarn around two cardboard circles (or your fingers for a small one), then cut around the edge and tie tightly in the middle. A pom pom maker tool makes this even easier and more consistent. For a super fast method, wrap yarn around a fork and tie off the middle. The more yarn you wrap, the fuller your pom pom. After you cut and tie, trim the pom pom into a round shape with scissors for a neat, fluffy finish.
What can I use pom poms for besides hat toppers?
Oh so many things! Pom poms make gorgeous garland for parties and holidays. You can use them as tassel-style embellishments on bags and scarves. Pom pom rugs are a fun home decor project. Wreath decorations, gift toppers, keychain charms, bunting… the list goes on. This collection has 20 creative project ideas specifically designed to showcase pom poms in ways beyond the classic hat topper. Super fun for kids’ craft projects too!
What’s the best yarn for making pom poms?
Worsted weight acrylic is the most popular because it’s fluffy, inexpensive, and comes in every color imaginable. Smooth yarns give you a tighter, rounder pom pom while slightly textured yarns can give a fluffier, more casual look. Bulky yarn makes big, dramatic pom poms quickly. For faux fur pom poms (those gorgeous fluffy ones on hats), you’ll want a specialty faux fur yarn… it creates that amazing plush look without using actual fur.
How do I attach a pom pom securely so it doesn’t fall off?
Leave long yarn tails when you tie off your pom pom instead of trimming them close. Then use those tails to thread through your project with a tapestry needle and tie off securely on the inside. For hats, run the tails through to the inside of the hat and knot them together, then weave the ends in. If it’s for something a child will use… double knot and weave in extra firmly. A pom pom that falls off is sad for everyone involved.
Can I make pom poms without any special tools?
Yes! Your fingers, a fork, or two pieces of cardboard cut into circles are all you need. The cardboard circle method is the old-school way… trace around a cup or jar lid to get two matching circles, cut a hole in the center of each, stack them together, and wrap your yarn through the hole and around the outside. It’s a bit more time-consuming than a pom pom maker but it works great and costs nothing.
Categories: Free Patterns
