Christmas in July: Create Joy with Fabric Pom Poms

Welcome to our Christmas in July series!

All this week we're sharing projects, tutorials, and fresh inspiration to get your festive handmaking started early, because the best gifts are the ones you actually had time to make. Kicking things off on 1 July: fabric pom poms.

There's something wonderfully satisfying about transforming the smallest fabric offcuts into cheerful, textured pom poms.

Whether you're using treasured Liberty scraps, colourful cotton block prints, or the last pieces from a favourite sewing project, fabric pom poms are a beautiful way to reduce waste while adding personality to your handmade creations.

What do you need to make fabric pom poms?

The supply list is gloriously short:

• Fabric strips: cut to 1/4" to 1/2" wide (any length works). any light cotton or linen is suitable.
• A Clover Pom Pom Maker in your preferred size.
• A pair of sharp scissors.
• A length of strong thread to tie the centre

Featured tool

Clover Pom Pom Maker

The classic tool for making perfectly round, consistent pom poms from fabric strips, yarn, or thread. Available in multiple sizes

How do you make fabric pom poms step by step?

Follow along with our instructional video tutorial below, then refer to the steps as you go.

1. Cut your strips. Slice your fabric offcuts into strips roughly 1/4" to 1/2" wide. There's no need to be perfectly precise; slight variation adds to the texture.
2. Wind the pom pom maker. Open one arm of the Clover Pom Pom Maker and wind your fabric strips around it until it's nicely full. Repeat on the other arm. The more you wind, the denser and fluffier the finished pom pom.
3. Cut along the groove. Close the arms together, then slide your scissors along the centre groove to cut all the strips.
4. Tie the centre. Slide a length of strong thread between the two arms and tie it tightly around the middle. Double knot for security.
5. Open and fluff. Release the pom pom maker and gently fluff and trim your pom pom into shape.Wind, cut, tie, fluff. The whole process takes just minutes. can you make with fabric pom poms?

Here are some favourite uses, and yes, several of them are very on theme for Christmas in July:

• Garlands. String a line of pom poms in complementary prints across a mantle, a window, or a nursery wall for instant festive charm.
• Gift embellishments. Swap the ribbon on your next wrapped gift for a fabric pom pom. It's the detail people remember.
• Zipper pulls. Sew or tie a pom pom to the zipper of a pouch, bag, or jacket for a cute, tactile finish that makes a great talking point.
• Embellishments on handmade items. Hats, cushions, keyrings, bookmarks, wreath picks. If it needs a little something extra, a pom pom is usually the answer.

Tips for getting the best results

• Mix your fabrics. Combining a woven cotton with a fine linen or even a touch of velvet gives the finished pom pom wonderful depth and texture.
• Don't be too uniform with your strip widths. Keeping some variation makes the pom pom look more lush and handcrafted.
• Wind more than you think you need. A generously wound pom pom is always more impressive than a sparse one.
• Use strong thread for the tie. Button thread, waxed thread, or even dental floss will hold the centre more securely than regular sewing thread.
• Trim after fluffing. Give the pom pom a light haircut once it's fluffed to even out any long stragglers and sharpen the shape.
• Gather a variety of 1/4" to 1/2" strips, follow the video, and start turning your fabric offcuts into something joyful. 

Frequently asked questions

What fabrics work best for making fabric pom poms?

Woven cottons, Liberty prints, linen, and cotton block prints all work brilliantly. The key is cutting strips narrow enough (1/4" to 1/2") so they wrap smoothly around the pom pom maker. Avoid very thick or stiff fabrics, which can be hard to wind and may not fluff well.

What size Clover Pom Pom Maker should I use?

Our Clover Pom Pom Maker comes in two sizes, 35mm and 45mm. (both included in the pack). Smaller sizes are great for zipper pulls and gift trims; the medium size suit garlands and cushion embellishments. A medium size is the most versatile starting point if you're new to it.

Do fabric pom poms fray over time?

Some fraying is part of the charm and actually adds to the soft, textured look. If you prefer a neater finish, use a fabric that frays less (like a tightly woven quilting cotton), or give the finished pom pom a light trim to neaten the edges.

How long does it take to make a fabric pom pom?

Once you have the knack, each pom pom takes around 5 to 10 minutes from cutting strips to finished, fluffy ball. It's an ideal project to do while watching TV or listening to a podcast, which is probably why it becomes addictive so quickly.