Knit pom poms are a fun and playful addition to any knitting project. Whether you want to spruce up a cozy winter hat or add a whimsical touch to a scarf, making your own knit pom pom is easier than you might think. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own pom poms using basic knitting techniques.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn of your choice
- Knitting needles
- Scissors
- Cardboard or pom pom maker
- Tapestry needle
Note: The thickness and type of yarn you choose will determine the size and fluffiness of your pom pom. Thicker yarn will create a larger pom pom, while finer yarn will create a smaller one.
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Gather all the materials you’ll need for making your knit pom pom. Choose a yarn color that complements your knitting project and make sure you have the correct size knitting needles. You’ll also need a pair of sharp scissors, a piece of cardboard, or a pom pom maker. Having a tapestry needle on hand will come in handy for attaching the pom pom to your project later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Cardboard (optional)
If you’re using cardboard to make your pom pom, cut out two identical circles or donut shapes. The size of the circles will determine the size of your pom pom. The larger the circles, the bigger the pom pom. Cut a smaller circle or hole in the center of each cardboard piece.
Step 3: Wrap the Yarn
Starting at the edge of one of the cardboard pieces or the outer edge of the pom pom maker, begin wrapping the yarn around the cardboard. Continue wrapping until the cardboard or pom pom maker is completely covered. The more yarn you wrap, the fuller and fluffier your pom pom will be.
Step 4: Secure the Yarn
Once you’ve wrapped enough yarn around the cardboard or pom pom maker, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Slide the scissors between the two cardboard pieces or the pom pom maker and cut through the wrapped yarn along the outer edge. Take the long tail you left and tie it tightly around the center of the bundle of wrapped yarn.
Step 5: Shape and Trim the Pom Pom
Remove the cardboard or pom pom maker from the wrapped yarn. Use your scissors to carefully trim any uneven or excess yarn, shaping the pom pom into a round ball. Fluff the yarn with your fingers to create a soft and fluffy pom pom.
Step 6: Attach the Pom Pom
Thread the long tail through a tapestry needle and use it to attach the pom pom to your knitting project. Make sure to securely attach it so that it doesn’t fall off. Weave in any loose ends to finish off the project.
With these easy step-by-step instructions, you can quickly and easily create your own knit pom poms to add a playful touch to your knitting projects. Get creative with different yarn colors and sizes to personalize your pom poms and make them unique.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Knit Pom Pom
Making a knit pom pom is a fun and easy way to add a playful touch to your knitting projects. Whether you want to adorn a hat, scarf, or even a blanket, a knit pom pom can instantly elevate the look of your creation. Follow these simple steps to create your own knit pom pom:
- Gather your materials: To make a knit pom pom, you’ll need yarn in your desired color, a pair of scissors, and a pom pom maker. You can find pom pom makers at most craft stores or online.
- Prepare your pom pom maker: Open up your pom pom maker and make sure it is fully extended. You should see two semi-circles with a gap in the middle.
- Wrap the yarn: Take the end of your yarn and place it in the gap of the pom pom maker. Hold it in place with your fingers.
- Wrap the yarn around the semi-circles: Begin wrapping the yarn around one of the semi-circles. Continue wrapping until the entire semi-circle is covered in yarn. Repeat this step for the other semi-circle.
- Close the pom pom maker: Once both semi-circles are wrapped, close the pom pom maker by bringing the two halves together. The yarn should be sandwiched between the two halves.
- Cut the yarn: Use your scissors to cut the yarn along the edge of the pom pom maker. Be sure to cut through all the layers of yarn.
- Tie the pom pom: Take a piece of yarn and thread it through the gap in the pom pom maker. Tie it tightly to secure the yarn in place.
- Remove the pom pom: Gently open the pom pom maker and remove the pom pom. It may look a little messy at first, but don’t worry – we’ll tidy it up in the next step.
- Trim and shape the pom pom: Use your scissors to carefully trim and shape the pom pom. Start by cutting any long or uneven strands of yarn. You can also give the pom pom a more rounded shape by trimming the edges.
Congratulations! You have successfully made a knit pom pom. Now you can attach it to your favorite knitting project and enjoy the playful touch it adds. Have fun experimenting with different yarn colors and sizes to create pom poms that suit your style!
Choosing the Right Yarn
When making a knit pom pom, it is important to choose the right yarn that will give you the desired results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting yarn for your project:
- Fiber content: Yarn can be made from different types of fibers such as wool, acrylic, cotton, or a blend of these materials. Consider the characteristics of each fiber type and choose the one that suits your needs. For example, wool yarn tends to be warm and cozy, while acrylic yarn is often more affordable and easy to care for.
