Quick Craft: Pom-pom – pom pom poooom!

Time for a quick craft! Join me and have a ball. Because don’t you just love pom-pomps? Doesn’t everyone? I mean, what’s not to love? Fluff, color, yarn – quick craft project – kaa-baam!

Anyone can do it too, and it’s perfect for kids. So if you haven’t already tried pom-pomming (as a grown up) I think you need to give this craft a try right now! Personally I love all the pom-pom craft ideas that have been swooshing before my eyes on Internet for a year or so now. There is so much fun that can be had with these balls, you can make everything from hair decorations, earrings to garlands and Christmas wreaths…

Pom-pom is derived from the French word pompon, which refers to a small yarn ball crafted out of some kind of textile material. According to wikipedia:

A pom-pom – also spelled pom-pon, pompom or pompon – is a loose, fluffy, decorative ball or tuft of fibrous material. Pom-poms may come in many colors, sizes, and varieties and are made from a wide array of materials, including wool, cotton, paper, plastic, and occasionally feathers. Pom-poms are shaken by cheerleaders and sports fans during spectator sports. Small decorative pom-poms may be attached to clothing; these are called toories or bobbles.

I got myself a pom-pom making kit and thought I’d show you how easy it is to use. It’s not like you need a tutorial, but a tutorial can also inspire you (or kick your ass) to get started.

Though of course you don’t need this kit or any tools to get started, the old school round cardboard pieces with a whole in the middle also works – or even your fingers or a fork to wrap the yarn around! Yup, make it easy.

Before we start, here is a photo of the yarn ball before unwinding it, because mom thought it was wrapped so pretty that you needed to see it:

Anyway, get out some yarn.

The pom-pom kit I got consists of three different sized plastic wheels. You open one wheel up, wrap the yarn around one half then the other. Close the wheel and cut around the circle with small, very sharp scissors (embroidery scissors work great).

Then you wrap in between the wheels with a string of strong yarn, knot it hard – and take everything out of the wheel…

Your pom-pom ball might need a haircut to be more well rounded. Just trim around until you’re happy with how it looks. Then start your next project, in another color. Maybe orange. Or pink, because if you use pink you’ll get a pinkpom (my favorite kind).

I have yet to finish a whole garland, but like I said, there are a lot ideas on instagram on how to decorate yourself or your home with these. Or just hang them on your bag:

I hope you feel inspired to give it a try now! Have you ever made a pom-pom, and if so, where did it end up?

** Also check out my DIY Postcard Swap and previous Craft Tutorials – lots of inspiration there.