How To Make Pom Poms

Pom poms are so easy to make and are a great way of using up leftover wool. They can be made in a variety of sizes and used to create toys, including cute kittens and fluffy chicks, as well as jewellery and decorations for bags and cushions. Here's how.

Cardboard for pom pom discs

Pencil

Scissors

Assorted balls of wool

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Skill

Kids can have a go at this - remember making them at school?

Budget

Essentially, you'll be using leftovers but if you're buying from new, you'll be able to make a number of pom poms for under £5.

Time

Allow about 20 minutes per pom pom when you first start making them.

Step One: Wind The Wool

Trace a pom pom disc template on to a piece of paper (this is a circle with a circular hole in the middle large enough for the wool to thread through. Its overall size depends on how large you want the pom poms to be). Cut it out. Place it on a piece of cardboard and draw round it. Repeat. Cut out two discs. Start to wind wool around the two discs. When the first ball of wool is finished, tie the end of the ball to the beginning of a new one. Wind the wool round the disc until it is completely covered.

Step Two: Cut Around The Outside

When the winding process is complete, hold the pom pom discs securely, then cut around the edges of the wool using scissors. The wool will come away and look like fringing at this point, and it is important that the two discs are firmly held together.

Step Three: Secure The Wool

Cut two lengths of wool approximately 20cm long and thread between the two cardboard discs. Pull together tightly and tie in a knot. It is a good idea to tie several knots so that the wool is very secure.

Pull Apart & Finish Off

Gently pull away the cardboard discs from the pom pom. If it proves difficult, just cut them off. Trim any excess bits of wool and fluff the pom pom ball to give it a nice round shape.