- Weight: Yarn comes in different weights, which affect the thickness and drape of the finished pom pom. Bulky or chunky yarn will create a larger, more plush pom pom, while fingering or sport-weight yarn will result in a smaller and more delicate pom pom.
- Color: The color of the yarn will determine the appearance of the pom pom. Consider the overall color scheme of your project and choose a yarn color that complements or contrasts with it. You can also use multiple colors of yarn to create a multicolored or striped pom pom.
- Texture: Yarn comes in various textures, such as smooth, fluffy, or textured. The texture of the yarn will affect the look and feel of the pom pom. Experiment with different textures to achieve the desired effect.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start exploring different yarn options and find the perfect one for your knit pom pom project.
Selecting the Right Knitting Needles
When it comes to knitting, choosing the right needles is essential for achieving the desired outcome. The type and size of needles you choose will depend on the project you are working on and the type of yarn you are using. Here are some factors to consider when selecting knitting needles:
- Material: Knitting needles can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Each material has its own unique characteristics and can affect the overall knitting experience. Wooden needles are often preferred for their warmth and smoothness, while metal needles are known for their durability. Plastic needles are lightweight and less expensive.
- Size: Knitting needles come in different sizes, usually indicated by a number or letter. The size of the needle will determine the gauge or tension of the stitches. Thicker needles are suitable for chunky or bulky yarn, while thinner needles are used for finer yarns. The pattern you are following will specify the recommended needle size.
- Length: Knitting needles are available in various lengths, ranging from short to long. The length of the needle will depend on the type of project you are working on. Shorter needles are suitable for small projects like socks and gloves, while longer needles are better for larger projects such as sweaters and blankets.
- Type: There are different types of knitting needles available, including straight, circular, and double-pointed needles. Straight needles are the most common type and are used for flat knitting. Circular needles are used for both flat and circular knitting, and they are especially useful for knitting in the round. Double-pointed needles are used for knitting small circumference items like socks and hats.
It is important to experiment with different needle types and sizes to find what works best for you. Some knitters prefer the feel of wooden needles, while others may prefer the speed and slickness of metal needles. Ultimately, the right knitting needles will depend on your personal preference and the specific project you are working on.
Casting On
Casting on is the first step in knitting a pom pom. It is the process of creating the foundation row of stitches on your knitting needle.
To cast on, follow these steps:
- Hold the knitting needle in your right hand, with the slipknot (a loop with a loose end) on it, and the working yarn (the yarn attached to the ball) in your left hand.
- Insert the needle into the slipknot, from back to front.
- Using your left hand, wrap the working yarn around your left thumb and hold it securely.
- Use your right hand to pull the working yarn through the slipknot, creating a new loop on the needle.
- Slide the new loop onto the right-hand needle, keeping the tension of the yarn slightly loose.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
There are different methods of casting on, such as the long tail cast on or the knitted cast on. The method described above is a basic cast on that is easy to learn and suitable for most projects.
Once you have completed the casting on process, you are ready to start knitting your pom pom!
Knitting the Base
Before you can make a pom pom, you need to knit the base for it. This base will serve as the structure that holds the pom pom together.
To knit the base, you will need:
- Knitting needles
- Yarn in your desired color
Follow these steps to knit the base:
- Step 1: Start by casting on stitches onto your knitting needles. The number of stitches you cast on will depend on the size of pom pom you want to make. A good starting point is usually around 30 stitches.
- Step 2: Once you have cast on your stitches, begin knitting in garter stitch. This means knitting every row.
- Step 3: Continue knitting in garter stitch until your base is the desired length. This will also depend on the size of pom pom you want to make. A good starting point is usually around 4 inches.
- Step 4: Once your base is the desired length, bind off the stitches. This will secure the stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
Now that you have knit the base, you are ready to move on to the next step in making your pom pom.
Binding Off
After you have finished knitting your pom pom, it’s time to bind off to secure the stitches and create a clean edge.
Here’s how to bind off:
- Start by knitting two stitches.
- Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Slip the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle, leaving one stitch on the right needle.
- Knit one stitch.
- Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Slip the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle, leaving one stitch on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 4-6 until you have bound off all stitches except for one.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Thread the tail through the last stitch and pull tight to secure.
Once you have bound off, you can trim any excess yarn and shape your pom pom as desired.
Binding off is an important step in knitting as it ensures that your project is finished neatly and securely. With this easy tutorial, you’ll be able to bind off your knit pom pom with confidence!
