How to make cheerleading pom poms
Cheerleading pom poms are an integral part of any cheerleader’s uniform. They add style and excitement to performances, and they are also a great way to showcase team spirit. Making your own pom poms can be a fun and creative project.
To create your own cheerleading pom poms, you’ll need a few materials. One of the most important is tissue paper, which can be found in a variety of colors. You’ll also need a pair of scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and some strong thread or fishing line. Additionally, you may want to gather some ribbons or other decorative items to customize your pom poms.
Start by laying out the tissue paper flat on a table or any smooth surface. You’ll want to cut the tissue paper into strips that are about 20 inches long and 2 inches wide. Depending on how full and fluffy you want your pom poms to be, you can cut multiple strips in each color.
Once you have your strips prepared, it’s time to fold them in half lengthwise. Use your ruler or measuring tape to ensure that each strip is folded evenly. Then, take your scissors and carefully cut thin strips from the folded edge towards the open edge, leaving about an inch uncut at the top. Be sure to cut through all layers of tissue paper.
After the strips are cut, gently unfold the tissue paper and lay it flat. Hold the uncut area at the top of the strip, and begin gathering the paper together. You can use your hand or even a rubber band to secure the strips together tightly. Repeat this process with each strip of tissue paper until you have a pom pom with a full, round shape.
Finally, attach a piece of strong thread or fishing line through the secure area at the top of the pom pom. This will allow you to hold and shake the pom pom without it falling apart. You can also tie some ribbons or attach other decorations at this stage to add some extra flair to your pom poms.
By following these steps, you can create your own cheerleading pom poms that are sure to impress. Remember to have fun with the process and get creative with your colors and decorations. So, why purchase expensive pom poms when you can make your own unique ones instead?
Choosing the Right Materials
When it comes to making cheerleading pom poms, choosing the right materials is essential for creating vibrant and durable accessories. By selecting the appropriate materials, you can ensure that your pom poms will withstand rigorous routines and maintain their visual appeal for longer periods of time.
1. Crepe Paper
One of the most popular materials for cheerleading pom poms is crepe paper. Crepe paper is lightweight, easy to work with, and offers a wide range of colors to choose from. Make sure to select crepe paper that is strong and flexible, as this will contribute to the overall appearance and longevity of your pom poms. Consider using multiple colors of crepe paper to create a more dynamic and eye-catching effect.
2. Plastic Handles
To maximize the usability and control of your pom poms, it is important to choose sturdy plastic handles. These handles will ensure that your pom poms are easy to grip and manipulate during performances. Look for handles that have comfortable grips and are designed to withstand rigorous movement. It is also a good idea to choose handles that are easily detachable, as this will allow for easy storage and transportation.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Crepe Paper | Lightweight, flexible, wide range of colors | May tear with extensive use, sensitive to moisture |
| Plastic Handles | Sturdy, easy to grip, detachable | May be prone to cracking or breaking with rough handling |
By carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of different materials, you can choose the ones that best suit your needs and preferences. Remember, selecting high-quality materials will contribute to the overall success and longevity of your cheerleading pom poms.
What to look for when selecting your pom poms
When it comes to selecting your cheerleading pom poms, there are a few factors you should consider. The right pom poms can add enthusiasm and visual appeal to your cheer routines, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Here are some things to look for when selecting your pom poms:
| Material | The material of the pom poms can greatly affect their durability and appearance. Look for pom poms made of high-quality materials, such as metallic or holographic tinsel, as they tend to be more long-lasting and vibrant. |
| Size | The size of the pom poms can impact how they look and feel during your cheer routines. Consider the size that best suits your needs and preferences. Larger pom poms can create a more dramatic effect, while smaller ones offer more precision and control. |
| Colors | Choose pom poms that come in the colors that match your team’s uniforms or the theme of your routine. Vibrant and contrasting colors can make your routines visually appealing and help grab the audience’s attention. |
| Handle | The handle of the pom poms should be comfortable and easy to grip. Look for handles made of a non-slip material or with cushioned grips for added comfort during performances. |
| Craftsmanship | Check the craftsmanship of the pom poms to ensure they are well-made and secure. Loose or poorly constructed pom poms can fall apart during routines and distract from your performance. |
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect pom poms that will complement your cheerleading routines and help you stand out on the sidelines!
