Today I’m excited to show you how to sew pom pom trim onto your projects. I love to sew with pom pom trim and have picked up a few tricks over the years that I’ll share with you today. If you like this article you may also like this roundup of 20 Pom Pom Inspired Projects to Sew for Summer!
I love to sew with pom pom trim (some may refer to it as pom pom fringe). Last summer I felt like there was pom pom trim on everything from shorts, to tote bags to dresses. It’s such a fun way to add a little bit of extra detail to your sewing project.
Here are a few projects that I’ve shared in the past that feature pom pom trim (click the photo to go to the tutorial):
Project Ideas for Pom Pom Trim:
2. Sister Sampler Quilt Block Pillows
How to Sew Pom Pom Trim onto Fabric:
Every time I post a project using pom pom trim I always get a few questions regarding how to work with the trim. I admit that the stuff can be kind of frustrating to sew with at times.
There are two main ways that I like to work with pom pom fringe, I’ll cover both of them today.
Option 1: Use a Zig Zag Stitch
The first technique involves the use of a zig zag stitch.
I find that the best way to attach pom pom trim that has a flat edge to a project is to use a zig zag stitch. For this to work you need at least ¼″ of flat edge on your trim. I find that this technique works well for both small and large pom pom trim (like the big white pom poms on the pillow in the photo at the top).
Simply lay your trim out on your project (in this case a pillow) and line up the flat edge of the trim with the raw edge of the pillow. Set your machine to a zig zag that is approximately the same width as the flat part of your trim. Then simply stitch the trim to the pillow. I find it easiest to feed the trim as I go, as compared to pinning all of the trim down before hand.
If the edge of your trim is going to show on your finished project (i.e. it’s not hidden in the seam as it is with a pillow) just use the same color thread as your trim.
Option 2: Use a Cording Foot
The second way I like to sew down pom pom trim is using a cording foot. A cording foot has a “groove” underneath meant to pass piping or cording through it.
To attach the trim with the cording foot simply feed the trim under the foot where the cording would go. This technique works really well for tiny pom pom trim that doesn’t seem to have much of an edge. Make sure as you feed your trim through the foot that it remains flat and doesn’t twist as you sew.
There you have two of my favorite ways to sew with pom pom trim, do you guys have a favorite way? If so leave it in the comments so that everyone can benefit from your tips!
Denise/DIY Crush says
I LOVE pompom trim! Nice projects and tips!
Erin says
Zipper foot! You can get right up to the edge.
Jeifner says
I like to glue baste it in place :). I’ve also used a zipper foot to good success.
JoAnne says
Thanks so much for those tips. Can you suggest where to find the large pom pom trim? I am having a difficult time finding the large balls!
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
This is fantastic! I always end up doing a bit of swearing when I sew pom pom trim, but I still love it! Pinning! 🙂 Lisa
I’m pretty sure sometimes swearing is unavoidable – but hopefully the tips will help a tiny bit *wink*
David Wood says
You didn’t quite finish the tutorial, you only gave instructions for sewing the trim onto onto one side of the fabric. It seems you assumed one knows how to finish the project. It would have been helpful to give complete instructions on how to finish the project.
It’s not a tutorial to make a pillow. It’s a tutorial showing you how to sew the trim onto your project. The finishing instructions will depend on your personal project.
Paige Farrish says
I’m looking for a simple pillow cover pattern with the envelope closure back. No frills. I thought it was your patter on this page. Can you help direct where this pattern is? I just need a reminder of measurements. Thank you!