Everything about pom-poms

Pompoms, also called wool bobbles, bobbles, or fluffy balls, are soft balls made from yarn. Depending on which yarn you use for pompoms and how densely they are wrapped, they can feel either cotton-wool-like or like a deep-pile rug. Pompoms can be shaggy or smooth - it all depends on how you trim the wool bobble.

Of course, that depends entirely on the size of your wool bobble. Logically, you need less yarn for a small pompom than for a large one. Regardless of the pompom’s diameter, it is important to wrap the pompom maker or cardboard disc with yarn from the center until the inner circle is filled. Only then will you end up with a fluffy, voluminous pompom.

Most crochet and knitting yarns, for example cotton, wool, or polyester yarns, are suitable for making pompoms. The only requirement is that they are a little thicker. With firmer yarns, the individual threads are easier to see at the end; the softer and thicker the wool, the fluffier your pompom will be.

Voluminous and fluffy: pompoms become an absolute highlight especially with Gründl felting yarns. Because Gründl felting wool is voluminous and not twisted, homemade bobbles become fluffy like clouds.

The popular Gründl merino yarn Merino Pure also turns into wonderful pompoms. If you are looking for a yarn quality that scores with both a wide color palette from pastel shades to bright nuances and a voluminous feel, Merino Pure is exactly what will bring you joy.

A classic among Gründl yarns: Classico. This versatile yarn with 50% virgin wool (merino superwash) is also available in many colors and creates bobbles to fall in love with.

Another yarn suitable for making pompoms is the cotton-blend yarn King Cotton. The yarn with Egyptian cotton enchants us all thanks to its voluminous feel and very soft touch. So if you want to make wool bobbles from cotton yourself, you will have lots of fun with it.

There are different ways to make a wool bobble. One option is to create bobbles with a pompom maker. For anyone who does not have a pompom maker to hand, you can also make pompoms yourself with simple household materials such as cardboard.

Making bobbles with a pompom maker is child’s play. Let’s start from the beginning. After unpacking your Gründl Pompom Maker, you will find two almost identical pieces in four different sizes. The Gründl Pompom Maker Set includes pompom makers with diameters of 35 mm, 55 mm, 70 mm, and 90 mm. After choosing a size, first connect the two equally sized pieces. This gives you two connected semicircles that you can open or close as needed. To wrap your pompom maker as well as possible, open the two semicircles. This is a major advantage because it makes the pompom-making process much easier.

First wrap the yarn around one half of the pompom maker, then around the other. Once both halves are generously wrapped with yarn, you can close the pompom maker and secure it with the tab.

Now the scissors come into play. Use them to cut open the yarn threads on the outside of the wrapped pompom maker. The two elements that were connected at the very beginning are perfect for guiding the scissors between them.

Now secure the yarn threads with a doubled thread, which is also placed between the two discs and tied tightly. Depending on the DIY project you need the bobble for, we recommend leaving a slightly longer piece of thread hanging so you can attach the bobble to a hat, for example.

Now carefully remove the pompom maker and trim your bobble a little. And that is the whole trick. We think pompom makers, just like needles, yarn, and wool, are basics that belong in every well-stocked craft workspace.

A project that is wonderfully suited to crafting with children. To make wool bobbles yourself with cardboard, cut 2 circles from thicker cardboard in a diameter of your choice. Also cut a smaller circle out of the center of each disc. Its diameter should be about one third of the outer diameter. And you are ready to start: place the two rings on top of each other and wrap them with yarn from the center until the inner circle is filled.
How do you open pompoms? Now use scissors to cut open the yarn threads on the outside of the wrapped discs. Tip: guide the scissors between the cardboard discs. Then place a doubled wool thread or a matching cotton thread between the two cardboard discs and pull the threads tightly together with it. To help your bobble keep its shape for a long time, knot it firmly. Depending on the DIY project you need the bobble for, we recommend leaving a slightly longer piece of thread hanging so you can attach the bobble to a hat, for example. Last but not least, cut open and remove the cardboard rings. For the finishing touch, you can trim the bobble evenly if needed. You can download the complete bobble instructions with illustrations for free on our website.

