Creating Wedding Car Pom Poms: Plastic Crafts For The Big Day

There are many ways to make plastic pom-poms for a wedding car. One way is to use tulle netting, cardboard scraps, scissors, yarn, and/or lace. First, cut a strip of tulle netting for each pom-pom, then wrap the strip around a piece of cardboard. Remove the cardboard, tie the wrapped tulle with yarn, and cut through the folded tulle. Finally, fluff the tulle into a pom-pom. Another way to make pom-poms is with a pom-pom maker, which is a plastic tool that helps you make pom-poms in a uniform way.

Using tulle netting to make pom-poms

Tulle netting is a lightweight, fine, and soft fabric that is commonly used in dresses and long gowns to add volume and layering. It is ideal for making wedding car pom-poms due to its elegant and sophisticated look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make wedding car pom-poms using tulle netting:

Step 1: Cut the Tulle into Strips

If you are using thin tulle netting, around 3 inches in width, you may not need to cut it further. However, if you are using wider pieces of tulle, cut it into strips. Start by snipping approximately 1-2 inches into the fabric from the bottom left corner. Continue cutting the same measurement from the left side to create a strip. When you reach a corner, do not cut it off. Instead, pull the fabric around so that the top side is now on the left, and cut around the corner. Wrap the strip of tulle into a ball as you cut.

Step 2: Prepare the Tulle for Wrapping

If you have purchased tulle netting in thin strips, you can skip this step. Otherwise, follow the cutting directions in Step 1 to create one long continuous strip of netting, which you can then wrap like a ball of yarn.

Step 3: Start Wrapping the Tulle

Take your ball of tulle netting and start wrapping it around a pom-pom maker. You can use a device like the Clover pom-pom maker, which has 'arms' that you can pull out to begin wrapping the tulle around. Start at one end of the 'arm' and work towards the other end. Remember that you don't need to wrap a lot of tulle around, as it is stiffer and will hold its shape better than yarn.

Step 4: Continue Wrapping the Tulle

Once you have covered one 'arm' section of the pom-pom maker, push it back down and pull out the other pair of 'arms'. Slide the strip of tulle through the middle section between the left (wrapped) and right (unwrapped) pairs of 'arms'. Continue wrapping the tulle around the second arm, aiming for the same thickness as the previous pair for an even look.

Step 5: Close the Pom-Pom Maker and Cut the Tulle

When you have finished wrapping, push down the pair of 'arms' towards the middle to close the maker. Use a small, sharp pair of scissors to cut around the middle of the pom-pom maker. Cut all the way around, separating the wrapped tulle from the rest of the strip.

Step 6: Tie the Centre of the Pom-Pom

Before opening the pom-pom maker, tie the centre of the wrapped tulle tightly with yarn or thin twine. Make a double knot to secure it.

Step 7: Open the Pom-Pom Maker and Release the Pom-Pom

Open the 'arms' of the pom-pom maker and use each hand to grasp the left and right sides of the pom-pom. Pull the maker apart to reveal your handmade pom-pom.

Step 8: Trim and Shape the Pom-Pom

You can trim the pom-pom to your desired shape, but it is recommended to keep it natural and not trim too much. Now you have a tulle pom-pom, and you can repeat these steps to create more for your wedding car decoration!

You can also make tulle pom-poms using cardboard instead of a pom-pom maker. Cut a strip of tulle netting for each pom-pom, and wrap it multiple times around a piece of cardboard. Remove the cardboard, cinch the tulle in the middle with yarn, and tie a tight knot. Cut through all the layers of tulle, and fluff the layers into a full pom-pom. Repeat these steps for as many pom-poms as you need, alternating colours and sizes for a festive look.

How to attach pom-poms to the car

Now that you've made your pom-poms, it's time to attach them to the car. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Car

Pop the hood of the car open and plan out how you want to anchor the decorations. In this case, you'll be creating a "V" shape with lace or string.

Step 2: Create the "V"

Thread a piece of lace or string through the grill of the car. You can also use tape to secure one end of the lace/string to the underside of the hood if needed. Just be sure not to put tape on any painted surfaces, as it can damage the paint when removed.

Step 3: Secure the "V"

Take the other end of the lace/string and bring it back to the underside of the hood, creating a "V" shape. Look for symmetrical points where you can tie off the lace/string. If you can't find any, use tape to secure the "V" to the underside of the hood, being careful to avoid any painted areas.

Step 4: Attach the Pom-Poms

Now it's time to attach your pom-poms to the "V". Use the yarn ends to tie them securely in place. Mix and match colours and sizes as desired. Be careful not to obstruct any scoops or vents in the hood for safety reasons.

Step 5: Final Touches

Complete the project by trimming any loose yarn ends from each pom-pom. Stand back and admire your handiwork! Your wedding car is now beautifully decorated and ready for the big day.

Remember, when decorating a car, always be mindful of the driveability and never interfere with any essential car functions. Congratulations, and happy celebrations!

