How to Make Your Own Pom Pom Rug: A Colorful and Cozy DIY Project

Amanda C, Hometalk Team
by Amanda C, Hometalk Team
5 Materials
$60
2 Hours
Easy

Picking the perfect rug is a challenge, but making your own? Now that’s a creative adventure!


This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to craft a colorful, fluffy pom pom rug that can be customized to fit your space and style.


With just a few materials, a bit of yarn, and some patience, you’ll have a cozy rug in no time.

Tools and Materials:


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Create a fun and fluffy pom pom rug with this easy DIY tutorial

1. Prepare Your Rug Mat

Cut your rug mat to the desired size and shape. Popular options include rectangles, circles, or even creative hexagons!

Create custom, fluffy pom poms by wrapping yarn around two toilet paper rolls

2. Make Your Own Pom Poms

If you’re planning to make your own pom-poms for the rug, follow the next 10 steps in this guide to ensure they turn out perfect.


However, if you’re using pre-made pom-poms, feel free to skip ahead to step 11 where you’ll learn how to attach them to the rug mat.


To craft your own large, fluffy pom-poms—a great way to customize your DIY pom pom rug with unique colors and textures—start by grabbing two toilet paper rolls.


Hold them together and wrap yarn around the rolls multiple times.


Depending on the thickness of your yarn and how full you want your pom-poms, aim for 16 to 40 wraps.


For extra fluffy results, use chunky yarn or layer multiple colors!

How to make a pom-pom rug

3. Cut the String

Once you have a nice mound of yarn on the rolls cut the rest of the skein or ball loose.

how to tie yarn for pom poms in DIY rug

4. Cut a New Piece of Yarn for Your Pom- Poms

Cut a random strand of yarn, separate from the roll you just wrapped, to about 7-10 inches in length.


This piece will be used to tie the pom-pom together securely. (Tip: Use yarn in contrasting colors for added texture!)

Pom-pom crafting

5. Place the Yarn Between the Rolls to Secure the Pom-Pom

Take your yarn strand and feed it between the two rolls of toilet paper, then wrap it tightly around the bundle of yarn.


This will help secure the yarn in place as you begin forming the pom-pom shape.

DIY rug making project

6. Tie it together

Tie the yarn on one side, but avoid creating a full knot just yet.


Wrap the yarn between the two toilet paper rolls again, then tie it in place but again hold off on creating a knot.

Cutting yarn for pom poms

7. Cut the Loop to Form Your Pom Pom

Slide one of the toilet paper rolls out from the yarn, then carefully cut down the center of the loop that remains.

Tie a tight knot to secure the pom-pom

8. Secure the Pom-Pom with a Tight Knot

Remove the second toilet paper roll from the other side of the pom-pom and tie the strand wrapped around the center into a tight knot.


This will secure the pom pom and prevent the yarn from unraveling.

Cut the remaining loop to fully shape your pom pom

9. Cut the Other Loop to Shape the Pom-Pom

Cut through the looped side of the pom pom down the center, just like you did with the first side.


This step helps complete the pom-pom shape, giving it a full, fluffy appearance.

Rug making tutorial

10. Trim and Shape the Pom-Pom for a Neat Finish

Trim the pom pom so all the yarn strands are even and consistent. Be sure to leave the tail on—this will serve as the anchor to tie the pom pom to the rug mat.


Proper trimming ensures a clean, professional look for your DIY rug.

attaching pre-made pom-poms to a rug mat

11. Tie On Your Pom Poms for a Custom DIY Rug

For those using pre-made pom poms, now’s the fun part! Grab your pre-cut rug mat and arrange the pom poms to ensure you have enough to cover the mat and that they’re positioned as you like.


One by one, use the yarn tail to feed through the rug mat grids and tie the pom poms securely in place.


Be sure to tie a tight knot to keep them from shifting. Continue tying until the entire rug mat is covered, making sure the back looks as neat as the front!


The back should look like the picture on the right.

Handmade rug

Make sure there are no empty spaces and that the pom poms are arranged exactly how you want them!


Love DIY rug projects?

If you’re into creative rug ideas, see how Rit Dye can turn an ordinary rug into a work of art with this fun project!

Home decor DIY

Create a Fun, Fluffy Pom Pom Rug: Simple DIY Tutorial

And there you have it – a fluffy, fun, and totally customizable pom-pom rug that’s sure to add some personality to any room!


Whether you choose to make your own pom poms or use pre-made ones, this DIY project is a great way to express your creativity and add a unique touch to your space.


Plus, it's a simple and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Custom rug tutorial

So, grab your materials, find your favorite colors, and get to tying!


You’ll have a cute and cozy rug in no time. And who knows, you might just end up making one for every room in your house—because who can resist how stinkin' cute they are?


Happy crafting!

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 70 questions
  • Renata Renata on Mar 20, 2020

    Doesn't that hurt ur feet stepping on the little hard balls of yarn where they're tied together?

  • Julie Julie on Mar 21, 2020

    Is there a method to the madness of where and how many pom-poms to use? For example: every 5th hole... Cause I would love to do this but I dont want to get started and then come to find out I put too many or not enough. Ha ha ha

  • Joyce Joyce on Mar 31, 2022

    If you make the Pom Pom a little larger then space a little farther apart on the mat base a person would be less likely to feel lumps under foot when walking on the rug, correct?

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 282 comments
  • Cam Cam on Mar 03, 2023

    Thank you for this!

    I found that I had to DOUBLE the rug mat for a more secure end product.

    I secured the edges so the mat doesn't bunch or shift.


    comment photo
    comment photo
  • Ogmichelle45 Ogmichelle45 on Jan 11, 2024

    Loved this project. You did great! For 1.25 at Dollar Tree, they have pom pom makers and it has three sizes.

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