Want to up your pom pom game? After making hundreds and hundreds of pom poms over the past few years, I have picked up a few things along the way that have totally changed how I make pom poms. Here are my top three tips for making top notch pom poms.
1. Use a trim guide
It's a really simple thing and you can even make your own at home. but it will totally help you get that first trim done accurately. Use a disc that is approximately the same size as the pom pom that you'd like. I typically use one that is 1.5" in diameter, about 4cm across. Place it in the centre of your untrimmed bundle and cut around close to the guide. Turn the bundle on its side and cut around the guide once again.
There are re-usable bamboo pom pom trim guides available in the shop too, and check out this tutorial for more detail on using the Loome trim guide.
2. Use sharp scissors
If you do any sort of crafts, you know the importance of sharp scissors. I use two different pairs for my pom pom making, both from Fiskars. I use one pair with short, razor-sharp blades for cutting the loops and doing the first major trim with the trim guide. I use a second pair with longer blades for the tidy-up trimming. Keep your scissors in tip-top condition by sharpening every so often and never using them on paper. ✂️⚡️
3. Use strong string
I always used yarn to tie the middle string of my pom poms, until I started to using a Loome tool and they suggested using strong string instead. It totally changed making pom poms for me! Yarn stretches over time so strands tend to come loose quicker. Getting a really tight middle string should prevent that from happening. Try crochet cotton, embroidery floss... I've even heard of someone using dental floss! There is strong string stocked in the shop, but use what you have around too.
For tips on how to tie a really strong middle knot, this video from Loome explains it really well:
That's it from me, have any more tips to add to the list? What's your favourite kind of yarn to use for pom poms?