Gathering the Tools
Before you begin making cheerleading pom poms, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. Here are a few items you’ll need:
1. Tissue paper
Choose your desired colors for your pom poms. You can mix and match colors to match your cheer squad’s uniforms or go for a more vibrant and colorful look.
2. Scissors
A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting the tissue paper into strips. Make sure they are sharp to ensure clean and precise cuts.
3. Florist wire or pipe cleaners
This will be used to hold the tissue paper together and create the handle of the pom poms. Florist wire is often the preferred option, but pipe cleaners can also work well.
4. Ruler or measuring tape
Having a ruler or measuring tape can be helpful to ensure your tissue paper strips are uniform in size.
5. Stapler or tape
Staplers work great for holding the tissue paper strips together, but if you don’t have a stapler, you can also use tape.
Once you have gathered all these tools, you’ll be ready to start making your own cheerleading pom poms!
Essential items for pom pom making
Making cheerleading pom poms requires a few essential items to ensure the process goes smoothly and the final result is a beautiful, fluffy pom pom. Here is a list of must-have supplies:
- Crepe paper or tissue paper strips: These will be used to make the strands of the pom poms, so having an assortment of colors and lengths is recommended for variety.
- Scissors: Sharp, high-quality scissors will help you achieve clean and precise cuts when working with the crepe paper or tissue paper.
- Stapler or tape: These will be used to secure the strands of the pom poms together. A stapler can create a stronger hold, but tape works well too.
- Cardboard or a pom pom maker: These will serve as the base for creating the pom poms. Cardboard can be easily cut into circles or rectangles, while a pom pom maker is a specialized tool designed specifically for this purpose.
- String or ribbon: This will be used to tie the strands of the pom poms together and create a handle. Choose a strong and durable material that is easy to work with.
- Embellishments (optional): If you want to add some extra flair to your pom poms, consider incorporating glitter, sequins, or other decorative elements.
Having these essential items on hand will make your pom pom making experience much easier and enjoyable. You can experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes to create pom poms that perfectly match your cheerleading costume or team colors.
Preparing the Ribbons
Before you can start making your cheeleading pom poms, you’ll need to prepare the ribbons that will be used to create the colorful strands.
First, gather all the materials you’ll need, including ribbon of different colors and sizes, scissors, and a ruler.
Next, measure and cut the ribbon into equally sized strips. The length of the strips will depend on how long you want your pom poms to be. Use the ruler to ensure that all the strips are the same length.
Once you’ve cut all the ribbons, separate them into piles according to their color. This will make the next steps easier and more organized.
Now comes the fun part – fluffing the ribbons! Gently hold one end of a ribbon strip and use the other hand to slide the scissors along the length of the strip. This will create a frayed effect and give the ribbon more volume. Do this for all the ribbon strips in each color pile.
After fluffing each strip, hold them together at one end and tie a knot to keep them securely in place. Make sure the knot is tight enough so that the ribbons won’t come loose later.
Repeat this process for all the ribbon strips in each color pile. You can also mix and match different colors to create unique combinations for your pom poms.
Once you’ve finished preparing all the ribbons, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of making your cheerleading pom poms.
Measuring, cutting, and assembling ribbon strands
One of the key components of cheerleading pom poms is the ribbon strands that make up the main body of the pom pom. These strands add movement and visual interest to the cheerleading routines. Here’s how you can measure, cut, and assemble the ribbon strands for your cheerleading pom poms:
Materials Needed:
- 1-inch wide ribbon in your desired colors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Scissors
- Clear adhesive tape
- Pom pom handles or dowels
Step 1: Measure and cut the ribbon strands
Start by determining the desired length of your ribbon strands. Most pom poms have strands that range from 6 to 8 inches long, but you can adjust the length based on your preferences. Using the measuring tape or ruler, measure and mark the desired length on the ribbon.
Once you have marked the length, use the scissors to carefully cut the ribbon at the marked point. Repeat this step for each color of ribbon you will be using, making sure to cut the same number of strands for each color.
