• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sheep and Stitch

Knitted goodness made by you

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Patterns
  • How To Knit
  • Knitting Library
  • Blog

Knitting Library  >  Techniques

3 Surprising Ways to Get Super Fuzzy Pom Poms

Published on January 13, 2019 By Davina | May contain affiliate links (whats this?)

I’ve mentioned in a previous post (How to Make Perfect Pom Poms) that I think fuzzy pom poms are the best pom poms. And I stand by that. The best way to get a super fuzzy pom is by using a single-ply yarn.

But what if you only have multi-ply yarn? No problemo. These three hacks will make your fuzzy pom dreams come true!

Fuzzy Pom Pom Hack #1: Use a Dryer

Soak your pom poms in lukewarm water for about twenty minutes.

fuzzy pom poms
Soak pom poms in warm water for about 20 minutes

Then, put them into a mesh laundry bag (the bag is important!) and throw it in the dryer. Set the dryer on the “hot” setting and let it go for about 20-30 minutes.

The best time to try this is when you’re doing a load of laundry. Save on your electric bill, guys!

how to fuzzy pom poms
After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water and place the poms in a mesh laundry bag

Heating and agitating the poms in the dryer slowly unravels and loosens the plies of yarn, thereby fuzzing out the pom poms.

how to fuzzy pom poms

Pros of this hack:

  • requires little effort
  • as with laundry, you set it and forget it

Cons of this hack:

  • requires a mesh bag, which not everyone has
  • possibility that the dryer will fade the color of the poms if they’re made with hand-dyed yarns

Fuzzy Pom Pom Hack #2: Use a Pet Hair Brush

In the spirit of using weird tools (see: tinfoil), this next option involves using a pet hair brush with wire bristles. Yep, it’s oddly specific.

Wire bristles are best for teasing out the plies from the yarn. If we’ve learned anything from Option 1, the key to fuzz is undoing the yarn plies so it resembles a large single-ply of yarn.

how to fuzzy pom poms

I happen to have two dogs, so I am the proud owner of a wire bristled dog brush. (The one I’m using is from Amazon.) Getting the fuzz is pretty straightforward.

Pretend your pom pom is a small dog. Let’s say, a Pomeranian (ha). Proceed to gently brush your pom all over, being careful not to manhandle it.

how to fuzzy pom poms

One trick I like is pushing the brush paddle into the pom and then moving it around in a circle motion for extra teasing. (A real dog Pomeranian would not enjoy this).

The key is to brush the top of the pom without ripping out the yarn strands. Once the yarn ends on the pom are nicely teased and you have a fully fuzzy pom, then you’re done. Et voila!

how to fuzzy pom poms

Pros of this hack:

  • can control the level of fuzziness
  • immediate results

Cons of this hack:

  • requires a specialised tool
  • takes time to create the fuzz

Fuzzy Pom Pom Hack #3: Steam and Thrash

In addition to being a cool name for a punk rock band, the steam and thrash method involves steaming the pom and then thrashing it around in a bag until it fluffs.

I found this hack in a very old online forum for knitters, but I was intrigued.

Start by filling a pot with about an inch of water. Then, lightly splash the pom poms with water. If you have a spray bottle, you can use that instead.

how to make fuzzy pom poms

Place the poms in a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot, turn the heat down to a simmer and let it go for about 10 minutes.

Once the time’s up, throw the poms into a plastic bag and whack it against the counter, the floor, the walls, or wherever you please!

how to make fuzzy pom poms

Whack the poms around for a couple minutes. Blasting the Clash or Bikini Kill is optional, but certainly helps!

After thrashing, your pom poms will look a little bedraggled. Let them dry completely. The final result will be similar to hack one (the dryer method).

how to make fuzzy pom poms

Pros of this hack:

  • uses common household objects (sort of)

Cons of this hack:

  • thrashing requires some physical effort
  • not everyone owns a steamer
  • requires the poms to dry fully before you can see the final result

So, Which is the Best Hack?

The good news is that all three methods result in fuzzy pom poms!

Both the dryer method and the steam & thrash method work in similar ways by steaming the poms and then thrashing them about (in the dryer and the bag, respectively).

The hair brush method is excellent if you’re looking for precision, but it can be a bit tedious.

Ultimately, I endorse all three hacks. I would personally use the dryer method if I had multiple poms to fuzz. However, if I’ve just got one pom pom, I would go the hair brush route and give that pom the best fuzzing of its life!

After reading this post, which hack are you likely to use?

