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The Craft Train

Crafty ideas for kids and parents

You are here: Home / Crafts and Activities / General Crafts / DIY cardboard pom pom maker

DIY cardboard pom pom maker

April 21, 2020 By Kate 85 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no cost to you.

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Here is an easy DIY pom pom maker you can create from a scrap of cardboard.

This craft has been super popular since I first published it in 2016, and I’ve had lots of questions about measurements and requests for a template. I hear you, and now I’ve added one! I’ve also created a short video tutorial.

how to make pom poms using a DIY cardboard pom pom maker

I really hate to admit this but as a craft blogger I struggled for a long time to make a decent pom pom. In the olden days when I was a child we used cardboard discs shaped like a donut and you would spend a very, very long time carefully wrapping yarn around and through the hole in the centre until it was plump and ready to trim.

In this day and age we’re all a bit less patient and that technique seems very cumbersome and tedious (I’m sure I don’t just speak for myself here).

After a some experimenting I’ve come up with a much quicker and easier way of creating big, fluffy pom poms. I already own several plastic pom pom makers purchased inexpensively from the craft store and although I’ve given it a good shot I haven’t been able to figure them out. Quite possibly I’m a big dunce when it comes to following instructions but this way has been FAR quicker and easier for me. Let me show you how it works.


How to make a DIY cardboard Pom Pom maker

You will Need:

  • Scrap cardboard โ€“ the thicker and stronger the better
  • Yarn โ€“ I’ve found the very thick, chunky yarn works great for the large sized pom poms and the finer yarn works best for the small size but there are no real rules here
  • Scissors โ€“ sharp scissors are a must for cutting and trimming
  • pom pom maker template to get the small, medium and large pom pom makers (optional – you can see from the photographs that I have roughly cut the pom pom makers free hand, but in the video I’ve used the template)

How To:

Cut out a shape that resembles a rectangle with a slit running down the middle but not all the way, like in the image below. You can see I’ve made three different sizes.

Easy cardboard pom pom makers

Wrap these in yarn. The yellow yarn in the image directly below is 8 ply, the other two are thicker.

wrap yarn around your pom pom maker

While the yarn is wrapped around your cardboard pom pom maker tie it tightly in the middle.

tie the yarn tightly then remove from pom pom maker

Slide it off the end, turn it over and tie even tighter on the opposite side.

tie the yarn tighter again before cutting the looped ends

Use your sharp scissors to cut the looped ends. It will come out looking very shaggy and a bit uneven.

now its timeto trim the pom poms

Now it just needs a good trim which is the big secret of making a fluffy, round pom pom.

trimming pom pom

Instead of throwing out your pom pom trimmings store them in a plastic baggie and keep for future craft projects. They can be used in art collages or anything else you can imagine up (I have a project in the works using pom pom trimmings right now).

keep the yarn snipped off cuts in zip lock bags

hand made pom poms

 

The best thing about this technique is that is SO quick you can churn pom poms out in no time at all โ€“ no more cumbersome round disc. My kids struggle with the part where a knot needs to be tied very tightly (that is the trickiest thing about this craft), so when they make pom poms they need help in that area but that is all, it really is very, very easy!

Yield: 1

DIY cardboard pom pom maker

DIY cardboard pom pom maker

Make soft, fluffy pom poms using this DIY cardboard pom pom maker

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Difficulty easy

Materials

  • scrap cardboard
  • yarn
  • printable template

Tools

  • sharp scissors

Instructions

  1. Cut out the template size for the pom pom you wish to use, trace the shape onto cardboard and cut it out. The template is delivered to you via email for free when you enter your details in the space provided.
  2. Wrap yarn around the side of the template that has a gap in the middle until you have a plump lump of it
  3. While the yarn is wrapped around your pom pom maker tie it tightly in the middle
  4. Slide it off the end, turn it over and tie it tightly on the opposite side
  5. Cut the looped ends of the yarn using sharp scissors
  6. You now have an untidy looking pom pom, hold it over a piece of paper and trim the shaggy parts so it is nice and round-looking. The paper catches the trimmings for an easier clean up
Category: General Crafts



More fun crafts to make from yarn:

    • Make a gorgeous set of braided yarn dolls โ€“ so fun and easy!
    • These pretty yarn butterflies are made with a simple weaving technique
    • Kids will love re-visiting the classic God’s Eye weaving project
    • Have you ever tried finger knitting? It’s so fun and easy!
    • Here are over 15 cool yarn crafts kids will love

    Easy DIY pom pom make - how to make fluffy, soft pom poms fastr

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Comments

  1. 1

    Liz says

    November 13, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Small Cable ties are really good for going round the middle of the pompom. You can pull it REALLY tight and even quite small kids can manage to thread them.. it’s quicker too.