It is clear how to make single-color bobbles yourself. But how can you make a bobble that shines not just in one color, but in several at once? There are two ways to make multicolored bobbles yourself. And each has its own individual advantages. Which option do you prefer? Why not try both approaches right away?

How about wrapping each half of the pompom maker with a different yarn color? With this method, you get a two-tone bobble. The pompom then shines in two different colors. For example, one half-sphere is yellow and the other pink.

Option one is to take two, three, or even more solid-color yarns and wrap them around your pompom maker or cardboard at the same time. The advantage is that the double, triple, or even multiple number of threads makes wrapping much faster than with just one thread. Another advantage of this option is that you can choose and combine exactly the colors you want.

The second and very smart way to make multicolored bobbles yourself is with print yarns. In other words, yarns defined either by their color gradient or by a particular printed look. Because the colorful nuances come directly from the ball, you can simply wrap the print yarn around the pompom maker or cardboard just as you would when making single-color bobbles. The exciting part: it always remains a surprise which nuance will wrap itself around the pompom maker next. You have probably never wrapped this quickly before, because the anticipation of the next color keeps growing.

Now comes the question of all questions. From now on, it is time to be creative. And that is exactly why we love pompoms: the possible uses are almost endless. Your creativity knows no limits - wool bobbles look fantastic with fashion, accessories, and DIY decoration. With their cozy feel, the small fluffy balls give every object a special character.

The classic accessory with pompoms: the bobble hat. A DIY wool bobble gives every hat a very special look and makes it more exciting in no time. In our free wool bobble instructions, we show you step by step how to make pompoms with cardboard. Without a pompom maker. Without any other tools.

Pompoms also look wonderful on scarves. How about attaching bobbles instead of fringes? Or sewing small wool bobbles as dots onto a plain stockinette scarf? Small, round, and versatile - these pompoms.

Of course, knitted jackets, handmade sweaters, and other knit and crochet fashion also get an unmistakable look with pompoms in no time. Solid-colored fashion can quickly be transformed into a colorful one-of-a-kind piece with bright wool bobbles. Or what do you think about sewing on bobbles made from effect yarns such as our Glitter uni? For a woolly, glittering look.

And have you ever thought about decorating your shoes with pompoms? Simply grab DIY wool bobbles in the size and colors of your choice - and you can start gluing and decorating. Whether strappy sandals with pompoms, sneakers with pompoms, or flip-flops with pompoms, pompoms make your feet shine on every shoe. We are absolutely sure: DIY fashion with pompoms is ready for the next catwalk. And every designer will be amazed.

For colorful elements in your home. For fluffy decoration that makes you feel good - pompom decoration is more popular than ever. From rugs made of wool bobbles and pompom wall hangings to garden decorations made from fluffy balls, we already have pompom fever and simply cannot get enough of our fluffy friends, the homemade pompoms.

It could hardly be easier: the perfect upcycling project and ideal for crafting with children. DIY pompom cushions are made in no time and sweeten up any sofa or bed. Simply grab a cushion cover - whether old, new, bought, or handmade - that you want to give a new shine, and make pompoms in the colors and size of your choice. Arrange the small wool bobbles on the cushion until you like the composition, then attach the colorful bobbles to your cushion with needle and thread. Tadaaa, the complete little work of art is finished and ready to be used as decoration.

The perfect accessory for a child’s room, the perfect decoration for a barbecue party. Colorful garlands made from pompoms put everyone in a good mood. And the best part: they are made in no time. Simply leave a slightly longer piece of the thread you used to secure the individual threads of the bobble. This is perfect for making a knot and connecting pompom after pompom to create a long pompom chain. Et voila: now you can hang the quick DIY mobile made from pompoms anywhere you like. For cheerful splashes of color. For feel-good moments.

Dreaming can be so beautiful. When you look at DIY mobiles made from pompoms, you feel as if you are floating on cloud nine from the very first glance. The fluffy wool bobbles soothe and help little ones fall asleep. How about our rainbow mobile in pastel colors or the dreamcatcher mobile with a customizable name? These two heavenly DIY mobiles with pompoms are perfect decoration for a child’s room and also make a wonderful personalized birth gift. Feel free to browse our free patterns - there you can read step by step how to make the pompom mobiles.

