POM POM FUN!
Pompoms are a fun yarny activity for all the family and are a great starter project for any craft lover. Within todays tutorial I will be showing you how to make a pompom in three simple ways using things from around the home - No need for any fan-dangled gadgets!
Make pompoms using:
This tutorial has been created as part of my Joining Lines in Nature community project in partnership with Bulwell Arts Festival and Rebalancing the Outer Estates Foundation.
Let's Get Started! Grab yourself some yarn, a pair of scissors, a cuppa and lets get pom-pom making! How-to make pompoms using your hand
As if you can make pompoms with your hands! Mind blown!
Why didn't I know about this technique when I was a child? I have strong memories of making pompoms using cardboard disks - nightmare! Not only was it very fiddly to get the yarn into the centre of the disk, I would always cut the disks to shreds on the final stage. All you need for this technique is some yarn and a pair of scissors. This is my kind of project, it makes it super accessible too, no fancy tools or gadgets just yourself and some winding. Boom - it's as simple as that. What you'll need:
What to do: 1. Cut a strand of yarn approximately 12cm long 2. Place your strand of yarn in between your fingers NOTE: Depending on what size pompom you are after will determine which fingers to place your strand of yarn. Use 2 x fingers for small a pompom, 3 x fingers for medium a pompom and 4 x fingers for large a pompom. Place your strand in the middle set of fingers. 3. Grab the end of your ball of yarn and lay it over your fingers. Whilst holding in place, begin to wrap the yarn around your fingers. 4. Continue wrapping until you are happy with the size of your pompom. The more times you wrap the yarn around your fingers the fuller and fluffier your pompom will be. NOTE: If you don't wrap the yarn enough times your pompom may appear gappy - this is ok though, if you're after a looser look. Play around with different thicknesses until you have your desired look. 5. Once you are happy with the size of your pompom, snip the thread attached to your ball of yarn and move that out of the way. Bring up the two ends of the original strand you placed over your hand at the beginning and tie in a single knot. 6. Gently slide your pompom off your fingers, tighten the knot and create a secure double knot. NOTE: It is important that you tie the yarn as tight as you can so that it sinches your wrapped yarn in as much as possible. If you leave the centre tie too loose then your pompom is at risk of falling apart easily. 7. With a pair of sharp scissors cut the looped threads so they are spikey. Do this on both sides of the centre tie. Your pompom should now have filled out and is almost ready. 8. Roll the pompom around the palms of your hands to fluff it up - check for any loose threads. Begin to trim any stray threads that may be poking out. 9. Voila - Your pompom is now complete. How-to make pom-poms using toilet rolls
Toilet rolls are like magic - they have so many uses!
I love a method that involves a spot of reuse/recycle. Toilet rolls can play such a big part when it comes to crafting, from model making, to bubble blowing and now pompom making. What you'll need:
What to do: 1. Cut a strand of yarn approximately 20cm long 2. Place your each end of your strand into each end of one toilet roll tube in between the fork prongs NOTE: My fork has four prongs (three gaps) so I popped it in the centre gap. If your fork has more prongs don't worry, simply place the yarn in one of the middle gaps and you can re-jig once your pompom is off the fork. 3. Grab the end of your ball of yarn and lay it over the fork. Whilst holding in place, begin to wrap the yarn around the fork. 4. Continue wrapping until you are happy with the size of your pompom. The more times you wrap the yarn around the fork the fuller and fluffier your pompom will be. NOTE: If you don't wrap the yarn enough times your pompom may appear gappy - this is ok though, if you're after a looser look. Play around with different thicknesses until you have your desired look. 5. Once you are happy with the size of your pompom, snip the thread attached to your ball of yarn and move that out of the way. Bring up the two ends of the original strand you placed over your fork at the beginning and tie the ends in a TIGHT knot. NOTE: It is important that you tie the yarn as tight as you can so that it sinches your wrapped yarn in as much as possible. If you leave the centre tie too loose then your pompom is at risk of falling apart easily. 6. Gently slide your pompom off the fork. 7. With a pair of sharp scissors cut the looped threads so they are spikey. Do this on both sides of the centre tie. Your pompom should now have filled out and is almost ready. 8. Roll the pompom around the palms of your hands to fluff it up - check for any loose threads. Begin to trim any stray threads that may be poking out. 9. Voila - Your pompom is now complete. How-to make pom poms using a fork
Making pompoms with a fork is great fun and super simple!