    Reply
    • 2

      Kate says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:32 pm

      Sounds like a great idea, thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  2. 3

    Ann says

    December 29, 2016 at 3:21 am

    What size do I cut the cardboard

    Reply
    • 4

      Kate says

      December 29, 2016 at 4:11 am

      However size that you want the pom poms to be

      Reply
      • 5

        Ann says

        December 29, 2016 at 4:27 am

        That’s what I’m not sure of like a size of an orange

        Reply
        • 6

          Kate says

          December 29, 2016 at 5:39 am

          Ann, I’d make it a bit larger than an orange in that case because when you trim it it will become smaller than the height of your pom pom maker

          Reply
      • 7

        Laurie says

        December 9, 2017 at 8:48 pm

        Your templates are about 4 inches, 3 inches and 1 1/2 inches – is that about the size of the pom poms you will end up with? I, too, am interested in knowing how to decide what size pompom I will end up with before I start the process!

        Reply
        • 8

          Kate says

          September 4, 2018 at 4:04 am

          The pom poms will end up a bit smaller than the templates, because you need to trim them. Sorry for the late reply, I’ve only just discovered this comment now

          Reply
    • 9

      Mary says

      October 28, 2017 at 12:51 am

      Do you what are the sizes of the cardboards for the yarn to be wrapped on.

      Reply
      • 10

        Kate says

        October 28, 2017 at 4:40 am

        Hi, there’s a template you can use to get the exact size (in the you will need list)

        Reply
    • 11

      Karen says

      December 13, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you doing this. I am a terrible pom pom maker! I mean really bad. I can’t wait to use your templates!

      Reply
      • 12

        Kate says

        December 17, 2020 at 6:06 am

        Happy pom pom making!

        Reply
    • 13

      Lisa Peters says

      February 21, 2021 at 10:09 am

      When my pom poms r made how do I make a rug

      Reply
      • 14

        Kate says

        February 22, 2021 at 7:28 am

        I’ve never made a pom pom rug myself, but you will be able to find plenty of tutorials on Pinterest

        Reply
  3. 15

    Kassandra says

    January 25, 2017 at 4:48 am

    What are you using you Pom Pom trimmings for??? I have two bags full! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • 16

      Kate says

      January 25, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Oh, don’t throw them away! I have lots too and have plans for them. I was planning to post a pom pom trimmings craft before Christmas but then the Christmas crafting rush and holiday time got in the way. You could use them to collage in art or as stuffing in felt softies. I do have a craft designed but not yet photographed and posted that uses the trimmings but I can’t give it away just yet.

      Reply
  4. 17

    Michelle says

    March 22, 2017 at 1:47 am

    I made a pom pom maker for each of my girls. They loved doing it and couldn’t believe how quick it was to make so many in a short amount of time. They did struggle with tying the knots though. They are wanting to make a pom pom rug for their room. My oldest daughter plans on making a pom pom mini rug for her school locker. Thanks for sharing this post!

    Reply
    • 18

      Kate says

      March 22, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      That’s great! Knots can be very tricky for kids, and on pom poms they need to be tied very tight.

      Reply
      • 19

        Sheryla says

        January 22, 2019 at 6:35 am

        How many times do you wrap the yarn around templet

        Reply
        • 20

          Kate says

          February 1, 2019 at 6:50 am

          There is no real right or wrong, if you wrap them around more times the pom pom will be thicker, less times and it will be thinner. Experiment and see what works for you.

          Reply
  5. 21

    Karen says

    June 13, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Thanks so much I remember my grandmother Merredith creating pom poms when I was a child but she never showed me how to make them. Now I can teach my grand kids they are going to love
    it!

    Reply
    • 22

      Kate says

      June 13, 2017 at 7:40 pm

      Fabulous! I hope you guys enjoy making them

      Reply
      • 23

        Jane says

        January 28, 2021 at 11:28 pm

        Wow I found this so helpful!

