6 Best Pom Pom Makers For Festive Finishing Reviewed
Crafting festive decor? We review the 6 best pom pom makers to help you achieve perfect, uniform results for all your holiday projects and yarn crafts easily.
Adding a plush pom pom to the crown of a hand-knitted beanie is the ultimate finishing touch that transforms a simple project into a professional-looking accessory. However, achieving that perfectly dense, spherical shape requires more than just a scrap of yarn and a pair of scissors. Choosing the right tool can make the difference between a loose, sad tassel and a tight, bouncy pom that holds its shape through many winters. Here is a breakdown of the best tools on the market to help you achieve consistent, festive results.
Clover Pom Pom Maker: The Gold Standard Choice
If you walk into any high-end yarn shop, you will almost certainly find a rack of Clover makers. They are the industry standard for a reason: the hinged design is incredibly intuitive and prevents the "sliding" frustration common with cheaper plastic tools.
The mechanics of these makers are precise, meaning the two halves lock together firmly to create a perfectly symmetrical sphere. Because the plastic is smooth and high-quality, yarn doesn’t snag or fray as you wrap it, which is vital when working with delicate fibers like mohair or high-twist merino.
The bottom line is that these are a buy-it-once investment. If you plan on making poms for every hat you knit, the reliability of the Clover locking mechanism will save you hours of frustration.
Susan Bates E-Z Pom Maker: Best Budget Option
The Susan Bates E-Z Pom Maker is a nostalgic, classic tool that relies on a simple, flat-frame approach rather than the hinged style of newer models. It is an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with pom poms without committing to a higher price point.
Because this tool is essentially a flat template, it requires a bit more manual dexterity to keep your yarn tension even while wrapping. If you are a knitter who enjoys the tactile "feel" of a project and doesn’t mind a little extra hand-work, this tool will serve you perfectly well.
It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to toss into your project bag alongside your circular needles. While it lacks the "snap-shut" convenience of more modern tools, it is a reliable, no-frills option for the occasional pom-maker.
Nancy’s Knit Knacks Pom Maker: Durable Pick
Nancy’s Knit Knacks tools are built for the serious maker who treats pom-pom creation as a craft in its own right. These tools are exceptionally sturdy, feeling much more substantial in the hand than the mass-produced plastic alternatives found in big-box stores.
The design allows for a very dense wrap, which is the secret to a professional-looking pom. If you are using a lofty, single-ply wool, this tool helps you pack the yarn tightly without the frame bowing or slipping under the tension.
For knitters who produce dozens of hats for craft fairs or charity, the durability of these makers is unmatched. They are designed to withstand years of heavy use without the hinges loosening or the plastic warping.
Loome Tool: The Best Versatile Multi-Tool
The Loome is much more than a pom pom maker; it is a multi-functional device that also handles weaving, tassel-making, and friendship bracelet braiding. For the minimalist knitter who hates cluttering their craft room with single-use gadgets, this is a brilliant solution.
Using the Loome requires a slightly different technique than the standard hinged makers, but it offers incredible control over the size and density of your pom. It is particularly useful if you are working with scrap yarn from various projects, as it makes blending different weights and textures very straightforward.
While it has a steeper learning curve than a simple Clover, the versatility makes it a favorite for fiber artists who enjoy experimenting with mixed-media techniques. It is the perfect tool for the "process-oriented" knitter.
Boye Pom Pom Maker Set: Best for Beginners
The Boye set is often the first tool a new knitter encounters, and it is a fantastic entry point into the world of finishing. These tools are simple, color-coded, and very easy to understand, even if you are still struggling with basic purl stitches.
The plastic is lightweight, which is helpful if you have arthritis or hand fatigue from long knitting sessions. Because the set usually comes with multiple sizes, it allows you to experiment with different proportions for your hats without needing to purchase separate tools.
If you are just starting your knitting journey, don’t overthink the tool choice. The Boye set is affordable and effective, providing everything you need to get that perfect "topper" on your first completed beanie.
Lacis Pom Pom Maker: Best for Precise Sizes
Lacis offers a more traditional, mechanical approach that appeals to knitters who appreciate precision engineering. These makers are excellent if you are trying to match a specific pom size to a specific hat circumference for a balanced look.
The design is incredibly stable, which is a huge advantage when you are working with "fussy" yarns like metallic threads or slippery silk blends. The tool holds the yarn exactly where you place it, ensuring that your pom is uniform and doesn’t end up lopsided.
If you are a perfectionist about your finishing work, the Lacis tool provides the structural consistency you need. It turns the task of pom-making from a messy chore into a precise, satisfying step in your project assembly.
How to Choose the Right Pom Pom Maker Size
Choosing the size of your pom is about proportion, not just personal preference. A massive, heavy pom on a lightweight fingering-weight hat will pull the crown down, causing the hat to sag and lose its shape.
- Small (1.5 – 2 inches): Perfect for baby hats or delicate lace beanies.
- Medium (2.5 – 3 inches): The standard size for most adult winter hats.
- Large (3.5+ inches): Best for chunky, oversized cowls or heavy-gauge brioche hats.
Always consider the "squish" factor of your yarn. A high-loft wool will look larger than a tightly twisted cotton, so you may need to adjust your tool size accordingly to achieve the desired visual balance.
Plastic vs. Cardboard: Which Tool is Better?
Many knitters learn the "cardboard cutout" method first, and while it is free, it is rarely the best choice for long-term finishing. Cardboard wears down quickly, especially if you are making multiple poms, leading to inconsistent shapes and fraying edges.
Plastic tools, by contrast, provide a rigid, permanent frame that ensures every pom you make is identical in size and density. While cardboard is a great "in a pinch" solution, it lacks the structural integrity required to pack yarn tightly enough for a truly professional, high-end look.
If you are going to spend hours knitting a beautiful garment, do not compromise on the finishing tool. A plastic maker will give you a crisp, clean result that doesn’t look "homemade."
Pro Tips for Creating Perfectly Round Poms
The most common mistake knitters make is not using enough yarn. To get that dense, bouncy look, you need to wrap the tool until it is almost difficult to close the arms; if you can easily see through the gaps, your pom will be sparse.
Once you have cut your pom, don’t be afraid to give it a "haircut." Even with the best tools, you will have stray ends that need trimming to create a perfectly smooth, spherical finish.
- Use sharp scissors: Dull blades will chew the yarn rather than cutting it cleanly.
- Shake it out: After cutting, hold the pom by the tie and give it a vigorous shake to fluff the fibers.
- Trim in stages: Cut a little, check the shape, and then cut more; you can always remove more yarn, but you can’t put it back.
How to Secure Poms to Your Finished Knits
Never sew your pom pom on with the same thin yarn you used to tie the center. Instead, leave long tails of your working yarn when you tie the pom, and use a tapestry needle to thread these through the crown of the hat.
I recommend tying the pom to a small, flat button on the inside of the hat. This creates a "toggle" effect that allows you to remove the pom before washing the hat, which is essential if you are using delicate wool that might felt in the machine.
If you prefer a permanent attachment, ensure you stitch through the fabric of the hat at least four times in a cross pattern. This prevents the pom from flopping around and keeps it centered exactly where you want it.
Mastering the pom pom is a rite of passage for every knitter, bridging the gap between a finished piece of fabric and a polished, wearable garment. Whether you choose the precision of a Clover or the versatility of a Loome, the right tool will make your finishing work feel like a celebration rather than a chore. Take your time with the trimming, choose the right size for your yarn weight, and enjoy the satisfaction of that final, festive flourish. Happy knitting, and may your poms always be perfectly round.