What a genius way to make pompoms - who would have thought a simple kitchen utensil could create such a fun accessory. What you'll need:
What to do: 1. Cut a strand of yarn approximately 12cm long 2. Place your strand of yarn in between the fork prongs NOTE: My fork has four prongs (three gaps) so I popped it in the centre gap. If your fork has more prongs don't worry, simply place the yarn in one of the middle gaps and you can re-jig once your pompom is off the fork. 3. Grab the end of your ball of yarn and lay it over the fork. Whilst holding in place, begin to wrap the yarn around the fork. 4. Continue wrapping until you are happy with the size of your pompom. The more times you wrap the yarn around the fork the fuller and fluffier your pompom will be. NOTE: If you don't wrap the yarn enough times your pompom may appear gappy - this is ok though, if you're after a looser look. Play around with different thicknesses until you have your desired look. 5. Once you are happy with the size of your pompom, snip the thread attached to your ball of yarn and move that out of the way. Bring up the two ends of the original strand you placed over your fork at the beginning and tie the ends in a TIGHT knot. NOTE: It is important that you tie the yarn as tight as you can so that it sinches your wrapped yarn in as much as possible. If you leave the centre tie too loose then your pompom is at risk of falling apart easily. 6. Gently slide your pompom off the fork. 7. With a pair of sharp scissors cut the looped threads so they are spikey. Do this on both sides of the centre tie. Your pompom should now have filled out and is almost ready. 8. Roll the pompom around the palms of your hands to fluff it up - check for any loose threads. Begin to trim any stray threads that may be poking out. 9. Voila - Your pompom is now complete. 
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Granny Square Heart
Everyone loves a granny square pattern so you're going to love this cute granny heart pattern. Quick and simple to make and a fab stash buster project. I made these particular hearts for a workshop I am hosting with Nottingham WI on Valentines day so have them as samples at the moment but as soon as I have blasted through my to do list (...which is epic as always) I will be turning them into a garland for my girls room.
This pattern is worked in rounds using only one colour but can easily be adapted for a multi coloured design. Simply change colour on each round or on the last round only for a fun alternative. I personally love the block colour ones the best.
This pattern is worked in rounds using only one colour but can easily be adapted for a multi coloured design. Simply change colour on each round or on the last round only for a fun alternative. I personally love the block colour ones the best.
Materials and Equipment
- Yarn | This granny heart can be worked up in any yarn weight and fibre (I have used Stylecraft Classique Cotton)
- Hook | Use a crochet hook which corresponds with the yarn weight you have chosen. (I used a 4mm hook with DK yarn)
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations (UK)
- Ch: Chain
- Slst: Slip stitch
- Dc: Double crochet
- Htr: Half treble crochet
- Dtr: Doule treble crochet
- Sp: Space
- Beg: Beginning
- Nx: Next
Measurements
- Approx. 8cm x 7cm
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GRANNY HEART
Pattern Starts...
Ch 4, join with a slst to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as tr), work 2 tr into ring, *ch 2, 3 tr into ring, repeat from * 1 more time, ch 2, slst into top of beg ch 3, turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as tr), work 2 tr into ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch 2 sp *skip 3 tr, 3 tr into nx ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch 2 sp, repeat from * 1 more time, slst into top of beg ch 3, turn.
Rnd 3: Skip 3 tr, 8 dtr into ch 2 sp, tr into nx sp, htr into nx sp, dc into nx 4 sp, [dc, htr, ch 2, htr, dc] into ch 2 sp, dc into nx sp, htr into nx sp, tr into nx sp, 8 dtr into ch 2 sp, slst to close heart. Fasten off and sew in ends.
... Pattern ends.
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Tutorial Tuesday Crochet Poppy
Tutorial Tuesday is here again and this time I would like to share my very own version of a crochet poppy.
What does the poppy mean to you? For me it symbolises hope and remembrance. Whether you wear a poppy as a sign of remembrance or simply to decorate your clothing, wear it with pride, knowing that this wonderful little flower is incredibly resilient, has such strength and beauty.
Did you know?
"In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write a now famous poem called 'In Flanders Fields'. After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance. The first ever 'Poppy Appeal' in 1921 raised over £106,000; a considerable amount of money at the time."
To find out more about the story of the poppy head over to the Royal British Legion website here.
This is a FREE crochet pattern and is written in UK terminology. It is a simple pattern and would be suited to an advanced beginner. If you have a spare half hour and fancy getting creative then this could be just the project - its a great stash buster too!
What does the poppy mean to you? For me it symbolises hope and remembrance. Whether you wear a poppy as a sign of remembrance or simply to decorate your clothing, wear it with pride, knowing that this wonderful little flower is incredibly resilient, has such strength and beauty.
Did you know?
"In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write a now famous poem called 'In Flanders Fields'. After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance. The first ever 'Poppy Appeal' in 1921 raised over £106,000; a considerable amount of money at the time."
To find out more about the story of the poppy head over to the Royal British Legion website here.