        Reply
  6. 24

    Mary jane Liebro says

    June 15, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    About how many times did you wrap on the medium size cardboard? Thank you Mary Jane

    Reply
    • 25

      Kate says

      June 15, 2017 at 8:07 pm

      I didn’t count the number of times to wrap plus that would depend on how thick your yarn is. I think just until it’s about as puffy as I’ve got it in the picture.

      Reply
  7. 26

    Donna Roberts says

    June 23, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    If I am making a rug what do you use for the backing and where do you get it.

    Reply
    • 27

      Kate says

      June 26, 2017 at 2:20 am

      Hi Donna, I’ve never made a Pom Pom rug before so I can’t tell you. Your best bet is to search Pom Pom rug on Pinterest to try and find a good tutorial from somebody who knows how to make one

      Reply
  8. 28

    Janine says

    November 23, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    Fabulous! I remember the donut pom-pom makers, they were a bit of a challenge.

    Reply
    • 29

      Kate says

      November 23, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      I remember them too! So time consuming but so rewarding to get that fluffy pom pom at the end ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  9. 30

    Pam says

    November 29, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Thanks for this. So much quicker than traditional method with cardboard circles.

    Reply
  10. 31

    Anny says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    I love this. This is by far, the easiest way to make pom poms out there! I linked my pom pom garland post to this. Happy holidays and keep crafting!!!

    Reply
  11. 32

    Tammy says

    February 9, 2018 at 7:47 am

    Are the pieces of the pom pom supposed to be easy to come out? Cause when I made mine even though it was tight I was able to pull yarn out.

    Reply
    • 33

      Kate says

      February 12, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      Hmm, I think this would be the case with any pom pom (except maybe factory made)

      Reply
  12. 34

    Susan says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Hi: I can not believe I saw this post on my Pinterest feed. I have been making pom poms for the past 4 months with my daughter with the store bought Pom Pom makers. Just this week I was trying to remember how my Grandmother taught me how to make pom poms about 40 years ago. It just came to me this week that she used cardboard with the slit. I love the movie, You have brought back such fun memories. I have a cute Pompom Valentines wreath on my blog I would love for you to see it. I also have been trying to get up the courage to make a movie or two and you have inspired me yours is so good. If you would not mine what camera did you make the movie with. Thank you again for the memories. Susan @craftingafamily.com

    Reply
    • 35

      Kate says

      September 4, 2018 at 4:03 am

      Thanks Susan! Pom poms are so much fun to make I agree. For my videos I use an iphone, and occasionally my DSLR although still learning to use that for video

      Reply
  13. 36

    Susan says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    Pinned the post and followed on Instagram.

    Reply
  14. 37

    Sue says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    How much yarn did you use?

    Reply
    • 38

      Kate says

      June 12, 2018 at 6:38 pm

      I didn’t measure the amount of yarn, just a nice fat squishy pile of it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  15. 39

    Francine says

    August 18, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    My mother taught me how to make pompoms with the cardboard circles about 50 years ago, and I curse everytime I have to cut out the middle of the cardboard! Ans, wrap in and out! I can’t believe I never thought of this or saw this before! It’s brilliant!!!

    Reply
    • 40

      Kate says

      August 20, 2018 at 1:30 am

      Thanks Francine, I love this technique too โ€“ so much quicker than the cardboard circles way!!

      Reply
  16. 41

    Karen Barna says

    August 27, 2018 at 12:26 am

    Thank you for your templets. I am going to give it a try. Hope my pom pom turn out just as nice as yours. I have plans to make a pom pom rug.

    Reply
    • 42

      Kate says

      August 28, 2018 at 3:52 am

      Sounds awesome! You’re welcome for the templates ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  17. 43

    Judith Best says

    September 4, 2018 at 2:02 am

    I love this! I made a template for a 4โ€ diameter Pom Pom & it came out perfectly. I was using the cardboard circle before, but it took so long & was very frustrating. I can now make a beautiful pom pom in minutes. On a different post I saw a technique using a wire brush (for grooming a cat) for โ€˜fluffingโ€™ up the yarn, turning a yarn pom pom into lovely, fluffy one that resembles faux fur, depending on the type of yarn. Thanks for sharing your ingenious idea & sample templates. Btw, Iโ€™ve also used your tool to make tulle pom poms, which is so much easier than using the cardboard circle. Iโ€™m having so much fun!