3 pom poms

Pin
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Tweet

Category: Techniques / Subcategory: Decorative, Subcategory: Hacks

You May Also Like:

lifelines in knittingHow to Use Lifelines in Knitting (and Why You Need Them!)9 Quick and Easy Knit Gift Ideas and Patternshow to make a pom pomHow to Make a Pom Pom

Reader Interactions

Comment 1

  1. Una Hendry says

    August 11, 2020 at 6:55 am

    I have been knitting for about 65 years and didn’t know the pom-poms tip for soaking in water. I came to your website for instructions for my granddaughter who is on the other side of the world. Your instructions are the best I’ve found to teach a beginner.

    Thank you

    Una

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

  • 3 beginner knitting mistakes 3 Beginner Knitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • how to knit a scarf for beginners How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners
  • egyptian knitting The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins

Categories

Footer

Navigate

  • About
  • How To Knit
  • Patterns
  • Blog

Support

  • Privacy and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Technical Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

Pom pom pens make great last-minute gifts! If you’ve got scrap yarn and a glue gun, you can make these pens! They turn writing into a fun and playfulness exercise ✨ I’m gifting these pens to my nieces this holiday season. I think they’ll love it!  For more last-minute knit and yarn-related gift ideas check out the link in my profile!  #lastminutegifts #furrypen #diyfurrypen #diyfuzzypen #pompom #pompoms #knitgifts #knittedgifts #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens #knitting #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlovers #knitgift #giftideas #giftidea
This double stockinette stitch headband is super c This double stockinette stitch headband is super cosy and easy to knit!  🤓 Instructions:  Cast on an even number of stitches. (I cast on 36 sts for mine. Cast on more or less depending on the yarn you use and the width you’d like).  Row 1: *k1, slip 1 with yarn in front, then bring yarn to the back; repeat from * to end of row  Repeat Row 1 until headband fits around your head snugly.  Cast off in pattern  Seam together as shown in the video.  Weave in ends and wear with confidence!  To watch the full pattern tutorial, head to my YouTube channel and search for “Twisted Headbands” or go to this link: https://bit.ly/3DLiMWc  Yarn: @malabrigoyarn silky merino in color Mares 196
Needles: 4mm needles
Supplies from @lovecraftscom 
#knittingpattern #knitting #knitstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #freeknittingpattern #beginnerknitter
Let’s make a bobble! 🫧 In this demo I’m m Let’s make a bobble! 🫧  In this demo I’m making a 5-stitch bobble. But you can make a bobble of any size! Just knit into the stitch more or less times to make the bobble bigger or smaller.  🤓 Instructions:  Knit into front and back, front and back, and front of the stitch. 5 sts made.  Turn work to wrong side. Purl the 5 sts.  Turn work to right side. Sl2 sts knitwise, K1, pass 2 slipped sts over first stitch. Sl1 knitwise, K1, pass last 2 sts over remaining stitch. 1 stitch remains  To watch a detailed bobble demo, watch the baby bobble blanket tutorial in the link in the description. Happy knitting!  #bobble #bobbleknitting #knittersgonnaknit #knittinginspiration #knittingtutorial #bobblestitch #bobbles #showtimeknit #knittersofinstagram
The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is to snuggle into ☺️  Sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults 👶 👧 👵  Grab the free pattern in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  #knittingpattern #knittersgonnaknit #babyknits #babyknitting #babyknit #babyblanket #knittingtherapy #knitstagram
⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket ⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket is a beginner-friendly pattern for the tiny tot in your life!  Studded with big bobbles, it’s a delight to hold, snuggle and fall asleep with 😴  This pattern is sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults. Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  Yarn: 8 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Baby Pink from @lovecraftscom  #knitting #knittingpattern #knitstagram #babyblanket #babyknits #fallknits #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #knitaddict #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration #handknit #handknits #babyknitting #babyknittingpatterns #bobblestitch #knitblanket
The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-frien The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-friendly 🍃 It’s a unique knit that’s perfect for all your grocery-toting needs!  I loved knitting this lacy dude. It’s so fun and satisfying, and it comes together very quickly because of the expansive lace 🕸  Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the link in the profile!  #knitting #marketbag #knitbag #knit #knittersgonnaknit #knitstagram #knitting #knitting_inspiration #knittinginspiration #knittingpattern #knittingpatterns

Search The Site

Stay in Touch

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

2023 Copyright © Sheep and Stitch Limited

Pin
Share
Tweet