Creating the Pom Pom
Once you have prepared your materials and gathered your tools, you are ready to start creating the pom pom for your knit accessory. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a beautiful and fluffy pom pom.
- Wrap the yarn: Take your yarn and start wrapping it around your fingers or a piece of cardboard. The more times you wrap it, the fuller and fluffier your pom pom will be. You can experiment with different amounts of yarn to achieve your desired pom pom size.
- Tie the center: Once you have wrapped enough yarn around your fingers or cardboard, carefully slide the yarn off your fingers or remove the cardboard. Then, take a separate piece of yarn and slide it underneath the wrapped yarn, making sure it goes through the center of the loops. Tie a tight knot to secure the wrapped yarn together.
- Trim the ends: After tying the knot, you should have a bundle of loops. Use a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut through all the loops, making sure not to cut the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center. This will release the individual yarn strands and create the pom pom shape.
- Shape and fluff: Once you have trimmed the loops, you can shape and fluff your pom pom to give it a nice round appearance. Gently fluff the yarn strands with your fingers, and use the scissors to trim any stray or uneven strands to create a more uniform shape.
- Attach to your knit accessory: To attach the pom pom to your knit accessory, use the piece of yarn that you used to tie the center and thread it through a large-eyed needle. Insert the needle through the knit fabric where you want the pom pom to be attached, and then thread it back through the pom pom. Repeat this process a few times to ensure that the pom pom is securely attached to your accessory.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a pom pom for your knit accessory. Now you can enjoy the added fun and style that a pom pom brings to your handmade item!
Attaching the Pom Pom to the Base
Once you have finished making your knitted pom pom, it’s time to attach it to the base of your project. Follow these simple steps to securely fasten the pom pom:
- Gather your materials: You will need your knitted pom pom, a yarn needle, and the base of your project.
- Thread the yarn needle: Take a piece of yarn that matches the color of your knitted pom pom and thread it through the eye of the yarn needle.
- Position the pom pom: Decide where you want to attach the pom pom on your project. This could be at the top of a hat, the corners of a blanket, or the edges of a pillow, for example.
- Secure the pom pom: Insert the yarn needle through the base of your project and then through the center of the pom pom. Pull the yarn all the way through, leaving a tail on the backside of your project.
- Repeat: Repeat this process multiple times, making sure to sew through different parts of the pom pom each time to ensure it is securely attached.
- Tie off the yarn: Once you are satisfied with the placement and security of your pom pom, tie off the yarn on the backside of your project. Trim any excess yarn.
Your knitted pom pom is now attached to the base of your project! Enjoy the playful and stylish addition that the pom pom brings to your knitted item.
Finishing Touches and Care Instructions
Once you have completed your knit pom pom, there are a few finishing touches you can add to make it look even more polished. Here are some options:
- Trimming: Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim any stray yarn or uneven edges. Take care not to cut too much or you may accidentally ruin the shape of your pom pom.
- Fluffing: Gently fluff the strands of yarn in your pom pom to give it a fuller appearance. Use your fingers or a small comb to separate and fluff the yarn strands.
- Attaching: Decide where you want to attach your pom pom. You can sew it onto a hat, scarf, or other knitted item using a needle and thread, or you can use a hot glue gun to attach it to other surfaces.
It’s important to take proper care of your knit pom pom to ensure its longevity. Here are some care instructions:
- Hand washing: If your knit pom pom becomes dirty, it’s best to hand wash it using a gentle detergent and lukewarm water. Gently squeeze out the excess water and allow it to air dry.
- Avoid machine washing: Machine washing can cause the pom pom to lose its shape or become tangled. It’s best to avoid machine washing your pom pom.
- Store carefully: When not in use, store your knit pom pom in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in humid conditions, as this can cause the yarn to become damp and lose its shape.
By following these finishing touches and care instructions, you can ensure that your knit pom pom remains looking its best for years to come.
FAQ:
What materials do I need to make a knit pom pom?
To make a knit pom pom, you will need yarn, knitting needles, a pom pom maker or a piece of cardboard, scissors, and a tapestry needle.
Do I need to have knitting experience to make a knit pom pom?
No, you do not need to have knitting experience to make a knit pom pom. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide that is suitable for beginners.
Can I use any type of yarn to make a knit pom pom?
Yes, you can use any type of yarn to make a knit pom pom. Thicker yarn will result in a larger pom pom, while thinner yarn will create a smaller pom pom.
How long does it take to make a knit pom pom?
The time it takes to make a knit pom pom will vary depending on your knitting speed and the size of the pom pom. On average, it may take around 20-30 minutes to complete one pom pom.