    Reply
    • 44

      Kate says

      September 4, 2018 at 4:01 am

      Oh wow, I’d love to see a picture of the tulle pom poms. Thanks for your comment ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  18. 45

    Shelley McManus says

    October 22, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    I use the pom pom makers all the time and don’t have a problem with them but they are to tricky for young kids to use. This will be so much easier for my preschool class to make their own pom poms. Thank you!

    Reply
    • 46

      Kate says

      October 24, 2018 at 6:50 am

      Hope they have fun making them ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • 47

      Maizee says

      December 5, 2020 at 5:50 am

      How would I wrap the yarn to make a multi colored pompom. ?

      Reply
      • 48

        Kate says

        December 5, 2020 at 6:20 am

        wrap more than one colour into the bundle

        Reply
  19. 49

    Madison says

    November 18, 2018 at 5:16 am

    I’m 11. how easy would it be for me?

    Reply
    • 50

      Kate says

      November 18, 2018 at 6:50 am

      You should be fine! Cutting cardboard can be a bit tricky because it’s so thick, but use strong, sharp scissors to help. The other important thing is to tie the knots really tightly, and then turn it over and tie tighter again. My kids love to make pom poms

      Reply
  20. 51

    dale says

    November 30, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    Kate, thank you for posting this information. I really like the yarn you’re using…particularly the colors – the lavender is quite nice. Are you at liberty to share your source? Thank you!

    Reply
    • 52

      Kate says

      December 18, 2018 at 6:23 am

      We bought all our yarn from Spotlight (an Australian craft supply store)

      Reply
  21. 53

    Jessa says

    February 28, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    This is great & speedy post are always the best , I love PT& YT but oh my can they be so drawn out, thanks so much for the speedy & super helpful video ๐Ÿ‘ , Iโ€™m working on a multi color (using your method & one very similar 2yours that I learned in HS they were called warm fuzzies:) & trying some little animal designs ๐Ÿคž

    Reply
    • 54

      Kate says

      March 4, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      Oh I love the name “warm fuzzies”, haha so cute

      Reply
  22. 55

    Lori says

    April 21, 2019 at 5:29 am

    Hello I just discovered your blog on Pinterest and this is just about the easiest way I have ever seen to make a pom pom. I like it also because you can wrap different colors in rows on the same card board easily and come up with a multi colored puff. Lots of fun thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • 56

      Kate says

      April 23, 2019 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you for your positive feedback! I am so happy you like the technique โ€“ I agree, it’s so much easier

      Reply
  23. 57

    Librarian Sarah says

    May 3, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    Hi! May I seek permission to print out the template and leave it on a table for students to have a go in our library? don’t want to breach any copyright or anything, is this allowed with permission from you?

    Reply
    • 58

      Kate says

      May 4, 2019 at 7:00 am

      That will be fine ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • 59

        Sarah Ison says

        May 10, 2019 at 12:11 am

        thank you so much!

        Reply
        • 60

          Kate says

          May 10, 2019 at 5:48 am

          You’re welcome

          Reply
  24. 61

    Chloe says

    May 6, 2019 at 12:46 am

    Is there a specific technic that can be used so that I donโ€™t have to trim much? My scissors are getting dull and Iโ€™m getting lazy..! ๐Ÿ˜‚and my hand hurts A LOT. The making of the cardboard is actually a really good way for a pompom maker.. Iโ€™ve been looking around my room looking for a big-shaped fork.. but the cardboard thing was wayyy easierrrr. Thanks

    Reply
    • 62

      Kate says

      May 7, 2019 at 6:10 am

      If you want to make a pom pom without wasting yarn and needing to trim then I’d suggest buying a pom pom maker. They’re pretty cheap, but I haven’t mastered how to use them yet!

      Reply
  25. 63

    Dana Stevenson says

    July 7, 2019 at 2:29 am

    This is such a great way to make pom poms!! I’ve been struggling to make them with a cardboard C. I put them in a bag with catnip for a little while and then give them to my cats. Doing it this way will be so much easier and faster. Thanks!

