As the weather turns colder in winter, I find myself wanting to stay inside more—ideally curled up near a fire. We don’t have a fireplace in the apartment (or the studio), so I’ve been making small cozy projects instead.
Pom-poms are one of the easiest, most satisfying crafts to make while you’re warm and relaxed. You don’t need much—just a bit of yarn and either a little plastic pom-pom maker or some scrap cardboard. They’re quick, inexpensive, and instantly add texture and charm to clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Below are seven pom-pom DIY projects to try this weekend. Each project offers a different way to use pom-poms, from wearable accents to functional decor:
1. DIY pom-pom blouse from The House that Lars Built
2. Pom-pom scarf DIY from Sugar & Cloth
3. Pom-pom DIY ottoman (tutorial at Paper & Stitch)
4. DIY pom-pom shoes from The House that Lars Built
5. Pom-pom magnets DIY from A Beautiful Mess
6. Pom-pom napkin rings from Studio DIY
7. DIY pom-pom beanies (tutorial at Paper & Stitch)
The pom-pom trend is still going strong, and there are so many tasteful ways to style them. Of course, like any trend, there are over-the-top versions that don’t land well—those weren’t included here. The selections above are chic, practical, and accessible for crafters of all skill levels.
Tips for success:
- Choose yarn weight to suit the project—bulky yarn makes fluffy, showy pom-poms, while finer yarn gives a more delicate look.
- Trim pom-poms evenly after you cut them to get a round, tidy shape.
- Use color deliberately: a single bold pom-pom can be a great accent, while clusters of coordinating colors create a playful effect.
- Secure pom-poms to fabric or objects with sturdy knots and a little craft glue if needed.
Pom-poms are perfect for weekend crafting because they’re low-commitment, portable, and instantly rewarding. You can make a handful in an evening and then use them to update a sweater, make a garland, top a hat, or refresh a home accessory.
P.S. We made it through the first week of 2018—how are you feeling so far this year?
Wishing you a happy, creative weekend.
– Brittni