Easy Pom-pom Pillow – Delightful Decor

Pom-pom pillows- easy kids craft idea

This easy pom-pom pillow is a delightful addition to any child’s room- especially if your little one enjoys fluff or sensory items.

I remember making these as a child. They are easy enough for all ages as the only necessary skill is being able to use a pair of scissors!

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Making Layers

After you’ve acquired all your supplies, you are going to tie your yarn onto the first (left) nail on the TOP ROW of the frame. You will work the yarn left to right in an up and down pattern.

First, take your yarn down to (the left of) the first nail and then to the right of the second nail.

Bring yarn back to the left of the second nail on the top row and around the right of the third nail.

String yarn down again to the bottom left of the third nail and to the right of the fourth nail, etc.

Repeat this left-right pattern until you’ve used all the nails on the top and bottom row. The yarn will always be placed on the outside of the nail.

Now that your top and bottom are in place, simply string your yarn from the bottom nail to the right side (RIGHT COLUMN) bottom nail.

(See photo above- light blue designates your new pattern. This image is for visualization only! Do not change yarn colors- yet!)

Next, repeat the same process this time going sideways. From the right side, the thread will go under the corresponding nail on the left and the over the next nail in the column.

Bring the yard back across and under the nail on the right and above the next nail in the column. Repeat until you reach the top left nail. This completes 1 “layer”

From the top nail on the left column, simply straddle around the left nail on the top row and continue this process. Your “base” color should be approximately 9 layers thick.

Tie your base color yarn to your visible color yarn and start this same process all over. Your visible color should end up between 18-27 layers in thickness.

Tying Off your Pom-poms

After you have built your total layers, you will then cut several pieces of yarn about 5 inches in length. You will tie these around each intersection where the vertical and horizontal yarns cross.

The easiest way to do this is to hold the yarn in the middle. Slide half of your yarn down the lower left quadrant and the other half down the upper right quadrant. Cross the yarn on the back of your intersection and then bring it back up through the lower right quadrant and upper left quadrant. Then, tie a tight knot on top.

Continue making these knots throughout the piece so that all intersections are tied off.

Making your Pom-Poms

Next, you will start trimming between the knots we created.

Using your scissors cut the upper (visible) yarn color approximately midway between the knots. Be careful not to cut the bottom color or base layer as this holds your piece together.

I recommend cutting left to right and work down the piece. For now, leave your outer yarn attached to the nails.

Pom-pom pillow horizontal cuts

Once you have done all your horizontal cuts, you will repeat the cutting process cutting vertically. Again, make sure to leave the base layer or bottom color in tack.

Pom-pom pillow after horizontal and vertical cuts

Finally, when all your cuts are made, you will want to trim the yarn on the outside nails. Same as before- leave the base layer in tack. Cutting the top visible layer though will loosen the pillow enough that you can remove it from the frame.

Using your pom-pom pillow topper

The easiest way to create a pillow is to make 2 toppers!

Place your first piece on the table with the pom-poms facing the table. You will see the base layer. Put your pillow on top.

Cover your pillow with the second topper with the pom-poms facing toward you.

Using your remaining yarn, simply tie knots around the outer pieces as they intersect. Voila!

You can also place several toppers together in a row to make a blanket, throw, or rug.

Pom-pom pillows are easy and truly magnificent pieces that your little ones will remember making!