    Reply
    • 64

      Kate says

      July 13, 2019 at 6:32 am

      I love making them this way too ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  26. 65

    Barry S Brunswick says

    August 7, 2019 at 6:24 am

    This is a great technique. It looks easier then the circle disc we used to use. I wonder where all the pom poms have gone from our childhood crafting?

    Reply
  27. 66

    ann Cassler says

    December 5, 2019 at 7:44 am

    Great post for making pom poms to size. Another way is to put 6″ or so of yarn between your 3rd and 4th finger ends pointing toward your arm and wrap yarn from the skein around your 4 extended fingers to a plump size as you did. Then tie with the yarn that you put between your fingers. Once it’s off your hand you can tighten the knot and make another really tight know. Then trim as usual.

    Reply
    • 67

      Kate says

      December 10, 2019 at 6:15 am

      Thanks for the tip ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  28. 68

    Anna Millicent says

    January 17, 2020 at 12:45 am

    I am trying to make my pomp look as round as possible but still it doesn’t, can I use a wire brush to fluff the pomp. its a good idea. Thanks for Sharing

    Reply
    • 69

      Kate says

      January 17, 2020 at 6:30 am

      The wire brush sounds like a great idea

      Reply
  29. 70

    Tasha says

    June 10, 2020 at 2:07 am

    Hi Kate,

    Is it okay that I post this to the library’s teen instagram and give you credit?

    Reply
    • 71

      Kate says

      June 10, 2020 at 6:57 am

      That’s fine, thank you for asking ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  30. 72

    josey says

    July 15, 2020 at 3:45 am

    This is a great way for kids to make pompoms and your instructions are nice and easy.
    You can use a cutlery fork if you dont want to make the cardboard template but the pompoms are small!

    Reply
    • 73

      Kate says

      July 15, 2020 at 6:21 am

      Thanks Josie ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  31. 74

    Mana says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:38 am

    This is great! You can use pipe cleaners to tie around the yarn too and just twist – it makes for fun antennas or a hanging hook too and easy for kids! Loved the butterflies and dolls you made with yarn too! Thank you!

    Reply
    • 75

      Kate says

      December 3, 2020 at 9:22 am

      I’m glad you like them ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  32. 76

    stan intihar says

    December 26, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    I have cussed and cursed using cardboard circles for years!
    This method is killer!
    Thanks so much for posting it!
    Really easy and awesome!
    Stan.
    x
    ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

    Reply
    • 77

      Kate says

      December 30, 2020 at 6:27 am

      You’re welcome ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  33. 78

    ENIOLA NATHAN-MARSH says

    January 16, 2021 at 7:17 am

    Thanks for the template! I had a pack of old style pom pom makers which were not useful. I found a piece of cardboard and cut it as suggested. Very easy – the only thing was how to attach the pom pom to the scarf I was making. Turned out okay in the end. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • 79

      Kate says

      January 16, 2021 at 7:47 am

      Glad it worked for you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  34. 80

    Aj says

    January 17, 2021 at 5:45 am

    How can I make it multicoloured? I want to make a Robin.

    Reply
    • 81

      Kate says

      January 19, 2021 at 7:19 am

      Try it!

      Reply
  35. 82

    Samara Ethier-Whitmore says

    February 1, 2021 at 9:54 pm

    What a quick and affordable way to make pom poms! The only thing the instuctions are missing is if we tie around the middle whole wrapping of the yarn, or in the middle with the front of the yarn and through the middle of the hole (thinking of a donut, is it both sides of it while on the template, or just one side and through the hole). That clarity would be great for people who can’t load the video or don’t learn well that way.
    Otherwise, the instructions were clear and I am excited to experiment with yarn and sizing!

    Reply
    • 83

      Kate says

      February 3, 2021 at 11:19 am

      Tie around the whole middle

      Reply
      • 84

        Justina says

        February 8, 2021 at 10:10 am

        I am absolutely thrilled that I came across your post on Pinterest. This is the best pom pom maker ever! I am 80 years old and in the process of knitting preemie and newborn beanies for charity. A little pom pom will really ‘top off’ the little caps. Thank you so much.

        Reply
        • 85

          Kate says

          February 8, 2021 at 1:27 pm

          I’m glad you found the idea helpful, and I’m inspired that you’re knitting beanies for prems at age 80! That’s fantastic.

          Reply

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