DIY Guide: How to Make Pom Poms for Cheer

Cheerleading has always been an essential part of American sports. An important accessory for cheerleaders is pom poms, which add an extra element of flair to their performances. Making pom poms for cheerleading squads can seem daunting, but with some simple materials and a little effort, you can create pom poms that are just as good as the store-bought ones.

There are many benefits to making pom poms at home. For one, it’s significantly cheaper than buying them from the store. Also, you have the freedom to choose the exact color and size that you want, which lets you personalize them to suit your cheerleading squad’s unique style. In this article, we will explain how to make pom poms for cheerleading from start to finish. So, let’s get started!

Materials Needed

In order to make your own pom poms, you are going to need a few materials. Here is a list of what you will need:

Yarn

When choosing your yarn, make sure you select a type that is appropriate for the purpose. For cheer pom poms, you’ll want yarn that is thick and able to withstand frequent use. Acrylic yarn is typically a good option. You can choose one color or select a few colors for a more colorful look.

Scissors

You will need a good pair of scissors to help you cut the yarn and trim it down to the right size.

Cardboard or Pom Pom Maker

There are a couple of options when it comes to the tool you use to make your pom poms. You can either use a cardboard template, which is easy to make at home, or purchase a pom pom maker. Both methods work well, so it just depends on your preference.

Wire

Wire is optional, but can be helpful if you want to attach your pom poms to a handle or dowel for easy waving and excitement during performances.

Ruler

Using a ruler will help ensure that your pom poms are the correct size and shape. It’s important to be precise with your measurements so that your pom poms look uniform.

Tape measure

A tape measure can also be helpful when figuring out how much yarn you will need for each pom pom. Measuring the length of the yarn before cutting will prevent you from running out and having an incomplete pom pom.

Clips

Clips can be used to hold together the yarn while you work on attaching everything together. You can use any type of clip or even hairpins or clothespins.

Tape

Tape can be used to secure the end of your yarn to the cardboard or pom pom maker. This will prevent the yarn from unraveling during the process.

Bowl

You will need a bowl or other container to hold your pom poms while you work on the other ones. This will help to keep them organized and easy to find.

Patience and Creativity

Making pom poms can be a bit tedious, so it’s important to have patience while you work through each step. You can also get creative with your color and design choices, making each pom pom unique.

Choosing the Right Yarn

When it comes to making pom poms for cheer, choosing the right yarn is an important step. The yarn you select can affect the size and fluffiness of your pom poms, as well as their ability to withstand the wear and tear of cheerleading practice and performance.

1. Consider the Fiber Content
The first thing to consider when choosing yarn for pom poms is the fiber content. Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for pom poms because it is affordable, durable, and easy to work with. However, if you want a softer, more fluffy pom pom, consider using wool or alpaca yarn.

2. Gauge
The gauge of the yarn is also important. Generally, a thicker gauge yarn will produce a larger, fluffier pom pom. However, you will need to experiment a bit with different gauges to find the perfect size for your cheer squad.

3. Color
The color of the yarn is another important consideration. If your cheer squad has specific colors, you will want to choose yarn that matches those colors. However, don’t be afraid to mix and match colors to create unique and eye-catching pom poms.

4. Texture
Finally, consider the texture of the yarn. A smooth yarn will produce a sleek, streamlined pom pom, while a textured yarn will create a more fluffy, voluminous pom pom. Experiment with different textures to find the perfect look for your squad.

In summary, choosing the right yarn for your pom poms is an important step in the pom pom-making process. Consider the fiber content, gauge, color, and texture of the yarn to create unique, durable, and eye-catching pom poms for your cheer squad.

Materials Needed

Pom poms are a staple accessory in the cheering world, and it’s important to ensure that they look good and hold up well. In order to create pom poms for cheer, there are a few materials required. These materials can be found in any textile or craft store, and some of them can even be found at home.

Here are the materials needed to create pom poms for cheer:

Step 1: Creating the Cardboard Template

The first step in creating pom poms for a cheer outfit is to create a cardboard template. This template is the basis for the pom poms as it provides the structure and shape of the pom poms. Take a piece of sturdy cardboard and measure and mark out a rectangle that is about 8 inches long and 3 inches wide. Cut out the rectangle using a pair of scissors. The size of the rectangle can, however, be adjusted based on personal preference.

Step 2: Wrapping the Cardboard Template

Once the cardboard template is created, the next step is to wrap the yarn around it. Start by tying a knot around the cardboard template with the yarn. Hold the knotted end of the yarn and start wrapping it around the template. Ensure that the wraps are snug and close together. The more you wrap, the fuller the pom pom will be. Use different colors of yarn to create a multicolored pom-pom.

Step 3: Removing the Cardboard Template

After wrapping the yarn around the cardboard template, gently slide the bundle of yarn off the cardboard template. You should be left with a bundle of yarn loops that have the same shape and size.

Step 4: Tying the Bundle of Yarn Loops

With the bundle of yarn loops removed from the cardboard template, the next step is to secure it in place. Tie a piece of yarn around the center of the bundle, then knot it tightly. Make sure the knot is secure by wrapping the same yarn around the bundle several times before tying another knot. Leave ample length of the yarn strand after the knot because you can use it to tie the pom pom to the handle.

Step 5: Fluffing the Pom Poms

After tying the bundle of yarn loops securely, it’s time to fluff the pom poms. Hold onto the center string of the pom poms with one hand and use the other hand to pull apart the individual yarn loops. When spreading, ensure that the individual loops face the same direction. Use a pair of scissors to trim any uneven pom poms and create an even round shape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pom poms are an excellent addition to any cheer outfit, and they are easy to make. With just a few materials and simple steps, anyone can create pom poms for cheerleading that are functional and attractive. These pom poms can also be used for decorating the house for events, weddings, and birthday parties. So grab some yarn, cardboard, and get fluffing!

Time to Cheer!

I hope this article has helped you master the art of making pom poms for cheer and that you are now ready to add some extra enthusiasm and spirit to your cheerleading routine. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t give up if your first few attempts don’t turn out exactly the way you want them to. Thank you for reading and I look forward to bringing you more fun and exciting tips in the future! Keep coming back for more exciting reads!