Adding a pom pom to your knitted hat is a fun and easy way to add a touch of style and personality. Whether you’re knitting a hat for yourself or as a gift, a pom pom can take your project to the next level. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make a pom pom that is fluffy, full, and perfectly sized for your hat.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn in your desired color
- Cardboard or a pom pom maker
- Scissors
Note: You can use any type of yarn for your pom pom, but we recommend using a soft and fluffy yarn for the best results.
Step 1: Start by cutting two cardboard circles, one larger and one smaller, to create a pom pom template. The larger circle should be the size you want your pom pom to be, and the smaller circle should be about half the size of the larger circle. Place the smaller circle in the center of the larger circle and cut a small slit from the edge to the center of both circles.
Step 2: Take your yarn and begin wrapping it around the cardboard circles, making sure to pass it through the slit each time. Continue wrapping the yarn around the circles until it is thick and full. The more yarn you wrap, the denser your pom pom will be.
Step 3: Once you are satisfied with the thickness of your pom pom, carefully cut along the edge of the cardboard circles, between the two layers of yarn. Be sure to hold the yarn tightly in place as you cut to prevent it from unraveling.
Tip: If you’re using a pom pom maker instead of cardboard, simply follow the instructions provided with the tool. These tools make it even easier and quicker to create a perfect pom pom.
Step 4: After cutting all the way around the circles, take a separate piece of yarn and insert it between the two cardboard layers. Tie it tightly in a double knot, pulling it as tight as possible to secure the pom pom.
Step 5: Gently remove the cardboard circles by pulling them apart and fluff up the pom pom by shaking it and running your fingers through the yarn strands. Trim any uneven edges to create a round and even pom pom shape.
Now that you know how to make a pom pom, you can add one to all of your knitted hats for a fun and playful touch. Experiment with different yarn colors and sizes to create pom poms that perfectly complement your hats. Have fun and get creative!
Choose the Right Yarn Color for Your Pom Pom
Choosing the right yarn color for your pom pom can be a fun and creative way to personalize your knitted hat. Whether you want a pom pom that matches your hat or one that adds a pop of contrasting color, there are a few factors to consider when selecting your yarn color.
- Match the yarn color to your hat: If you want your pom pom to blend seamlessly with your knitted hat, choose a yarn color that matches the main color of your hat. This creates a cohesive look and ensures that the pom pom complements the hat without overpowering it.
- Add a pop of contrasting color: If you prefer a more bold and eye-catching pom pom, consider using a yarn color that contrasts with the main color of your hat. For example, if your hat is a solid color like black or white, you could choose a bright red or royal blue yarn for the pom pom.
- Consider the season: The season can also influence your yarn color choice. For a winter hat, you might opt for a cozy and warm yarn color like deep purple or forest green. In contrast, a spring or summer hat could be adorned with a lighter and brighter yarn color like pastel pink or lemon yellow.
- Think about your personal style: Ultimately, your yarn color choice should reflect your personal style and preferences. If you love vibrant and bold colors, go for it! If you prefer more subtle and earthy tones, choose a yarn color that aligns with that aesthetic.
Remember, knitting and crafting is all about expressing your creativity and individuality. So have fun with it and choose a yarn color for your pom pom that makes you smile!
Gather the Materials You’ll Need
Before you start making a pom pom for your knitted hat, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn: Choose a yarn color that complements your knitted hat. You can use the same yarn as your hat or a contrasting color for added visual interest.
- Pom pom maker: There are different types of pom pom makers available in craft stores or online. You can choose between plastic or metal pom pom makers, depending on your preference.
- Scissors: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the yarn.
- Knitted hat: Make sure you have the knitted hat ready before you start making the pom pom. This will help you gauge the size of the pom pom and ensure it matches your hat perfectly.
- Optional: If you want to add some extra flair to your pom pom, you can gather other materials like ribbon, faux fur, or beads to attach to the pom pom.
Once you have all the materials ready, you can proceed with making your pom pom.
Make a Cardboard Template
To start making the pom pom, you will need to create a cardboard template. This template will determine the size of your pom pom.
- Find a piece of cardboard that is sturdy enough to hold its shape but thin enough to cut through easily. A cereal box or a piece of cardboard from a package works well.
- Decide on the size of your pom pom. The size of the cardboard template will determine the size of the finished pom pom. For a small pom pom, you can use a template that is 2 inches in diameter. For a larger pom pom, you can use a template that is 3 or 4 inches in diameter.
- Using a ruler or a circular object, draw a circle on the cardboard with the desired diameter. Make sure the circle is smooth and free of any bumps or irregularities.
- Once the circle is drawn, cut it out using a pair of scissors or a utility knife. Be careful not to cut yourself while cutting the cardboard.
Now that you have your cardboard template, you are ready to start making the pom pom. The template will help you create pom poms of consistent size and shape.
Wrap the Yarn Around the Template
Once you have your template ready, it’s time to start wrapping the yarn around it. Begin by anchoring the end of the yarn to the cardboard template with a knot or a small piece of tape.
Hold the template in one hand and the end of the yarn in the other. Start wrapping the yarn around the template, moving from one end to the other. Make sure to keep the tension even as you go.
Continue wrapping the yarn around the template until you have created several layers of yarn. The more layers you create, the fuller your pom pom will be.