This is a FREE crochet pattern and is written in UK terminology. It is a simple pattern and would be suited to an advanced beginner. If you have a spare half hour and fancy getting creative then this could be just the project - its a great stash buster too!
Materials
- Any scrap DK weight yarn in red and green. (This pattern can be worked up in any yarn type and weight.)
- Black button
- Brooch back
Equipment
- 4mm crochet hook (Or suitable hook size for your yarn)
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations (UK)
Ch: Chain
St(s): Stitch(s)
St: Space
Slst: Slip stitch
Rnd: Round
Rw: Row
Rep: Repeat
Dc: Double crochet
Htr: Half treble crochet
Tr: Treble crochet
Dtr: Double treble crochet
Trtr: Triple treble crochet
St(s): Stitch(s)
St: Space
Slst: Slip stitch
Rnd: Round
Rw: Row
Rep: Repeat
Dc: Double crochet
Htr: Half treble crochet
Tr: Treble crochet
Dtr: Double treble crochet
Trtr: Triple treble crochet
Measurements
Approx. 7cm x 7cm
POPPY | Pattern Starts...
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 5 dc into second ch from the hook. [5]
Rnd 2: Work 2 dc into each st around, join with a slst. [10]
Rnd 3: Work [dc, htr, htr] into first stitch and then continue working into each stitch round as follows; [tr, dtr, dtr] [dtr, dtr, dtr] [dtr, dtr, tr] [htr, htr, dc] [tr, dtr, dtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [dtr, dtr, tr, slst] [30]
Rnd 4: Dc in 15 st, slst into rw below, dc in nx 15 st, slst into rw below. [30] Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rnd 2: Work 2 dc into each st around, join with a slst. [10]
Rnd 3: Work [dc, htr, htr] into first stitch and then continue working into each stitch round as follows; [tr, dtr, dtr] [dtr, dtr, dtr] [dtr, dtr, tr] [htr, htr, dc] [tr, dtr, dtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [trtr, trtr, trtr] [dtr, dtr, tr, slst] [30]
Rnd 4: Dc in 15 st, slst into rw below, dc in nx 15 st, slst into rw below. [30] Fasten off and weave in ends.
LEAF
Ch 10, work the following down one side of the ch st.
Rnd 1: Work sts into each ch sp across as follows; dc, dc, tr, tr, dtr, tr, tr, dc, dc.
Rnd 2: Rep rnd 1 down the opposite side of your ch rw. Fasten off .
Sew your leaf onto the back of your poppy, add your button and brooch back and voila!
Rnd 1: Work sts into each ch sp across as follows; dc, dc, tr, tr, dtr, tr, tr, dc, dc.
Rnd 2: Rep rnd 1 down the opposite side of your ch rw. Fasten off .
Sew your leaf onto the back of your poppy, add your button and brooch back and voila!
...Pattern Ends.
Tutorial Tuesday Crochet Pumpkin
I am super excited to introduce you to Tutorial Tuesday and this cute little crochet pumpkin pattern. This is the first in my series of FREE crochet patterns, isn't it fab! I absolutely can not wait to share more patterns, how-to's and tutorials with you over the next few months. I aim to publish a new crochet tutorial once a month, to begin with, with the intention to increase this to once a week sometime in the new year. (Don't hold me to that, life gets in the way of my plans often, so knowing me that will be more like the Summer! We'll see!)
This is a FREE amigurumi crochet pattern and is written in UK terminology. It is a simple pattern and would be suited to an advanced beginner. It would make a great first amigurumi project as you will crochet in the round, increase and decrease, as well as join components.
This is a FREE amigurumi crochet pattern and is written in UK terminology. It is a simple pattern and would be suited to an advanced beginner. It would make a great first amigurumi project as you will crochet in the round, increase and decrease, as well as join components.
Materials
- Orange and Green yarn (I used Stylecraft Special DK in Jaffa and Meadow)
- Soft toy stuffing
Equipment
- A crochet hook suitable for the yarn you are using (I used a 2.5mm crochet hook as I like my stitches to be tight when I'm crocheting amigurumi)
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations (UK)
Rnd: Round
Sp: Space
Rep: Repeat
Slst: Slip stitch
St: Stitch
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double crochet
Dc2tog: Double crochet two together
Sp: Space
Rep: Repeat
Slst: Slip stitch
St: Stitch
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double crochet
Dc2tog: Double crochet two together
Measurements
Approx. | Height 6cm | Diameter 9cm |
Hints & Tips: At the end of each round add a marker. I usually use a length of scrap yarn in a contrasting colour and weave it across my working round.
PUMPKIN | Pattern Starts...
