Pompoms are easy to make and they are fun to use. You can make lots of small animals and other creatures that can be used as party favours.
There are a few different ways that you can make pompoms. In today’s post I am going to show you how to make pompoms using circular templates. You can use stiff cardboard to cut the templates from or as you will see on the photos, you can also cut the templates from plastic coffee tin lids.
You can use a compass to draw the circles or if you don’t have a compass, just use a glass for the outer circle and a coin for the inner circle.
Remember that the inner circle should not be too big. If it is too big, you will need a lot of wool to complete the pompom as you have to wind the strands of yarn around the circle until the hole is completely filled. In this way you will get nice, fat and round pompoms.
You can make different sized pompoms by cutting different sized circles. The size of your finished pompoms will also differ depending upon the thickness of the yarn you use. In the same way it will differ if you use a single strand of yarn as opposed to using double strands of wool. The two different sized white pompoms show the difference between one strand and two strands clearly.
Ok, let us make some pompoms:
Cut two circular wheel like templates from cardboard (or as I have done, from plastic lids). Cut several strands of yarn the same length, place the circles together and begin winding the yarn around the frame as evenly as possible.
When the center hole is almost filled and you can’t push the yarn through with your finger, thread the yarn into a blunt-pointed needle and continue until the hole is completely filled. The better filled the hole is, the fatter and rounder the pompom. When you have completed this phase, begin to cut the strands of yarn at the outside edge.
Use sharp scissors and only cut a few strands at a time. Do not pull on the loops as you cut or you will pull the strands out of shape. When all the strands are cut begin to open the cardboard rings, using the tips of the scissors.
When you have exposed the center, tie it around with string and make a strong knot. When this is done, remove the cardboard or plastic, either by slowly pulling the wool out of the inner circles or by snipping carefully through the rings. You can use the same rings again by just taping up the slits you cut.
Fluff up the wool, then trim the untidy ends, but be careful not to cut the tying string.
Repeat this process to make as many pompons as you need.
In the next post I will show you how to make a fluffy teddy bear with pompoms made with the method I showed you today.
Until then, have fun when you make something for your child’s birthday party.
Wow! This is such a great idea! I used to buy pompom designed hair ties and I have color collection of these. AT least now I know how to do this stuff and it sounds simple to do it.
Jenny´s last [type] ..angry birds online
My daughter loves the idea of this thing you have right here. In fact, she’ll be helping me to make tons and tons of these for her up and coming birthday this November.
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