How to Knit Your Own Pom Poms (and Why You'll Never Go Back to Store-Bought!)

Hey friend! Let’s talk about pom poms. Those fluffy little bursts of joy that make everything—hats, scarves, sweaters—so much more fun. When designing The Cupcake Beanie, I decided to make my own pom poms because I needed one that would match the fur brim perfectly. From here on out, this is my go-to method anytime I need a poofer! If you’ve been buying your pom poms, it’s time to put down the wallet and pick up your needles, because today, I’m going to show you how to knit your very own pom poms. 

Knitting your own pom poms isn’t just a delightful crafting activity; it’s also practical and kind to your wallet. Plus, there’s something special about making every part of your project truly handmade, right down to the fluffiest detail!

Why Knit Your Own Pom Poms?

• Save Money, Look Fabulous: Let’s face it—store-bought pom poms are expensive! Knitting your own means you can use leftover yarn, and voilà, free pom pom magic.
• Perfect Match: Ever buy a pom pom that’s almost the right color? When you make your own, you can ensure it matches your project perfectly.
• Eco-Friendly and Customizable: Avoid synthetic fillers and plastic pom pom makers. When you knit your pom poms, you can control exactly what goes into them, from materials to size.

How Easy (and Fun!) Are Knitted Pom Poms?

Spoiler alert: ridiculously easy and dangerously fun. The process is repetitive enough to be relaxing but creative enough to feel satisfying. It’s also a fantastic way to use up yarn scraps.

Imagine the joy of sitting down with your favorite show, a cup of tea, and a pile of yarn that’s about to become tiny balls of happiness. Bonus: It’s a perfect project to do with kids or friends who are new to knitting.

Not-So-Secret Pom Pom Fillers

In this pattern, I use poly-fil to stuff the pom poms :) What if you’re out of poly-fil? No worries! Here are some creative (and quirky!) substitutes you can use:

• Cotton balls (fluffy and lightweight)
• Scraps of leftover yarn (waste not, want not!)
• Old fabric cut into small strips (great for repurposing)
• Even dryer lint (I said quirky, didn’t I?)

Not only are these options readily available, but they’re also eco-friendly and add a unique touch to your pom pom.

Pattern: Knit Your Own Pom Pom

Using smaller needles and faux fur yarn, CO 6 sts using the long tail cast-on method. Be sure to leave a long tail, around 17 inches

Row 1: Kfb to last st, K1. 5 sts inc’d

Row 2: Purl all sts

Rep rows 1 & 2 one more time. 21 sts

Row 1: Knit all sts

Row 2: Purl all sts

Rep rows 1 & 2 until the fabric measures 7 cm from cast-on edge.

Be sure to leave a long tail (around 17 inches), then cut the yarn.

Step 1: Using your original cast-on tail and a tapestry needle, sew the cast-on edge together:

 

Step 2: Then, continue to sew the sides of the fabric together. Once this is complete, weave in end, and remove the tapestry needle:

 

This is what your pom pom should look like after you have sewn together the cast-on edge and the edges of your work:

 

Step 3: With the long tail yarn from your live stitches, thread the tapestry needle and draw the yarn through all sts:

 

Step 4: Begin pulling the yarn to create your ball. Before tightening, stuff the ball with poly-fil to your desired size. Once you are satisfied with the size of your pom pom, completely tighten the yarn and weave in your ends:

 

That’s it! Your pom pom is now complete 🥳🎉🧁

 

Tips for Pom Pom Perfection

1. Fluff it Up: Once your pom pom is complete, give it a good shake or roll it between your hands to fluff it up.
2. Secure the Center: When tying off your pom pom, make sure the knot is super tight to prevent unraveling.
3. Customize the Size: Want a big statement pom? Use thicker yarn or hold two strands together. Prefer something subtle? Use a lighter-weight yarn or fewer stitches.

A Pom-Tastic Conclusion

Making your own pom poms is more than just crafting—it’s a celebration of creativity, resourcefulness, and the joy of handmade touches. Once you start knitting your own, I promise you’ll never look at store-bought pom poms the same way again.

Have you tried knitting your own pom poms? Share your creations and tips in the comments—I’d love to see what you come up with!