Using yarn to make pom-poms

Step 1: Prepare the Cardboard Template

Firstly, cut a strip of cardboard, approximately 4 x 7 inches, from any cardboard box you have. You can adjust the measurements based on the desired size of your pom-pom. Next, use regular scissors to cut a slit in the middle of one of the short edges of the cardboard, going about two-thirds of the way across. Make another parallel cut about half an inch away, and then cut off this thin strip of cardboard.

Step 2: Wrap the Yarn

Take your chosen yarn and start wrapping it around the cardboard rectangle. It is recommended to start wrapping at least half an inch away from the slit in the middle, leaving a gap for tying the yarn later. For a single-colour pom-pom, wrap the yarn around the cardboard approximately 140 times. If you want a multicoloured pom-pom, wrap one colour about 50 times, then add a second colour and wrap it about 90 times in total.

Step 3: Secure the Yarn

Cut a piece of yarn, about 10 inches long, and slide it through the gap in the cardboard. Tie the yarn tightly around the bundle of wrapped yarn and secure it with a double knot.

Step 4: Cut and Shape the Pom-Pom

Slide the yarn bundle off the cardboard and use sharp fabric scissors to cut through the loops of yarn. This will create a rough pom-pom shape. To finish the pom-pom, give it a "haircut" by trimming and shaping it down to an even, round ball. Spend time on this step to ensure your pom-pom looks neat and full.

Step 5: Reinforce the Pom-Pom (Optional)

If you plan to use your pom-pom on clothing or items that will be handled frequently, you can reinforce it by stitching it with a needle and yarn. Thread a long piece of yarn through the eye of the needle and push the needle back through the pom-pom, close to the original tie. Pull the needle out the other side, catching the tie and as many yarn pieces as possible to secure them together. Repeat this process, alternating directions, until the pom-pom feels secure.

Step 6: Attach the Pom-Pom

Depending on how you plan to use your pom-pom, you can leave the long yarn ties or trim them. Use these ties to attach your pom-pom to the wedding car or any other craft project.

Making yarn pom-poms is a versatile and creative process that can be adapted to your needs. You can also use other methods, such as a pom-pom maker or even your hand, to create pom-poms of different sizes and fullness.

Using a pom-pom maker

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials. You will need a pom-pom maker, yarn in your desired colour(s), and a sharp pair of scissors.

Step 2: Open the Pom-Pom Maker

Open the pom-pom maker by separating the two semi-circle arms on each side. Align the arms together, so they are ready for the yarn.

Step 3: Wrap the Yarn

Take your chosen yarn and start wrapping it around two of the semi-circle arms. Continue wrapping back and forth until the entire area is covered. You can use a single colour or switch colours to create a multi-coloured pom-pom.

Step 4: Close and Repeat

Once the first side is fully wrapped, close the semi-circle arms and push them back into the pom-pom maker. Repeat this process on the other side, ensuring you wrap the yarn in the same way and to the same thickness.

Step 5: Cut the Yarn

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut the yarn along the groove between the two sides of the pom-pom maker. Cut through all the layers of yarn until you free all the loops.

Step 6: Tie the Centre

Cut a piece of yarn, approximately 10 inches (25 cm) long. Place this piece of yarn in the groove between the two sides of the pom-pom maker. Tie it tightly and knot it several times to secure the centre of your pom-pom.

Step 7: Open and Remove

Carefully open the semi-circle arms of the pom-pom maker and gently pull the two sides apart. Your pom-pom should now be released from the maker.

Step 8: Trim and Shape

Give your pom-pom a "haircut" by trimming and shaping it into a round ball. Roll it gently between your hands to spread out the strands, then use your scissors to trim any uneven pieces. Keep turning the pom-pom and cutting off any stray bits until it looks nice and round.

And there you have it! A beautiful, fluffy pom-pom created with a pom-pom maker. Repeat these steps to make as many pom-poms as you need for your wedding car decorations.

Trimming pom-poms into shape

Firstly, it is important to note that trimming should be the last step in the pom-pom making process. After you have wrapped your chosen material around the cardboard, secured it with yarn, and cut through the layers, you can then begin to trim. This process is the same whether you are using tulle netting or yarn to make your pom-poms.

When trimming, the goal is to create a uniform ball shape. To achieve this, you will need a sharp pair of scissors. Begin by carefully snipping any long or uneven strands that may be protruding from the pom-pom. Take your time with this step, as it is important to ensure that all sides of the pom-pom are even. Hold the pom-pom in your hand and rotate it as you trim, checking for any stray strands.

For a more precise trim, you can try the "layering method". This involves trimming the pom-pom in layers, starting from the outside and working your way in. First, cut through the outermost layer of loops, then move on to the middle layer, and finally, the innermost layer. This technique is especially useful if you are working with thick or dense material, as it makes the trimming process more manageable and ensures a neat finish.

Once you have trimmed all the pom-poms, you can then attach them to your chosen anchor on the car, such as a piece of lace or yarn, to create a beautiful and festive decoration for the wedding car.

Frequently asked questions