How to Make Yarn Pom Poms with a DIY Wooden Frame | Illustrated Guide 2026

Making yarn pom poms is a creative way to produce small decorative items for clothing like hats and gloves, or to create fun keychains and toys for your pets. You can make pom poms by hand, but to speed up the DIY process, a small frame is very helpful. To build one, you need just a few materials that can be recovered from leftover woodworking scraps. This is a fairly simple construction project. Let's see how to make, in order: the wooden frame and the yarn pom poms.

Making the Wooden Frame

Materials and Tools

You will need a piece of fir wood (200x90x18 mm) and two dowels (Ø 25 mm and Ø 8 mm). The larger dowel is cut to 280 mm long; from the other, you cut two pieces 160 mm long. For a complete selection of woodworking supplies, check out our Home Improvement collection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drill the large dowel: Along the larger dowel, drill several Ø 8 mm through-holes. Slightly widen them to allow the smaller dowels to pass through. In this example, drill 7 holes: the first 30 mm from one end, with 30 mm spacing between the first 5 holes, 20 mm between the 5th and 6th, and 15 mm between the 6th and 7th. This gives you more options for pom pom sizes.
2. Prepare the base board: 35 mm from one short side of the board, at the center, drill a 25 mm deep recess using a Forstner bit, going about 6 mm deep. Using the center mark left by the bit, drill a thin, perfectly perpendicular through-hole. This hole serves as a guide for a matching recess on the underside of the board (to hold a washer and locking screw) and also marks the exact center at the base of the large dowel. Pre-drill the dowel base to make the screw advance easier.
3. Attach the dowel: Apply a ring of wood glue into the upper recess before inserting the large dowel to stabilize the joint. For more DIY project essentials, browse our Home Improvement selection.

Making the Yarn Pom Poms

Winding the Yarn

Once your frame is ready, insert the two small dowels into the holes of the large dowel, spacing them according to the desired pom pom size. Start winding your yarn around the two small dowels. The more yarn you wind, the fuller your pom pom will be. For a cozy, handmade touch, consider using yarn that matches your home decor. Our Wall Decor and Rugs collections offer great inspiration for color schemes.

Tying and Cutting

Once you have wound enough yarn, tie a strong knot around the middle of the bundle using a separate piece of yarn. Slide the bundle off the dowels. Then, carefully cut the loops on both ends. Fluff and trim the pom pom to your desired shape. These fluffy decorations can be used to embellish curtains or sofas for a playful vibe.

Creative Uses for Your Pom Poms

• Garland: String several pom poms together to make a colorful garland for a party or nursery. Pair it with Lighting from our collection for a magical effect.
• Keychains: Attach a pom pom to a keyring for a soft, cheerful accessory.
• Pet Toys: Cats and dogs love batting around pom poms. Just make sure the yarn is securely tied.
• Home Decor: Glue pom poms onto a plain mirror frame or use them as drawer pulls on a dresser.
• Gift Toppers: Use a pom pom instead of a bow on a gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of yarn is best for pom poms?

Any yarn works, but acrylic or wool blends are easiest to fluff and trim. For a more rustic look, try chunky wool.

Can I use this frame for different sizes?

Yes! By moving the two small dowels to different holes on the large dowel, you can create pom poms ranging from small to large. Experiment with different spacing to get the perfect size for your project.

How do I make my pom pom perfectly round?

After cutting the loops, give the pom pom a good shake. Then, using sharp scissors, trim the surface lightly, rotating the pom pom as you go. It’s like giving it a haircut!

Where can I find more DIY project supplies?

For all your crafting and home improvement needs, explore our extensive Home Improvement category. You’ll find everything from tools to materials.

Can I use these pom poms outdoors?

Yes, but for outdoor use, choose a synthetic yarn that resists moisture and UV light. You can also add them to your Outdoor Decor for a whimsical touch.

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