6 Best Pom Pom Makers For Blanket Corners To Try
Elevate your blankets with the perfect pom-poms. We review the top 6 makers, focusing on ease of use, durability, and size variety for professional results.
Adding a plush pom pom to the corner of a hand-knit blanket is the ultimate finishing touch that transforms a simple square into a professional-looking heirloom. While DIY cardboard templates are a classic rite of passage, dedicated tools offer a level of consistency and density that is hard to replicate by hand. Choosing the right maker depends as much on your dexterity as it does on the specific yarn weight you’ve selected for your project. This guide will help you navigate the best tools on the market to ensure your blanket corners look polished rather than lopsided.
Clover Pom Pom Maker: The Gold Standard Choice
The Clover Pom Pom Maker is widely considered the industry benchmark for a reason. Its hinged design allows you to wrap yarn evenly around two semi-circular arches, ensuring that your pom pom is perfectly symmetrical every time.
For a knitter working with a precious hand-dyed merino, this tool is a lifesaver. It minimizes yarn waste, which is crucial when you are down to the final few yards of a skein. The locking mechanism stays secure during the winding process, so you don’t have to worry about the arms popping open mid-wrap.
The only real tradeoff is the plastic construction, which can feel slightly delicate if you are heavy-handed. However, if you treat the hinges with care, this tool will last through dozens of blanket projects. It is the most reliable choice for beginners who want professional results without the learning curve.
Susan Bates E-Z Pom Pom Maker: Best for Value
If you are a knitter who prefers a no-frills, budget-friendly approach, the Susan Bates E-Z Pom Pom Maker is a practical addition to your notions bag. It utilizes a simple, classic design that feels familiar if you grew up crafting with basic plastic tools.
Because it is a more basic tool, it requires a bit more manual tension control while you are wrapping. If your tension is too loose, the pom pom may come out sparse; if it is too tight, you might struggle to pull the yarn through the center. It is an excellent tool for those who enjoy the tactile "feel" of the process.
This maker is perfect for high-volume projects, like adding poms to a series of baby blankets for a charity drive. While it lacks the refined hinge mechanism of more expensive options, its simplicity means there is very little that can go wrong. It is a solid workhorse for the pragmatic maker.
Boye Pom Pom Maker Set: Versatile Size Options
The Boye Pom Pom Maker Set offers a fantastic range of sizes in a single package. For someone who likes to experiment with scale—perhaps a large, dramatic pom for a throw blanket corner and smaller ones for a delicate baby accessory—this is a cost-effective solution.
The design relies on a slightly different stacking mechanism than the Clover, which some knitters find more intuitive. Because the pieces are color-coded by size, you won’t find yourself fumbling through your notions box to find the right match for your yarn weight.
One thing to keep in mind is that these tools can be a bit bulkier to store. If you have a small knitting kit, the sheer number of pieces might feel like clutter. However, the versatility of having four different sizes at your fingertips is hard to beat for the price.
Lacis Pom Pom Maker: Durable Metal Construction
For the knitter who is tired of snapping plastic hinges, the Lacis Pom Pom Maker is a revelation. Constructed from sturdy metal, this tool is built to withstand years of heavy use without warping or cracking.
Using a metal tool provides a different tactile experience, offering a satisfying weight in the hand. It is particularly well-suited for working with rugged, high-twist wools that require a lot of tension to create a dense, tight pom pom. You won’t have to worry about the tool flexing while you wind.
Because it is metal, it is slightly heavier and may feel less "slippery" than plastic versions. If you are prone to hand fatigue during long finishing sessions, keep this in mind. It is a professional-grade tool that rewards the user with incredible longevity.
Prym Pom Pom Maker: Precise and Easy to Use
Prym tools are known for their ergonomic focus, and their pom pom maker is no exception. The design is incredibly smooth, making the winding process feel fluid and efficient.
If you struggle with hand dexterity, you will appreciate how easily the arms snap into place. The alignment is precise, which reduces the amount of "trimming" you have to do later. It is a tool designed for the knitter who wants to spend less time fussing with equipment and more time finishing their blanket.
