How to make pom pom ribbons for Christmas gifts
I don't exactly have a great track record for doing things the traditional way and Christmas is no exception. My tree? Has no red or green on it. My stockings? No red or green. My string christmas lights? They're pink. And my wrapping paper typically follows suit.
This year I'm obsessed with pom poms. Now if I didn't have self restraint, I would have pom pom'd everything I own by now. But one place that's totally acceptable to pom pom the shit out of? Christmas gifts. It's my Christmas wrapping theme this year. Big poms. Little poms. Double poms. I'm an equal opportunity pom employer.
Here's what you'll need:
Gift wrap
Yarn
Scissors
Scotch tape
Cardboard that's one and a half inches wide
You really can start with any kind of wrapping paper you like. I wanted the pom to be the star of this show, so I selected a postal paper type of gift wrap. It may look plain jane at first but don't worry — it's not gonna stay that way.
And before we begin, the real first step is wrapping your gift. But I didn't include it because it doesn't pertain to the pom.
Step 1. Grab your yarn and wrap it around your gift wrapped gift three times. You'll want the knot to be at the top of the package, so plan accordingly. Cut the end of your yarn once you've wrapped it around and knot the ends like the picture below demonstrates.
Step 2. Wrap your yarn around the piece of cardboard. I didn't have any cardboard handy so I cut a piece of an Amazon shipping envelope out and rolled with that. I wrapped my yarn around this about 90 times. Generally the more you wrap, the fluffier the pom will be. Also, make sure not to wrap the yarn too tight...
Step 3. ...Because you gonna need to shove your fingers up in there with an extra 6 inch piece of yarn to tie the side of it up. If you can't fit your fingers underneath all that, you can guide your 6 inch piece of yarn through with an embroidery needle if you have that handy. Be sure to tie this tight and double knot it.
Step 4. Then grab your scissors and cut the opposite end of the yarn from where you tied it. Try to cut in as straight of a line as you can. That will ensure your pom isn't lopsided and sad.
Step 5. Admire the pom you just birthed into this world. Maybe give it a name.
Step 6. Make sure your cat approves of your pom. Chuck approves.
Step 7. Attach your pom to the ends of the yarn on your package and place under your tree.
Side note: I know I only used pink for this example but don't be afraid to mix and match colors. You can make a two tone pom by wrapping two kinds of yarn around your cardboard piece. You can make two poms and wrap them less to make them smaller. It's really pie in the sky when it comes to the wonderful world of pom pom making.