7 Best Pom-Pom Makers For Finishing Hats To Try
Enhance your knitwear with these 7 top-rated pom-pom makers. Discover durable tools that ensure perfectly round, professional finishes for all your hat projects.
A perfectly crafted hat often feels incomplete without the crowning touch of a dense, well-trimmed pom-pom. While cardboard templates served us well for decades, modern tools have turned this tedious task into a quick, satisfying finish. Choosing the right maker depends on your preferred workflow, the weight of your yarn, and the desired volume of your pom-pom. Here are the top tools that will elevate your finished knitwear from homemade to professional.
Clover Pom-Pom Maker Set: The Industry Standard
The Clover set is the gold standard for a reason: the hinged design is incredibly intuitive and practically foolproof. If you’ve ever struggled with the fiddly nature of two-piece templates, these snap-together arches will feel like a revelation.
These makers are designed to hold a significant amount of tension, which is the secret to a dense pom-pom. Because the arms lock firmly in place, you can wrap your yarn tightly without the tool slipping or bowing. This is essential when working with finer, multi-ply yarns that require more wraps to achieve a full look.
The primary tradeoff here is the slight seam that can occur if you don’t trim your pom-pom aggressively after removal. However, for most knitters, the consistency and speed of the Clover system far outweigh the need for a bit of extra haircutting.
Loome Tool: The Versatile Multi-Craft Essential
The Loome is much more than a pom-pom maker; it is a compact, multi-functional tool designed for the modern fiber artist. It’s perfect for those who like to keep their knitting bag light, as it handles pom-poms, tassels, and even small-scale weaving.
Because it is a flat, wooden tool, it doesn’t have the mechanical hinges of the Clover makers. This means you have more control over the shape of your pom-pom, but it requires a bit more finesse to ensure the center is tied tightly enough to prevent shedding.
If you are a knitter who enjoys embellishing your projects with mixed-media techniques, the Loome is an excellent investment. It’s a tactile, beautiful tool that feels great in the hand, though it may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Susan Bates Easy-Wrap Pom-Pom Maker: Best Value
If you are looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done, the Susan Bates maker is a solid choice. It utilizes a classic two-piece disc design that is simple, durable, and very affordable.
These tools are particularly effective for knitters who use bulky or super-bulky wools. Because the discs are sturdy, they can withstand the pressure of thick, lofty fibers without bending. They are also incredibly easy to store, as they don’t have protruding arms.
The one drawback is that they require a bit more manual dexterity to keep the yarn from slipping off the edges during the wrapping process. Keep your yarn tension consistent, and you’ll find this tool to be a reliable workhorse for your winter hat inventory.
Boye Pom-Pom Maker Kit: Reliable Plastic Discs
Boye has been a staple in knitting supply aisles for generations, and their pom-pom kit remains a dependable option. These plastic discs are lightweight and come in a variety of sizes, making them a great "starter set" for a knitter’s toolkit.
The design relies on the user to maintain tension while wrapping, which can be tricky for those new to pom-pom making. However, once you master the rhythm, these tools produce a very round, symmetrical pom-pom that looks excellent on top of a beanie.
They are ideal for knitters who prefer a classic, traditional approach to finishing. While they lack the bells and whistles of newer, hinged designs, their simplicity is their greatest strength.
Lacis Pom-Pom Maker: Best for Large Projects
When you are working on a massive, oversized pom-pom for a chunky cable-knit hat, the Lacis maker is your best friend. These are often larger than standard sets, allowing for the volume needed to balance out a heavy, textured garment.
The construction is robust, designed to handle the sheer amount of yardage required for a high-density pom. If you find that your poms look "thin" or "sparse," it’s often because your tool is too small to accommodate enough wraps; the Lacis solves this by providing a larger frame.
Be aware that these larger tools can be slightly bulky to maneuver. Ensure you have a sharp pair of fabric shears on hand, as you will be cutting through a significant amount of yarn fiber at once.
Prym Pom-Pom Maker: Durable and Easy to Use
Prym is known for high-quality engineering, and their pom-pom makers reflect that German precision. The plastic is smooth and snag-free, which is vital when working with delicate fibers like alpaca or mohair that might otherwise catch on rough edges.
These makers are exceptionally easy to open and close, making them a great choice for knitters with arthritis or limited hand strength. The ergonomic design reduces strain, allowing you to wrap multiple pom-poms in a single sitting without discomfort.
They offer a very clean, uniform result every time. If you value longevity in your tools, the Prym set is a reliable choice that will hold up through years of hat-finishing projects.
ArtBin Pom-Pom Maker: Great for Beginners
ArtBin is well-regarded for organizational tools, and their pom-pom maker is designed with the same focus on user-friendly utility. It’s a fantastic entry point for someone who has never made a pom-pom before and wants a foolproof system.
The tool is intuitive and clearly labeled, removing the guesswork from the process. It’s particularly good for teaching children or new knitters how to finish their projects, as the mechanism is less intimidating than other professional-grade tools.
While it may not offer the same level of customization as the Loome or the volume of the Lacis, it excels at being approachable. It is a perfect tool to keep in your beginner’s kit for quick, stress-free results.
How to Choose the Right Size Maker for Your Hat
Selecting the right size is all about visual proportion. A massive, 5-inch pom-pom on a delicate, fine-gauge sock yarn hat will look heavy and misshapen, while a tiny pom-pom on a chunky, oversized beanie will look lost.
- Small (1.5" – 2"): Best for children’s hats, baby bonnets, or adding accents to the corners of scarves.
- Medium (2.5" – 3"): The "Goldilocks" size for standard adult beanies and watch caps.
- Large (3.5"+): Ideal for bulky, oversized, or slouchy hats where the pom-pom needs to stand out.
Always consider the weight of your yarn as well. Thinner yarns require more wraps to fill the space, while thicker yarns will reach full density much faster. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes to see what complements your specific knitting style.
Techniques for Achieving a Perfectly Dense Pom
Density is the difference between a sad, stringy pom-pom and a professional, luxurious one. The most common mistake is stopping too soon; you should wrap until the center hole is almost completely closed.
- Mix your yarns: Combine a strand of wool with a strand of mohair or a metallic thread to add texture and volume.
- Wrap tight: Keep your tension firm throughout the wrapping process to ensure the inner core is solid.
- Trim aggressively: A "freshly cut" pom-pom often looks a bit wild. Use sharp scissors to trim the outer edges into a perfect sphere.
Remember that the yarn will bloom after it is cut. If you are using a superwash wool, it may feel a bit slippery while wrapping, so take extra care to keep the yarn secure until you tie the center knot.
Tips for Attaching Poms Securely to Knitwear
Never rely on just the tail of the yarn used to tie the pom-pom to hold it to your hat. Over time, the weight of the pom-pom will stretch the stitches of the hat, causing it to flop around or eventually fall off.
Instead, use a sturdy piece of matching yarn or even a bit of strong cotton thread to sew the pom-pom firmly through the center of the hat’s crown. I recommend using two separate points of attachment to keep the pom-pom from shifting.
If you want the ability to wash your hat without ruining the pom-pom, consider using a snap or a toggle. This allows you to remove the pom-pom for laundering, which is essential if you’ve used a delicate fiber like angora or a luxury faux-fur pom.
Mastering the pom-pom is the final, rewarding step in the journey of knitting a hat. Whether you prefer the mechanical ease of a Clover maker or the creative versatility of a Loome, the right tool will make your finishing process a joy rather than a chore. Take the time to experiment with density and attachment methods to ensure your hard work stays secure and beautiful. Happy knitting, and enjoy the perfect finish on your next project!
