The fastest way: cardboard circles and wrapped yarn

A pom pom is a ball of yarn fluff tied at the center and trimmed into a sphere. The cardboard-circle method is the standard because it works every time and takes about five minutes once you have the materials. You need two pieces of cardboard cut into identical circles (with a smaller circle cut out of the center of each), yarn in the color you want, scissors, and a tapestry needle.

The circles act as a frame. You wrap yarn around them hundreds of times until the center hole is nearly full, then cut the yarn loops around the outside edge, tie the center tight, and remove the cardboard. What remains is a pom pom.

Key Takeaways

  • Cardboard circles with a center hole are the most reliable tool; you can make them from cereal boxes or buy pre-cut pom pom makers for a few dollars.
  • Wrap yarn around the circles until the center hole is almost completely full, then cut around the outer edge and tie the center knot before removing the cardboard.
  • The size of your circles determines the size of your pom pom — a 2-inch circle makes a small pom pom, a 3-inch circle makes a medium one.
  • Trim the pom pom into a sphere shape after tying, and sew it to your hat using the long yarn tails left from the tie.

Making cardboard circles if you don't have pom pom makers

You can buy plastic pom pom makers at any craft store for $3 to $8, and they come in sizes from 1 inch to 3 inches. If you don't want to buy them, cut circles from cardboard — a cereal box works perfectly. Use a compass or trace around a cup or bowl to draw two identical circles.

The inner hole should be about half the diameter of the outer circle. For example, if your outer circle is 3 inches across, the inner hole should be about 1.5 inches. Use a craft knife or box cutter to cut both the outer circle and the inner hole. Make sure both circles are exactly the same size and shape, or your pom pom will be lopsided.

Wrapping the yarn around the circles

Hold the two cardboard circles together, aligned perfectly. Thread your yarn through the center hole and start wrapping it around the circles. Go around the circles, through the center hole, and back around again. Each pass adds a layer of yarn.

Keep wrapping until the center hole is nearly full and you can barely fit the yarn through anymore. This usually takes 100 to 200 passes depending on how thick your yarn is. Thicker yarn fills the hole faster; thinner yarn requires more wraps. The fuller the center, the denser and rounder your pom pom will be.

Cutting and tying the pom pom

Once the center is full, use sharp scissors to cut the yarn loops around the outer edge of the circles. Cut all the way around, sliding the scissors between the two cardboard circles as you go. You will feel the scissors hit the cardboard — that is the right depth.

After cutting all the way around, slide a length of yarn (about 12 inches long) between the two cardboard circles and wrap it tightly around the center bundle of yarn. Tie it in a double knot. This knot holds all the cut yarn pieces together and becomes the attachment point for your hat. Now slide the cardboard circles off — they should come away easily, leaving a shaggy ball of yarn.

Shaping and trimming your pom pom

The pom pom will look messy and uneven at first. Use scissors to trim it into a sphere. Start by cutting the longest strands shorter, then step back and look at the shape. Trim a little at a time — you can always cut more, but you cannot add yarn back.

Rotate the pom pom as you trim so you shape it evenly from all angles. A well-trimmed pom pom should be roughly the same diameter all the way around. This usually takes a minute or two of careful cutting. Leave the two long yarn tails from the center knot untrimmed — you will use those to sew the pom pom to your hat.

Attaching the pom pom to your hat

Thread one of the long yarn tails through a tapestry needle. Push the needle through the top of your knitted hat from the inside, then back out through the same spot. Repeat this several times in the same location, wrapping the yarn around the pom pom's center knot as you go. This anchors it firmly.

Weave the yarn tail through a few stitches on the inside of the hat to hide the end, then trim any excess. Do the same with the second yarn tail. The pom pom should not move when you tug on it gently.

Alternatives if you don't have cardboard circles

If you cannot make or buy cardboard circles, you can wrap yarn around your fingers instead. Wrap yarn around four fingers (or your thumb and three fingers) about 50 times, slide it off your hand, and tie the center tightly. Cut the loops and trim into a sphere. This makes a smaller pom pom and is less reliable because the wraps slip more easily, but it works in a pinch.

You can also buy pre-made pom poms at craft stores if you do not want to make one. They come in many colors and sizes and cost $1 to $3 each. This is the fastest option if you straightforward want a finished pom pom on your hat without the wrapping and trimming steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size cardboard circles should I use?

A 2-inch circle makes a small pom pom about 1.5 inches across when finished. A 3-inch circle makes a medium pom pom about 2.5 inches across. A 4-inch circle makes a large pom pom about 3.5 inches across. Choose based on the size of your hat — a large hat looks better with a larger pom pom.

How much yarn do I need?

You need enough yarn to wrap around the circles 100 to 200 times, plus the 12-inch tie. A ball of yarn 50 yards or longer is plenty. Thicker yarn uses less yardage because each wrap covers more space. If you run out of yarn before the center hole is full, tie on a new strand and keep wrapping.

Can I make a pom pom from leftover yarn scraps?

Yes. Tie several short pieces of yarn together end-to-end to create one long strand, then wrap as usual. The knots will be hidden inside the pom pom. This is a good way to use up small amounts of yarn left over from other projects.

Why is my pom pom lopsided?

This usually means the two cardboard circles were not the same size, or they shifted while you were wrapping. Make sure both circles are cut identically and hold them tightly together as you wrap. If the pom pom is already lopsided, trim the longer side more aggressively to even it out.

How do I attach a pom pom to a hat I already finished knitting?

Use the two long yarn tails from the center knot and a tapestry needle. Push the needle through the top of the hat from inside to outside, wrap around the pom pom's knot, and push back through. Repeat several times in the same spot, then weave the tail through inside stitches and trim. This creates a find anchor point.