You can use multiple colors of yarn to create a multicolored pom pom. Simply switch to a different color of yarn whenever you want to add some variety to your pom pom.
As you wrap, you can vary the tension and density of the yarn to create different effects. For a fluffy and loose pom pom, wrap the yarn more loosely. For a compact and dense pom pom, wrap the yarn tightly.
Once you have wrapped enough yarn around the template, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. This tail will be used to secure the pom pom later on.
Now that you have wrapped the yarn around the template, you are ready to move on to the next step – securing the pom pom.
Tie the Yarn Bundle in the Center
Now that you have your yarn bundle ready, it’s time to tie it in the center. This is an important step to ensure that your pom pom is symmetrical and evenly fluffy.
- Take a piece of yarn that is around 10 inches long and set it aside. This will be used later to secure the pom pom to your knitted hat.
- Hold the yarn bundle in the center with one hand.
- With your other hand, wrap the piece of yarn you set aside earlier around the center of the yarn bundle.
- Tie a tight double knot to secure the yarn bundle in the center. Make sure the knot is secure, as this will hold your pom pom together.
By tying the yarn bundle in the center, you create two halves of equal length. This will help give your pom pom a more even shape.
Tip: If you want a larger pom pom, you can use more yarn and adjust the length of the ties accordingly. Just make sure to keep the ties tight to hold everything together.
Now that you have tied the yarn bundle in the center, you can move on to the next step: trimming and shaping the pom pom.
Cut the Loops and Shape the Pom Pom
Once you have tied the center strings tightly and secured them, you are ready to cut the loops and shape your pom pom.
Using a pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut through all of the loops that are formed around the cardboard. Make sure to cut all the way around the edges of the cardboard to ensure that none of the loops are left uncut. This will create a bunch of loose strands of yarn.
After cutting the loops, fluff and shape the pom pom by gently pulling and smoothing the strands of yarn. You can shape it into a round ball by trimming any stray strands that are sticking out.
Take your time during this step to achieve the desired shape and fullness for your pom pom. You can make it as dense and fluffy as you like by adjusting the amount of yarn you use and how much you trim.
Tip: If you want a bigger pom pom, you can use a larger piece of cardboard or wrap the yarn around more times. Conversely, if you want a smaller pom pom, use a smaller piece of cardboard or wrap the yarn around fewer times.
Attach the Pom Pom to Your Knitted Hat
Once you have completed making your pom pom, it’s time to attach it to your knitted hat. Follow these steps to securely attach the pom pom:
- Thread a needle with a matching yarn color to your hat.
- Hold the pom pom against the top center of the hat where you want it to be attached.
- Insert the threaded needle through the center of the pom pom and then through the hat. Pull the needle and yarn through until the yarn tail is completely hidden inside the hat.
- Repeat step 3 multiple times, making sure to weave the yarn through different sections of the pom pom and the hat to ensure a strong attachment.
- Once you are satisfied with the attachment, tie a double knot with the yarn tail inside the hat to secure the pom pom in place.
- Cut any excess yarn, leaving a short tail.
Your pom pom is now securely attached to your knitted hat! Make sure to give it a gentle tug to ensure it is firmly in place before wearing.
Fluff and Trim Your Pom Pom
Once you finish making your pom pom, it’s time to fluff it up and trim it to your desired shape and size.
Here’s how to fluff and trim your pom pom:
- Gently fluff the pom pom by shaking it and pulling the strands apart. This will help the pom pom look full and fluffy.
- Use your fingers or a comb to comb through the strands, separating any tangled or clumped together fibers.
- Hold the pom pom by its center and give it a gentle shake to check for any loose strands. If you find any, trim them to match the rest of the pom pom using sharp scissors.
- To shape the pom pom, hold it in one hand and use your other hand to trim the outer edges. Start by cutting small amounts of the yarn at a time and gradually shape it into a round ball. Remember to step back and look at the pom pom from different angles to ensure a symmetrical shape.
- Continue to trim until you are happy with the shape of your pom pom.
Once you’ve fluffed and trimmed your pom pom, it’s ready to be attached to your knitted hat or any other project you have in mind!
Tip: If you want a denser and fuller pom pom, you can add more layers of yarn while making the pom pom. The more layers you add, the fluffier it will be.
FAQ:
What is a pom pom?
A pom pom is a decorative ball made of yarn or fabric that is attached to the top of a knitted hat or other craft projects.
Why do people add pom poms to knitted hats?
People add pom poms to knitted hats as a fun and stylish embellishment. They can also add extra warmth to the top of the hat.
What materials do I need to make a pom pom?
To make a pom pom, you will need yarn, scissors, and a pom pom maker or a piece of cardboard.
Can I make a pom pom without a pom pom maker?
Yes, you can make a pom pom without a pom pom maker by using a piece of cardboard. Simply cut out two circles of cardboard, cut a small hole in the middle of each circle, place the two circles together, wrap yarn around them, and then cut the yarn between the circles.
How do I attach a pom pom to my knitted hat?
To attach a pom pom to your knitted hat, you can sew it on using a needle and thread. Alternatively, you can tie the yarn ends of the pom pom to the top of the hat.
Can I make a pom pom with different colors?
Yes, you can make a pom pom with different colors by using multiple strands of yarn or by changing colors as you wrap the yarn around the pom pom maker or cardboard circles.