Step 2: Assemble the ribbon strands
Take one strand of each color and align them at one end. Use a small piece of clear adhesive tape to secure the strands together. Make sure the strands are all even and aligned before taping them.
Continue to add more strands to the assembled bunch, alternating colors as desired. Make sure to keep the strands aligned and even as you add more. Use tape to secure the strands together at regular intervals along their length. This will ensure that the ribbon strands stay in place and do not become tangled.
Repeat this process for the remaining strands until all the ribbon strands are assembled and taped together. Make sure to leave a small portion at the end of the strands untaped.
Step 3: Attach the assembled ribbon strands to the pom pom handles
Once all the ribbon strands are prepared, take the pom pom handles or dowels and insert the untaped end of the ribbon strands into the handle. Push the ribbon strands securely into the handle until they are stable and the pom pom looks full and vibrant.
Use additional tape if necessary to secure the ribbon strands to the handle, making sure they are tightly held in place. Double-check that all the strands are securely attached before using the pom poms in your cheerleading routine.
By following these steps, you can create cheerleading pom poms with vibrant and eye-catching ribbon strands. Get ready to show off your spirit and add a touch of flair to your performances with these homemade pom poms!
Creating the Pom Pom Base
To make your own cheerleading pom poms, you will first need to create the base. The base serves as the structure of the pom pom and will hold the strands of decorative ribbon or tissue paper.
To create the base, you will need the following materials:
- Two cardboard circles with a diameter of your choice
- Scissors
- Tape
- A pencil or pen
Start by placing one of the cardboard circles on a flat surface. This will serve as the top of your pom pom. Using the pencil or pen, trace the shape of the cardboard circle onto the other cardboard circle. This will serve as the bottom of your pom pom.
Next, cut out the circles along the traced lines. You should now have two identical cardboard circles.
Take one of the cardboard circles and make several evenly spaced cuts around the outer edge. These cuts should only go about halfway toward the center of the circle. This will create tabs that you will later tape the ribbon or tissue paper to.
Repeat the process on the other cardboard circle, making sure the cuts align with the tabs on the first cardboard circle.
Now, take the two cardboard circles and place them on top of each other with the tabbed edges facing inward. Make sure the cut tabs are staggered, so they interlock with each other.
Secure the two cardboard circles together by taping around the outer perimeter. Make sure the tabs are securely attached to each other.
Your pom pom base is now complete and ready for the next step, which is attaching the strands of decorative ribbon or tissue paper.
Constructing the central support for your pom pom
Creating a strong central support for your cheerleading pom pom is crucial to ensure that it maintains its shape and durability throughout use. Follow these steps to construct the central support:
Materials needed:
- 2 sturdy plastic gardening rods
- Strong adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Brightly colored tissue paper
Steps:
Step 1: Take the two plastic gardening rods and measure and cut them to your desired length. Remember that the length of the rods will determine the overall size of your pom pom.
Step 2: Take one of the plastic rods and wrap adhesive tape around one end to create a small knob. This will prevent the tissue paper from sliding off the rod.
Step 3: Carefully fold a sheet of tissue paper in half lengthwise to create a long strip. Repeat this step until you have enough tissue paper strips to cover both rods. For fuller pom poms, use more tissue paper strips.
Step 4: Take one of the rods and attach one end of a tissue paper strip to the knob by wrapping it around and securing it with adhesive tape. Make sure it is tightly secured.
Step 5: Continue attaching the tissue paper strips to the rod, wrapping them tightly around and securing them with adhesive tape. Overlap each strip slightly to ensure full coverage of the rod and create a fluffy appearance.
Step 6: Once you have attached all the tissue paper strips to one rod, repeat steps 4 and 5 for the second rod.
Step 7: Once both rods are fully covered with tissue paper, take the two knobs and connect them by sliding one inside the other. Make sure they are securely joined together.
Step 8: Adjust the position of the tissue paper strips to create a symmetrical and fluffy appearance. Trim any excess tissue paper if necessary.
Step 9: Your central support is now complete! Simply attach the support to your pom pom handle using adhesive tape or any other secure method.
By following these steps, you can create a sturdy and visually appealing central support for your cheerleading pom pom that will enhance your performance and cheer your team to victory!
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