The fastest way: using a pom pom maker

A pom pom maker is a plastic tool with two hinged semicircles that hold yarn while you wrap it, then cut it into a ball shape. You can buy one for $5 to $15 at any yarn shop or online. It takes about five minutes from start to finished pom pom, and the result is uniform and full.

To use it: open the two semicircles, wrap yarn around both arms 50 to 100 times (more wraps make a fuller pom pom), close the tool, slide scissors between the two halves and cut all the way around the edge, then tie a length of yarn tightly between the two halves to hold everything together. Open the tool, fluff the pom pom, and trim any uneven strands with scissors.

The main advantage is speed and consistency. The main disadvantage is that you need to own the tool. If you make hats regularly, it pays for itself when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • A pom pom maker produces a full, even pom pom in about five minutes and costs $5 to $15.
  • The cardboard-and-fork method works without tools but takes longer and produces a less uniform shape.
  • Yarn weight and wrap count both affect the final size—thicker yarn and more wraps make a bigger pom pom.
  • Attach the pom pom to your hat by sewing the tie yarn directly through the crown stitches or by using a needle to thread it through the hat.

Making a pom pom with cardboard circles

If you do not have a pom pom maker, you can make one from two cardboard circles. Cut two circles about 2 to 3 inches across from sturdy cardboard (cereal box material works well), then cut a hole about 1 inch across in the center of each circle. Stack the circles together and wrap yarn around both of them 50 to 100 times, threading the yarn through the center hole each time.

Once the circles are covered, slide scissors between the two cardboard pieces and cut all the way around the outside edge. Tie a length of yarn tightly between the two circles to hold the cut strands together, then pull the cardboard circles apart and discard them. Fluff the pom pom and trim any long or uneven strands.

This method works but is slower than a pom pom maker and produces a slightly less uniform shape because the cardboard circles can shift as you wrap. The advantage is that you can make the circles any size you want, so you can create pom poms in any diameter.

Using a fork for small pom poms

A dinner fork can make a small pom pom if you do not need a large one. Wrap yarn around the tines of the fork 30 to 50 times, slide the yarn off carefully, tie it tightly in the middle, and trim the loops. The result is smaller and less full than a pom pom maker produces, but it works for hats where you want a delicate or understated finish.

This method is fastest if you already have a fork in your hand, but it limits you to whatever size the fork happens to be. Most people use it only when they do not have access to a pom pom maker or cardboard circles.

Choosing yarn weight and wrap count

The thickness of your yarn and the number of times you wrap it both change the final pom pom size. Thicker yarn (bulky or super bulky weight) makes a larger pom pom with fewer wraps. Thinner yarn (fingering or sport weight) makes a smaller pom pom even with many wraps.

If you want a pom pom that matches your hat, use the same yarn you knitted the hat from. If you want a contrasting pom pom, pick a yarn in a different color but similar weight—mixing very thin and very thick yarn creates an unbalanced look.

Start with 60 to 80 wraps and see what size you get. If it is too small, make the next one with more wraps. If it is too large, use fewer wraps next time. Write down the wrap count that works so you can repeat it on future hats.

Attaching the pom pom to the hat

The tie yarn that holds the pom pom together is what you use to sew it to the hat. Thread a needle with that yarn and sew it directly through the stitches at the crown of your hat, going in and out several times to anchor it firmly. Knot the yarn on the inside of the hat and trim the excess.

If the tie yarn is too short or too thick to thread through a needle, use a separate length of matching yarn instead. Sew it through the pom pom where the tie is, then sew that yarn to the hat crown the same way.

Make sure the pom pom sits centered on top of the hat and hangs at the length you want. If it sits too low or too high, adjust where you sew the tie before you knot it off.

Trimming and fluffing the finished pom pom

After you cut the yarn loops and tie the pom pom together, it will look shaggy and uneven. Use sharp scissors to trim the stray strands and shape it into a ball. Work slowly—it is easier to trim more than to add yarn back.

Fluff the pom pom with your fingers as you trim to see the shape clearly. Some strands will be longer than others, and that is normal. Trim them so they are all roughly the same length, creating a smooth, round surface.

If the pom pom looks sparse after trimming, you did not wrap enough yarn. The next one will be fuller if you increase the wrap count by 20 or 30 wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should the pom pom be?

That depends on the hat and your preference. A typical adult hat has a pom pom 2 to 4 inches across. A child's hat usually has a smaller one, 1 to 2 inches across. If you are unsure, make one and hold it against the hat crown before you sew it on.

Can I use leftover yarn scraps for the pom pom?

Yes, as long as the scraps are similar weight and you have enough of them. You can mix colors for a striped or speckled effect by wrapping different colors in sequence. Just make sure you wrap enough total yarn to create a full pom pom.

How do I keep the pom pom from falling off?

Sew it on securely by going through the hat crown stitches multiple times with the tie yarn. Knot it tightly on the inside of the hat and trim the excess. If the tie yarn is weak or thin, use a separate, stronger yarn to anchor it instead.

What if my pom pom is lopsided?

Trim the longer side more than the shorter side until it looks round. If one side is much fuller than the other, you may have wrapped unevenly—the next pom pom will be better if you wrap more slowly and keep the yarn even on both sides of the tool.