DIY: How to Make Cheerleading Pom Poms

Cheerleading pom poms are a fun and vibrant accessory that add an extra element of excitement to any cheer routine! They can be used to accentuate jumps, tumbles, or simply to add some flair to a spirited chant. But, did you know that making your own pom poms can be a budget-friendly and satisfying alternative to purchasing pre-made ones? Whether you’re a cheer coach looking to stock up on supplies or a cheerleader in search of a fun DIY project, making your own pom poms is a quick and easy task that can be done in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll outline the steps needed to create your own pom poms, using materials that can be found at your local craft store or online.

To make your own pom poms, all you’ll need is some tissue paper, scissors, and some creativity! This project is a perfect way to get creative, bond with teammates, and showcase your team colors. And, the best part is that the process is extremely simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes. So, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, grab some supplies and let’s get started on making your own cheerleading pom poms!

SECTION 2: How to Make Cheerleading Pom Poms

Cheerleading is a sport that is synonymous with athleticism, energy and excitement. Pom poms are a key piece of equipment that every cheerleader possesses, often using them to enhance their performance and bring their routines to life. While pom poms are essential to a cheerleader’s performance, they can be expensive to purchase. In this section, we will outline various ways to make pom poms yourself.

1. What You Will Need

You can make cheerleading pom poms using various materials which are easy to come by. Some of the materials you need include tissue paper, scissors, florist wire and electrical tape.

2. Step by Step Guide

One of the easiest ways of making cheerleading pom poms is by using tissue paper. Follow these steps to make your own:

Step 1: Cut tissue paper into rectangles of about 40cm x 30cm and stack them together. You will need 16 to 20 sheets of tissue paper for each pom pom.

Step 2: Start folding the tissue paper accordion-style. Take the first sheet of tissue paper and fold it over by about an inch. Then, for each subsequent piece, fold it over at the same spot.

Step 3: Once all the tissue paper pieces have been folded, grab the stack at the middle and tie a florist wire tightly around the stack.

Step 4: Cut the edges of the tissue paper to round them off. You can make the pom poms look more appealing by cutting the edges into a ‘V’ shape.

Step 5: Loosen the tissue paper by pulling and fluffing it out. Separate each layer of tissue paper to create volume in your pom poms.

Step 6: To finish up, wrap the florist wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

3. Using Plastic Tablecloths

You can also make cheerleading pom poms by using plastic tablecloths. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cut the tablecloths into rectangles of approximately 40cm x 30cm. Each pom pom requires eight to ten rectangles.

Step 2: Layer the plastic tablecloths on top of each other. Then, start folding them accordion-style.

Step 3: Tie florist wire tightly around the middle to hold the pom poms in place.

Step 4: Cut the folded edges of the tablecloths in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Step 5: Fan out your pom poms, separating each layer of plastic tablecloths.

Step 6: To finish up, wrap the florist wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

4. Curling Ribbon Pom Poms

Another easy way to make cheerleading pom poms is by using curling ribbon. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cut lengths of curling ribbon that are approximately 60cm long. Use different colors to create a vibrant and colorful pom pom.

Step 2: Gather the ribbons together and tie a piece of florist wire around the middle, securing it tightly.

Step 3: Cut the edges of the ribbon to create a ‘V’ shape.

Step 4: Curl the edges of the ribbon using scissors, by dragging the blade of the scissors along the ribbon.

Step 5: Fan out your pom poms, separating each layer of curled ribbon.

Step 6: To finish up, wrap the florist wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

5. Sequin or Beaded Pom Poms

If you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting pom pom option, sequin or beaded pom poms may be the way to go. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cut lengths of wire to about 30cm long.

Step 2: Thread beads or sequins onto a piece of wire, leaving a little bit of wire on each end.

Step 3: Bend the wire into a loop and twist the two ends together tightly.

Step 4: Repeat this process to create numerous beaded or sequined pieces.

Step 5: Gather the pieces together and twist the wire tightly in the middle.

Step 6: Fluff out the pom pom by separating each beaded or sequined piece.

Step 7: To finish up, wrap the twisted wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

6. Yarn Pom Poms

Yarn pom poms are another durable option. Here’s how to make a yarn pom pom:

Step 1: Cut a length of yarn and wrap it around your fingers, about 60 times.

Step 2: Carefully remove the wrapped yarn from your fingers, making sure not to drop any of the loops.

Step 3: Tie a piece of yarn tightly around the middle of the loops.

Step 4: Cut the loops and trim around the outside edge of the pom pom, shaping it into a nice, round ball.

Step 5: Fluff out the pom pom, separating the layers of yarn.

7. Feather Pom Poms

Feather pom poms are a great way to add some extra flair to your cheerleading routine. Here’s how to make one:

Step 1: Cut a length of wire to about 30cm long.

Step 2: Wrap the wire around the middle of your feathers, securing them tightly.

Step 3: Gather the feathers together and twist the wire tightly in the middle.

Step 4: Fluff out the pom pom by separating each feather.

Step 5: To finish up, wrap the twisted wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

8. Tulle Pom Poms

You can also make pom poms using tulle, a lightweight and flexible fabric. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cut lengths of tulle that are approximately 60cm x 20cm.

Step 2: Layer the tulle on top of each other and fold them over, just like the tissue paper pom poms.

Step 3: Tie a piece of florist wire around the middle to hold the tulle in place.

