6 Best Pom Pom Makers For Scrap Yarn To Try
Transform your leftover yarn into fluffy crafts. We review the six best pom pom makers to help you choose the right tool for your next sustainable project.
Every knitter eventually faces the "yarn graveyard," a collection of leftover bits from finished sweaters and scarves that are too precious to toss but too small for a full project. Turning these remnants into pom poms is a satisfying, low-stakes way to clear your stash while creating embellishments for hats or garlands. While you can make a pom pom with a piece of cardboard, using a dedicated tool changes the game entirely by providing consistency and speed. Here are the best tools to help you transform your scrap yarn into professional-quality pom poms.
Clover Pom Pom Maker: The Gold Standard Choice
If you walk into any high-end yarn shop, you will almost certainly find the Clover sets on the shelf. They are the industry benchmark because they are incredibly intuitive to use, featuring a hinged design that snaps shut to hold your yarn securely.
The real advantage here is the precision of the arc. Because the plastic is molded with such exact tolerances, the two halves lock together perfectly, ensuring your pom pom doesn’t have a "flat" side or an uneven distribution of yarn.
For those who struggle with hand fatigue, the ergonomic handles are a lifesaver. You can wrap hundreds of yards of lace-weight or fingering-weight yarn without the tool digging into your palms.
Susan Bates E-Z Pom Pom Maker: Classic Design
The Susan Bates tool is a nostalgic favorite that operates on a slightly different mechanical principle than the modern hinged makers. It consists of two interlocking discs that you wrap individually, which can feel a bit more fiddly at first.
However, many knitters prefer this design because it allows you to mix colors more strategically. By wrapping one side with a specific color gradient and the other with a solid, you can create intentional color-blocking that is harder to control with the "wrap-everything-at-once" style tools.
It is a durable, no-nonsense tool that has stood the test of time. It lacks the bells and whistles of newer gadgets, but it gets the job done reliably if you don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve.
Prym Pom Pom Maker Set: Best for Variety
If you aren’t sure what size pom pom your project needs, the Prym set is an excellent investment. It typically comes with a range of sizes in one package, allowing you to experiment with everything from tiny, delicate pom poms for baby booties to massive, statement-making poms for a chunky-knit beanie.
The plastic used in these sets is generally quite smooth, which helps if you are working with sticky fibers like wool or mohair. If the plastic is too textured, these fibers tend to snag, making the final removal of the tool a frustrating experience.
These sets are perfect for the "stash-buster" knitter who wants to make a variety of items. It’s the most cost-effective way to ensure you have the right tool for any scrap size you happen to find in your basket.
Lacis Pom Pom Maker: Durable Metal Option
For the knitter who is tired of plastic tools snapping under the pressure of thick, bulky yarns, the Lacis metal maker is a revelation. It feels substantial in the hand and provides a level of tension that plastic simply cannot replicate.
Because the arms are made of metal, they are much thinner than plastic counterparts. This allows you to pack significantly more yarn onto the frame before it becomes too bulky to close.
The trade-off is that these can be slightly heavier and more expensive. If you are a high-volume pom pom maker—perhaps creating dozens for a craft fair—this durability is well worth the extra cost.
Boye Pom Pom Maker: Affordable Beginner Pick
The Boye tool is frequently found in big-box craft stores and is often the first tool a new knitter buys. It is straightforward, inexpensive, and does exactly what it promises without over-complicating the process.
This is a great "entry-level" tool because it is very forgiving. If you accidentally wrap your yarn too tightly or too loosely, the tool is flexible enough to accommodate the error without breaking.
It is best suited for the casual crafter who isn’t looking to mass-produce pom poms. If you only need to finish one hat, this is a perfectly adequate, budget-friendly choice.
Dritz Pom Pom Maker: Reliable Plastic Tool
Dritz provides a consistent, reliable experience that sits comfortably in the middle of the market. Its design is very similar to the Clover, making it an excellent alternative if you find the Clover sets are sold out or hard to source.
The hinges on these are surprisingly robust, which is the most important factor for a plastic tool. A weak hinge will pop open mid-wrap, sending your yarn flying and forcing you to start over.
If you are looking for a reliable "workhorse" tool for your knitting bag, this is a solid pick. It handles a wide range of yarn weights, from delicate fingering to worsted, with consistent results.
How to Choose the Right Size for Scrap Yarn
The size of your pom pom maker should be dictated by the weight of your yarn and the intended project. A common mistake is using a large maker with thin, light-weight yarn, which results in a sparse, "sad" pom pom that looks more like a fuzzy ball of lint.
- Fingering or Sock Weight: Use the smallest sizes (approx. 1.5 to 2 inches) to keep the density high.
- Worsted Weight: The sweet spot for most makers (2.5 to 3 inches).
- Bulky or Super Bulky: Use the largest sizes (3.5 inches and up) to prevent the pom from becoming too dense to tie off properly.
Always remember that the thicker the yarn, the faster the tool fills up. If you try to use chunky yarn on a tiny maker, you will reach the maximum capacity before the pom is actually full.
Tips for Achieving Dense and Fluffy Poms
The secret to a professional-looking pom pom is excessive wrapping. Most beginners stop when the tool looks "full," but you should keep wrapping until the center hole is almost completely closed.
If you are using leftovers from a project, try combining different textures. Mixing a strand of smooth merino with a strand of fuzzy mohair creates a beautiful, multi-dimensional texture that looks much more expensive than a pom pom made from a single yarn type.
Don’t be afraid to pull your yarn tight as you wrap. A loose wrap leads to a floppy, uneven pom pom that will lose its shape after just a few wears.
Best Yarn Fibers for Long-Lasting Pom Poms
Not all fibers behave the same way once they are cut and fluffed. If you want a pom pom that stands the test of time, consider the structural integrity of the yarn you are using.
- Wool: Excellent for fluffiness, but look for high-twist yarns to avoid excessive shedding.
- Acrylic: Extremely durable and holds its shape well, making it ideal for items that will be washed frequently.
- Mohair/Angora Blends: These create the "halo" effect that makes a pom pom look soft and luxurious, though they can be prone to matting over time.
- Cotton: Generally too heavy and lacks the "spring" needed for a truly bouncy pom pom.
Avoid using very soft, single-ply yarns for pom poms. They tend to break down and pill quickly, leaving you with a messy, uneven result after only a few weeks of use.
How to Trim Your Pom Poms for a Clean Finish
Trimming is where the magic happens, but it is also where many knitters get nervous. Use the sharpest pair of scissors you own; dull blades will chew the yarn fibers rather than cutting them, leading to a jagged, uneven mess.
Start by trimming slowly, following the curve of the tool as your guide. Once you remove the pom pom from the maker, give it a good shake to let the fibers settle, then do a second round of "sculpting" with your scissors.
Don’t be afraid to take off more than you think you need. A perfectly round, dense pom pom is usually the result of aggressive trimming, so keep rotating the pom in your hand until it looks uniform from every angle.
Pom pom making is the perfect antidote to the intensity of complex knitting patterns. It allows you to use up every last inch of your hard-earned stash while adding a playful, professional touch to your handmade garments. Choose a tool that fits your budget and your style, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different fiber combinations to find your perfect "fluff" factor. Happy crafting, and may your scrap baskets always be full of potential.