We love wall hangings. Especially when made from pompoms, they are quick to create and make every wall shine. All you need is a cardboard shape and lots of colorful balls of yarn. How about a pompom cloud, for example? Cut a piece of cardboard into the shape of a cloud and cover it completely with wool bobbles. If you like, you can also attach individual pompoms with string to the lower edge of the cloud - for bobbles that look like little raindrops. A sun made from pompoms, a pompom rainbow, and other elements that belong in the sky also look dreamy combined with the cloud. Or should it be animal wall hangings made from pompoms? Your imagination has absolutely no limits - the possibilities for what you can make from pompoms are almost endless.

A lovely decoration that can be combined with fresh flowers or stand beautifully on its own: pompoms on branches. A simple decorating idea with wool bobbles that is very easy to implement and still makes every room shine. All you need are branches in your chosen length and pompoms in your chosen colors. Skewer the wool bobbles onto the branches and arrange them in a vase or as flower picks in plant pots.

We are absolute fans of small DIY gift ideas that can be made quickly. As a little gift to bring along or as an addition to the main present, handmade little things are worth their weight in gold. All the better that pompoms offer wonderful possibilities for creating DIY gifts.

The perfect gift for your best friend, your mom, or a colleague. DIY key rings are a great gift idea for any occasion. A small but lovely token that is sure to delight all your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. How can you make key rings from pompoms? Wrap the yarn of your choice either around a pompom maker or around cardboard. Once you have wrapped enough yarn to fill the inner circle, cut the yarn threads along the outside with scissors. Then place a doubled thread between the two cardboard discs or the pompom maker, pull the threads tightly together with it, and knot them. And now comes the trick: do not cut the thread, but leave a slightly longer piece hanging. You can easily attach a key ring with it. Tadaaa - that is how easy it is to create a wonderful key ring from pompoms and make your favorite people happy.

Are you looking for unique gift wrapping? Do you want the packaging alone to increase anticipation for the actual gift? Then pompoms are exactly right. The same principle applies as when making key rings from pompoms: the long thread used to tie the individual threads together serves as the attachment to the gift. Step by step: wrap the gift in a bag or box. Then wrap gift ribbons in the colors of your choice around the present. Last but not least: attach the pompoms in the middle of the gift to the ribbons. Et voila: a colorful gift is simply the best kind to give.

Cuddly animals made from wool bobbles always work. Whether for a seasonal occasion or just because, you can quickly make DIY animals from pompoms yourself and give incredible joy. We love chicks and bunnies made from pompoms for Easter, Santa Claus from pompoms for Christmas, or fluffy animals made from wool bobbles such as cats, dogs, sheep, or whales for nature-loving animal fans. How can you make animals from pompoms? The starting point is - as the name already suggests - a homemade wool bobble. Now your creativity is needed: felt and googly eyes are wonderful for faces, ears, and feet. You can also use DIY bows made from gift ribbon as decoration. Take a moment, gather a few craft materials, and design your personal pompom animal.

Because that is exactly the most beautiful thing about crafting: switch off your head and switch on your feeling. By acting intuitively and stimulating your creativity, every crafting session with pompoms becomes an unforgettable moment of relaxation. Trust us.

As you have already noticed, DIY ideas with pompoms are bubbling out of us. And that is exactly what we want to pass on to you. Try something new. Dare to explore creative ideas. Create unique DIY projects with wool bobbles. Whether you want to make gift ideas from pompoms, nursery decoration with pompoms, or fashion with pompoms, the result with the colorful wool bobbles is sure to delight you. Or maybe even cast a pompom spell on you. Admittedly, we have already fallen for the bobble obsession and are always looking for new ideas with pompoms.

Do you have pompom ideas you would like to share with us? Feel free to send us a photo of your pompom project to briefkasten@gruendl.de - we look forward to every wool-bobble inspiration.

PS: By submitting your photo, you also enter our monthly prize draw. Every month we raffle a total of five 20-euro vouchers for our Gründl online shop. So you will be perfectly equipped to buy pompom yarn online.