The plastic is high-quality and smooth, allowing yarn to glide easily during the wrapping phase. This is an excellent choice for those who work with delicate fibers that might snag on rougher, cheaper plastic edges. It is a refined tool for a refined finish.
Dritz Pom Pom Maker: Reliable Crafting Staple
Dritz has been a staple in sewing and knitting notions for decades, and their pom pom maker is exactly what you would expect: reliable and straightforward. It is a classic tool that does exactly what it promises without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
This maker is ideal for the knitter who values consistency and availability. You can find these in almost any local craft store, making them the perfect "emergency" purchase if you realize you need to finish a blanket gift by the weekend.
While it may not have the most innovative design on the market, it is a tried-and-true classic. It performs consistently across different yarn weights, from light DK to chunky roving. It’s the "jeans and a t-shirt" of pom pom makers—unpretentious and always gets the job done.
Choosing the Ideal Pom Pom Size for Your Blanket
The size of your pom pom should be proportional to the weight of your blanket and the scale of your stitches. A tiny pom pom on a chunky, super-bulky blanket will look lost, while an oversized pom on a delicate fingering-weight baby blanket may pull the corner down and distort the fabric.
- Fingering/Sock Weight: Use a 1.5-inch to 2-inch pom pom.
- DK/Worsted Weight: Use a 2.5-inch to 3-inch pom pom.
- Bulky/Super Bulky Weight: Use a 3.5-inch to 4-inch pom pom.
Always consider the "drape" of your blanket. If the fabric is heavy and dense, you can support a larger, heavier pom pom. If the blanket is light and airy, keep your pom poms smaller to prevent them from weighing down the corners.
Best Yarn Weights for Dense and Fluffy Pom Poms
Not all yarns are created equal when it comes to pom pom density. Generally, you want a yarn that has a bit of "loft" or "bloom" to fill in the gaps. A smooth, tightly twisted cotton, for example, will result in a sparse, stringy pom pom that never looks quite full enough.
Look for wools with a soft, woolen-spun construction, as these fibers fluff up beautifully when cut. If you are using a superwash wool, be aware that it may be a bit slicker and require more wraps to achieve the same density as a non-superwash fiber.
Avoid using novelty yarns with sequins or metallic threads, as these are notoriously difficult to trim and can make the pom pom look messy. Stick to standard plied wool or acrylic blends for the most consistent, professional results.
Pro Tips for Attaching Pom Poms to Blanket Corners
When attaching your pom poms, never rely on a single strand of yarn. Leave long tails when you tie off your pom pom, and use a tapestry needle to weave these tails securely into the corner of the blanket.
I recommend "anchoring" the pom pom by passing your needle through the corner of the blanket multiple times, effectively creating a small, sturdy loop. Then, tie the pom pom tails to this loop with a double knot. This prevents the pom pom from dangling loosely or falling off after a few washes.
If the blanket is for a child, ensure the pom pom is attached with extra security. You want to make sure it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use without becoming a choking hazard or coming loose.
How to Trim Pom Poms for a Perfectly Round Shape
Trimming is the secret to a professional-looking pom pom. Once you remove the pom pom from the maker, it will look like a messy, shaggy ball. Don’t be afraid to give it a "haircut."
Use a sharp pair of embroidery scissors to trim the yarn gradually. Rotate the pom pom in your hand as you cut, working in small sections to maintain an even, spherical shape. It is always better to take off a little at a time; you can’t put the yarn back once it’s been cut.
Hold the pom pom away from your body and shake it periodically while trimming to see where the uneven spots are. A well-trimmed pom pom should feel firm and look like a solid, fuzzy sphere with no long, straggling ends.
Mastering the art of the pom pom is a finishing skill that will elevate all your future blanket projects. Whether you choose the precision of a Clover or the durability of a Lacis, the key is to experiment with your yarn choices and take your time during the trimming process. With a little practice, your blanket corners will look just as intentional and beautiful as the stitches themselves. Happy knitting, and enjoy the satisfaction of that final, perfect pom pom.
