I made lots of pom poms this past Christmas, and used them to tie gift tags onto packages, and to decorate my winter snowflake garland in my kitchen window...
The method I use is quick and simple...I used to make these in elementary school! It's a great way to use up leftover scrap yarn. You start with a piece of chipboard or thin cardboard- a cereal box would do. Cut out 2 circles with holes cut in the middle. As you can see, I traced a glass for the outer circle, and traced a tea light for the inner circle. The outside circle is 3.5 inches, and the inside is 1.5 inches. You can do any size you want. This made a finished pom pom of about 2.5 inches:
Next, cut a length of yarn. I usually pull off about 5 arms lengths- probably about 15 feet- and then I fold it if half 3 times, making a shorter piece of yarn with 8 strands. I begin wrapping the strands around BOTH pieces of cardboard together like this:
keep wrapping until you have covered the entire circle. I always run out, and have to cut another piece of yarn, but that's ok. It is easier to work with shorter lengths of yarn, and you will trim the extra
bits when you are done.
When you have finished wrapping the circles, place your scissors INSIDE the outer edge of the 2 circles and cut the yarn apart:
Cut it all the way around:
Then cut a length of yarn (I usually cut about 2 feet-you can always trim it later), and carefully slide the yarn between the 2 layers of cardboard to tie off your pom pom. Don't pull the cardboard off yet:
Pull the yarn all the way around to the other side, and tie a knot. Pull tightly and tie several times:
Then pull the cardboard off (you can use it again and again), shake your pom pom to fluff it up, and trim off any stray pieces of yarn.
So quick and easy...5 minutes at most! The possibilities for using pom poms are endless...on a hat or sweater, in pastels tied onto baby shower gifts, string a bunch together for a garland (pink/white/red for Valentine's), or make bunny tails for Easter. Happy crafting!