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 dc into second ch from the hook. [6]
Rnd 2: Work 2 dc into each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: 2 dc into first st, dc into next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next st, repeat from * around. [18]
Rnd 4: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 sts, rep from * around. [ 24]
Rnd 5: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 3 sts, rep from * around. [ 30]
Rnd 6: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 4 sts, rep from * around. [ 36]
Rnd 7: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 5 sts, rep from * around. [ 42]
Rnd 8: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 6 sts, rep from * around. [ 48]
Rnd9: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 7 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 7 sts, rep from * around. [54 ]
Rnd 10: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 8 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 8 sts, rep from * around. [ 60]
Sew up the middle then continue as follows:
Rnd 11-21: Dc into each st around. [60]
Add toy stuffing at this stage then continue crocheting as follows:
Rnd 22: *Dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts rep from * around. [54]
Rnd 23: *Dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts rep from * around. [48]
Rnd 24: *Dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts rep from * around. [42]
Rnd 25: *Dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts rep from * around. [36]
Rnd 26: *Dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts rep from * around. [30]
Add more toy stuffing at this stage and continually until the pumpkin is complete, working rounds as follows:
Rnd 27: *Dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts rep from * around. [24]
Rnd 28: *Dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts rep from * around. [18]
Rnd 29: *Dc2tog, dc in next st rep from * around. [12]
Rnd 30: *Dc2tog, rep from * around. [6]
Rnd 31: *Dc2tog, rep from * around. Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 35cm long.
To create the pumpkin shape work as follows:
Using a darning needle and the tail end of your orange yarn stitch through the centre of the pumpkin, wrap the yarn around the side and pull back through the centre. Give a gentle tug to make a slight indent. Repeat this five more times to create evenly spaced indents around the pumpkin. If desired, you can go around again, working over the same yarn indents until you get the result you want.
Rnd 2: Work 2 dc into each st around. [12]
Rnd 3: 2 dc into first st, dc into next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next st, repeat from * around. [18]
Rnd 4: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 sts, rep from * around. [ 24]
Rnd 5: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 3 sts, rep from * around. [ 30]
Rnd 6: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 4 sts, rep from * around. [ 36]
Rnd 7: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 5 sts, rep from * around. [ 42]
Rnd 8: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 6 sts, rep from * around. [ 48]
Rnd9: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 7 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 7 sts, rep from * around. [54 ]
Rnd 10: 2 dc into first st, dc into next 8 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 8 sts, rep from * around. [ 60]
Sew up the middle then continue as follows:
Rnd 11-21: Dc into each st around. [60]
Add toy stuffing at this stage then continue crocheting as follows:
Rnd 22: *Dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts rep from * around. [54]
Rnd 23: *Dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts rep from * around. [48]
Rnd 24: *Dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts rep from * around. [42]
Rnd 25: *Dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts rep from * around. [36]
Rnd 26: *Dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts rep from * around. [30]
Add more toy stuffing at this stage and continually until the pumpkin is complete, working rounds as follows:
Rnd 27: *Dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts rep from * around. [24]
Rnd 28: *Dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts rep from * around. [18]
Rnd 29: *Dc2tog, dc in next st rep from * around. [12]
Rnd 30: *Dc2tog, rep from * around. [6]
Rnd 31: *Dc2tog, rep from * around. Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 35cm long.
To create the pumpkin shape work as follows:
Using a darning needle and the tail end of your orange yarn stitch through the centre of the pumpkin, wrap the yarn around the side and pull back through the centre. Give a gentle tug to make a slight indent. Repeat this five more times to create evenly spaced indents around the pumpkin. If desired, you can go around again, working over the same yarn indents until you get the result you want.
STEM
Using green work in continuous rounds as follows:
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 dc into second ch from the hook. [6]
Rnd 2-5: Dc into each st around. [6]
Rnd 6: Work 2 dc into each st around. [12]
Rnd 7: 2 dc into first st, dc into next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next st, repeat from * around. [18]
Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 20cm long. Sew onto top of pumpkin.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 dc into second ch from the hook. [6]
Rnd 2-5: Dc into each st around. [6]
Rnd 6: Work 2 dc into each st around. [12]
Rnd 7: 2 dc into first st, dc into next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next st, repeat from * around. [18]
Fasten off leaving a yarn tail about 20cm long. Sew onto top of pumpkin.
...Pattern Ends
Why not super size your crochet pumpkin!
Fancy making a huge crochet pumpkin? Double each stage to double the size of your pumpkin. Similarly if you want to make a mini pumpkin, simply decrease the amount of each section. Using different yarn weights and types will also give you varying sized pumpkins, so have a play and create a cute array of pumpkins ready for your Halloween celebrations. Don't forget to tag me in your pictures on social media so I can check out your fabulous makes, use hashtag #apriltowriesspatterns. Happy crocheting folks!
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