Faux Fur Pom Pom

Learn how to craft your own luxurious faux fur pom poms at home for a fraction of store prices using this simple step-by-step tutorial.

Have you ever finished a gorgeous winter beanie, only to feel like it was missing that final touch of magic?

I know that feeling all too well.

For years, I bought pre-made faux fur toppers online. But those costs add up quickly, especially when making gifts for the whole family.

Then I discovered a secret.

You can make your own professional-looking toppers at home for pennies.

All it takes is a small scrap of fabric and a few basic sewing supplies.

Today, I am sharing my favorite method for creating these fluffy beauties. You will save money and customize your projects perfectly. Let's get crafting!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredibly Budget-Friendly: You can make multiple toppers for less than the price of a single store-bought version.
• Fully Customizable: Easily adjust the size, fluffiness, and color to match any project in your queue.
• Quick and Simple: No advanced sewing skills are required, and each one takes under ten minutes to complete.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Matching yarn scraps to attach the topper to your favorite hat, such as the Winter Blossom Beanie.
• Hook: None (this is a simple hand-sewing craft).
• Notions: Faux fur fabric, polyester fiberfill (or yarn scraps for stuffing), strong sewing thread, a hand-sewing needle, sharp scissors, a pencil, and a 6-inch circular template cut from cardboard. Optional: round elastic.
• Yardage: A quarter-yard of 55-inch wide faux fur fabric will yield up to 8 beautiful toppers.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Not applicable for this project.
• Sizes included: One size (easily adjustable).
• Finished measurements: Approximately 3.5 inches in diameter when stuffed.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• Running Stitch: A basic hand-sewing stitch where the needle is passed in and out of the fabric backing at regular intervals to create a gathering line.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Beginner
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat using fabric.
• Tension Tip: Pull your gathering thread slowly and gently to avoid snapping it mid-project.
• Customization Tip: Use a larger or smaller circular template to easily scale the size of your finished topper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Trace and Cut the Fabric

Place your faux fur fabric face down on your work surface so the woven backing is facing up.

Position your 6-inch cardboard circle template on the backing and trace around it with a pencil.

Carefully cut out the circle. I highly recommend using a craft blade or utility knife on the backing side instead of scissors. This prevents cutting the long fur fibers, keeping your pom pom beautifully shaggy.

Step 2: Sew the Gathering Stitch

Thread your sewing needle with a strong, matching thread and tie a secure knot at the end.

Work a simple running stitch all the way around the outer edge of your fabric circle, staying close to the border.

Gently pull the thread ends as you sew. You will see the flat circle start to cup into a small bowl shape.

Step 3: Stuff and Close

Fill the center of your fabric cup with a handful of polyester fiberfill.

If you do not have fiberfill, you can use leftover yarn scraps from your stash.

Pull the thread tight to close the opening completely, forming a neat ball.

Securely sew the opening shut. If you want to attach it directly to a hat, secure the thread and cut it. If you plan to make it removable, keep the thread attached for the next step.

Step 4: Add the Elastic Loop (Optional)

To make your topper removable, grab a piece of round elastic.

Wrap the elastic around a pencil and tie a secure double knot to form a small loop.

Sew this elastic loop firmly onto the base of your pom pom.

Now you can easily loop it over a button sewn inside the crown of your hat!

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Mini Toppers: Use a 3-inch or 4-inch template to make tiny pom poms. These look adorable on baby booties like the ones featured in our Baby Bootie Crochet Tips guide.
• Giant Statement Poms: Scale up to an 8-inch circle for a dramatic, oversized look on chunky beanies.
• Scrap Buster Stuffing: Instead of buying polyfill, stuff your pom poms with yarn clippings saved from projects like the Remy Chunky Beanie.
• Removable Button Method: Sew a button to the inside crown of your hat so you can easily remove the pom pom before washing.
• Yarn substitutions: If you prefer yarn pom poms, you can make them using leftover bulky yarn from your Chunky Goldenrod Beanie.
• Colour ideas: Match your fur to the main color of your hat, or choose a contrasting neutral like cream, grey, or black for a classic look.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The thread snapped when I tried to pull it tight.
  Fix: Always use a strong, heavy-duty thread (like upholstery thread) or double up your standard sewing thread for extra strength.
• Problem: The fur looks chopped and uneven around the edges.
  Fix: Avoid using large scissors to cut through the entire fabric. Cut only the fabric backing with a craft knife or the very tips of your scissors.
• Problem: The pom pom looks lumpy or misshapen.
  Fix: Massage the stuffed pom pom in your hands like a ball of dough to distribute the stuffing evenly.
• Problem: The pom pom is floppy when attached to the hat.
  Fix: Sew the pom pom down using a wider stitch pattern at the base, or use a larger button inside the hat to anchor the elastic loop tightly.

Care Instructions

Faux fur fabric should not be machine washed or dried, as heat will ruin the synthetic fibers. Always remove the pom pom before washing your crochet hats. If the pom pom gets dusty, gently spot clean with a damp cloth and blow-dry on a cool setting to fluff it up again.

Final Thoughts

Making your own accessories is incredibly satisfying. Once you try this method, you will never buy store-made toppers again! If you need a gorgeous hat to pair with your new creation, check out the Winter Blossom Beanie pattern. Happy crafting!