Learning how to make a pom pom is one of the easiest crafty wins you can score in an afternoon. Whether you’re topping off a beanie, decorating a wreath, making garlands, or filling a kid’s craft kit, knowing how to make a pom pom unlocks a world of fluffy possibilities. The trick to consistent, professional-looking poms is using a pom pom maker — those clever little wooden or plastic arcs make even, full poms every single time. 🧶

This step-by-step tutorial walks you through exactly how to make a pom pom using a pom pom maker. The technique works with any yarn weight, any color, any size — once you’ve made one, you’ll be making them on repeat for every project. Great for finishing off hats, scarves, blankets, and garlands! 🎀

Why You’ll Love Learning How to Make a Pom Pom

✔ Quick craft — make a pom pom in under 15 minutes
✔ The pom pom maker guarantees even, fluffy results every time
✔ Endless uses — hats, scarves, blankets, garlands, decor
✔ Beginner friendly — no special skills required
✔ Use up scrap yarn from other projects
✔ Fun activity for kids (with adult supervision for scissors)
✔ Customize size by choosing different pom pom maker sizes
✔ Step-by-step photo tutorial below makes the technique easy

Materials You’ll Need

• 🧶 Yarn (any weight, any color — leftovers work great!)
• 🎀 Pom pom maker (most sets come with multiple sizes)
• ✂️ Sharp scissors
• 🧵 Yarn needle (for sewing to projects)

For the perfect pom pom, you’ll need a pom pom maker — these clever tools come in multiple sizes (small, medium, large, jumbo) so you can match the size to your project. You can also use cardboard rings or even just your fingers, but a proper maker gives professional, consistent results every time you learn how to make a pom pom. The Craft Yarn Council has more tips on yarn craft basics.

How to Make a Pom Pom — Step by Step

1. Hold 2 wooden arcs back to back. Wrap yarn around two parts of the arc to build up layers. The more you wrap, the fuller your pom pom will be. Aim for 80-100 wraps for a fluffy pom pom.
2. Repeat with the other two parts. Wrap the second pair of arcs with the same yarn quantity for balanced fullness.
3. Put the cover on each side, holding both parts of the pom pom maker together so the arcs close into a complete circle.
4. Hold firmly from both sides, squeezing together. Insert the scissors under the yarn and cut all the way around the circle. The yarn will fall into strands trapped between the arcs.
5. Keep the covers on and run a long piece of yarn around the circle between the wooden parts. Pull as tightly as you can and tie a tight knot. This is what holds your pom pom together — don’t be gentle here!
6. Remove the parts by pulling the arcs apart, and fluff up the pom pom. Trim any uneven strands with your scissors to make it perfectly round. Enjoy! 🎉

Tips for the Perfect Pom Pom

• More wraps = fluffier pom pom: when learning how to make a pom pom, err on the side of more yarn wraps. Underwrapped poms look sparse.
• Tie tightly: the center knot is everything. If it’s loose, the pom pom falls apart. Pull, double-knot, pull again, triple-knot.
• Use sharp scissors: dull scissors crunch yarn instead of cutting cleanly. Get a good pair of fabric scissors.
• Trim in a sphere shape: after fluffing, hold the pom pom and rotate it slowly, trimming any sticking-out strands until it’s evenly round.
• Mix colors: wrap two or three colors at once for a multicolored confetti pom pom.
• Leave a long tail when tying: the long tail at the center knot is what you’ll use to sew the pom pom onto a hat or project.
• Try different sizes: a jumbo pom pom on a kid’s hat looks adorable; a small pom pom is perfect for garland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a pom pom? Once you know how to make a pom pom, the whole process takes 10-15 minutes including trimming.

Can I make a pom pom without a pom pom maker? Yes — wrap yarn around two cardboard donut rings, then cut and tie the same way. The pom pom maker just makes the process faster and more consistent.

What yarn works best? Any yarn works! Worsted weight (#4) is most common, but bulky yarn makes a denser pom pom and lace weight creates a delicate one.

How many wraps for a fluffy pom pom? 80-100 wraps per side for medium yarn. Fewer wraps = sparse pom pom; more wraps = full, plush pom pom.

How do I attach a pom pom to a hat? Use the long center tail and a yarn needle to sew the pom pom directly to the top of your hat. Knot the underside tightly so it doesn’t come loose.

Can kids learn how to make a pom pom? Yes — with adult supervision for the cutting step, learning how to make a pom pom is a great kid-friendly craft for ages 6+.

More Tutorials & Patterns You’ll Love

• Ombre Pony Beanie — Free Crochet Pattern
• Browse All Tips & Tutorials
• Standard Blanket Sizes Guide
• Honeycomb Knit Throw — Chunky Cable

Save This How to Make a Pom Pom Tutorial

Want to come back to this how to make a pom pom tutorial later? Save it to Pinterest so you can reference it for every hat, scarf, and craft project — and share it with your crafty friends!