Step 4: Cut the folded edges of the tulle into a variety of shapes and sizes.

Step 5: Fan out your pom poms, separating each layer of tulle.

Step 6: To finish up, wrap the florist wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

9. Mesh Pom Poms

Mesh pom poms are another great option when looking to make your own pom poms. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Cut mesh into strips that are approximately 60cm long and 10cm wide.

Step 2: Fan out the mesh strips and stack them on top of each other.

Step 3: Tie florist wire tightly around the middle to hold the mesh in place.

Step 4: Cut the edges of the mesh into a ‘V’ shape.

Step 5: Separate each layer of mesh to create volume.

Step 6: To finish up, wrap the florist wire with electrical tape to provide a good grip for handling.

10. Customizing Your Pom Poms

Now that you know how to make various types of pom poms, you can take it a step further by customizing them. Add glitter, rhinestones, stickers or even paint to your pom poms to make them unique and personalized.

In conclusion, making cheerleading pom poms need not be a daunting task. Whether using tissue paper, plastic tablecloths, curling ribbon, sequins, feathers, tulle or mesh, the steps are simple and easy to follow. Get creative and personalize your pom poms to give your cheerleading routine a unique and vibrant touch.

Materials You’ll Need to Make Cheerleading Pom Poms

Before we dive into making the pom poms, let’s take a look at the materials you’ll need. After all, having the right tools will make the process so much easier and fun. Here is a list of things you’ll need to create your cheerleading pom poms:

1. Tissue Paper

Tissue paper comes in a variety of colors, making it a perfect material for creating cheerleading pom poms. You can purchase it at your local craft store or online. Make sure to go for tissue paper with high-quality thickness and vibrant colors that will stand out during cheerleading performances.

2. Scissors

You will need a pair of sharp scissors that can easily cut through multiple layers of tissue paper at once. Make sure to use scissors that are comfortable to hold and won’t strain your hands during the cutting process.

3. Wire

Wire is used to hold the tissue paper together at the center. Look for thin, flexible wire that can easily be bent and shaped to fit the size of your pom pom.

4. Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaners are optional but can add an extra pop of color to your pom pom. You can use them for the handle of your pom pom for easy grip and support.

5. Glue Gun

A glue gun is used to secure the wire to the tissue paper and attach the pipe cleaners to the handle. Make sure to use a hot glue gun to ensure a strong hold that will withstand vigorous cheerleading movements.

6. Ruler or Measuring Tape

A ruler or measuring tape will come in handy during the cutting process. You will need to measure and cut the tissue paper into the desired pom pom size. It’s important to be precise with your measurements to create symmetrical and uniform pom poms.

7. Pencil or Marker

To mark the tissue paper and ensure that it’s cut correctly, you will need a pencil or marker. Make sure to choose a color that will be visible on the tissue paper but won’t smudge or bleed onto the pom pom.

8. Flat Surface

A flat surface will make the pom pom making process so much easier. You’ll need enough space to lay out the tissue paper and cut it without any distractions or interruptions.

9. Patience and a Positive Attitude

Though not a tangible material, patience and a positive attitude are crucial for making cheerleading pom poms. It can be a tedious process, but with a can-do attitude and a spirit of perseverance, your pom pom making skills will improve with every practice.

10. Pom Pom Tutorial Videos

Lastly, pom pom tutorial videos are a great resource to have on hand. They offer step-by-step guidance and helpful tips to make the process easier. With a quick search on YouTube, you’ll find many helpful videos that are perfect for beginners or seasoned pom pom makers alike.

Materials Needed for Making Cheerleading Pom Poms

If you want to create your own cheerleading pom poms, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here are the items you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Cheerleading Pom Poms

Now that you have all the materials, it’s time to start making the pom poms. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cheerleading pom poms:

Step 1: Create templates for your pom poms

Trace two circles on the craft paper and cut them out. Make sure the circles are the same size. You can use a compass or a round object as a guide.

Step 2: Cut the tissue paper into strips

Take the tissue paper and cut them into strips about 3 inches wide. The length of the strips will depend on how big you want your pom poms to be.

Step 3: Gather the tissue paper strips together

Take 8-10 strips of tissue paper and place them on top of each other. Fold them in an accordion style, with each fold about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Tie the middle of the tissue paper with wire

Once you have folded the tissue paper, use the wire to tie it together in the middle. Make sure it is tight enough to hold the paper together.

Step 5: Cut the ends of the folded tissue paper

Use scissors to cut the ends of the folded tissue paper. You can choose to cut them into a point, a rounded shape, or a jagged shape. Be creative and experiment with different shapes.

Step 6: Fluff up the tissue paper

Start fluffing up the tissue paper by pulling each layer of paper towards the center. Make sure you fluff it up evenly on both sides.

Step 7: Attach the pom poms to a handle

Use the hot glue gun to attach the pom poms to a handle or stick. You can use a wooden dowel, a pencil, or any other object that you can hold onto.

Congratulations! You’ve just made your very own cheerleading pom poms. Repeat these steps as many times as you need to make as many pom poms as you desire. Get creative with different colors and shapes to make your pom poms stand out on the sidelines.

Wrap It Up!

And that’s how you make your very own cheerleading pom poms! We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found our instructions helpful. The best part about making your own pom poms is customizing them to match your team’s colors and style. So have fun and get creative! Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check back for more fun DIY projects.