Pom poms (also spelled “pom pons” in the cheer world) are one of the most recognizable pieces of cheer gear. They add color, movement and sparkle to routines, make motions easier for the crowd to see, and help squads look sharp and in sync.
Competition-quality poms can be pricey, and you don’t always need them. Homemade poms are perfect for youth squads, practice, spirit days, parades, parties and costumes. They’re quick to make, and you can match them to any team colors.
Choose Your Material
The material you pick decides how your poms look and how long they last.
Plastic tablecloths
Inexpensive plastic party tablecloths are the best all-round choice. They come in lots of colors, cut easily into strips and hold up well to shaking.
Metallic gift wrap or foil sheets
For a shiny, competition-style look, use metallic plastic wrap or foil-style party material. It’s a bit more delicate but looks great. Mix it with a solid color for a classic two-tone pom.
Plastic bags
Clean, thin plastic shopping bags or colored trash bags work in a pinch and are a good way to reuse materials. They’re less sturdy and come in fewer colors.
Crepe paper streamers
Paper streamers are cheap and easy for young children to use, but they tear and fall apart if they get wet. They’re best for one-time events.
What You’ll Need
- Your chosen material (two or three colors if you want a mixed look)
- Sharp scissors
- A ruler or tape measure
- A piece of stiff cardboard, about 12 inches long
- Duct tape or strong electrical tape
- Optional: a short piece of wooden dowel, a cardboard tube or a large craft stick for a handle
- Optional: string, zip ties or strong rubber bands
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Decide on the size
Most homemade poms use strips about 12 to 15 inches long. Shorter strips make small, bouncy poms for little ones. Longer strips give a fuller, more dramatic look.
2. Cut your strips
Lay your tablecloth or wrap flat and fold it over on itself several times so it’s about as wide as you want your strips to be long. Cut across the folded material to make sheets the length you want.
Then cut each folded sheet into thin strips, about a quarter to half an inch wide. Thinner strips make fluffier poms but take longer to cut. Leave about an inch uncut at one end if you want the strips to stay attached in a “fringe,” which makes assembly easier.
3. Stack the strips
Pile your strips or fringed sheets on top of each other, alternating colors if you’re mixing them. For a full pom, aim for a thick bundle. A typical pom uses dozens of strips, so don’t skimp.
4. Gather the middle
Find the center point of your stack and pinch or fold the strips together there, so you have the same length on both sides. Wrap the middle tightly with a zip tie, string or rubber band.
5. Make the handle
Choose one of these handle styles:
- Simple tape handle: fold the bundle in half at the tied point so all the strips point the same way. Wrap duct tape tightly around the folded end to form a solid grip, about 3 to 4 inches long.
- Dowel handle: place a short dowel or craft stick in the middle of the bundle before folding, then fold the strips over it and tape around the base tightly.
- Loop handle: before taping, fold a strip of duct tape into a loop and tape it to the base. This creates a hand loop like on many store-bought poms.
6. Fluff and trim
Shake the pom hard to separate the strips, then run your fingers through it to fluff it up. Trim any uneven strips with scissors so the pom has a neat, rounded shape.
7. Make the second pom
Repeat the steps to make a matching pair, then test them out with some motions.
Tips for Better Poms
For fuller poms
Use more strips than you think you need, and cut them thinner. You can also add a second bundle and tape both together at the handle.
For a pro look
Use two colors in a ratio of about two-thirds main color to one-third accent color, or add a layer of metallic strips on top of a solid color.
For durability
Wrap the handle with several layers of tape and press firmly so nothing slips out. Plastic tablecloth poms will last a whole season of practice if stored properly.
For storage
Store poms upright in a bag or box, or hang them by the handle, so the strips don’t crush. Shake them out before each use.
Making Poms With Kids
Making pom poms is a great activity for youth cheer squads, birthday parties or school spirit events.
- Pre-cut strips for young children and let them do the stacking, tying and taping.
- Use child-safe scissors for older kids who are doing their own cutting.
- Supervise closely with plastic material and keep it away from very young children, since plastic can be a suffocation hazard.
- Let each child pick their own color combination for a personal touch.
Using Your Poms
Once your poms are ready, try some basic cheer motions:
- High V: both arms up and out in a V shape, poms at the top.
- Low V: both arms down and out in an upside-down V.
- T motion: both arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Touchdown: both arms straight up, close together.
- Punch: one arm straight up, the other on your hip.
Keep wrists firm and motions sharp, and the poms will do the rest.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pom poms are cheap, quick and fun to make, and they let you show your team colors anywhere. Gather some plastic tablecloths, a pair of scissors and some duct tape, and you can make a full set for your squad in an afternoon.