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    Home » Sewing » How to Sew

    How to Sew Pom Pom Trim

    Updated: Jan 11, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 9 Comments

    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:

    Sewing Pattern for a Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Clutch by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com
    1. Pom Pom Clutch
    Cute Pom Pom Quilted Pillows made from Wonderland Fabric from Riley Blake Designs

    2. Sister Sampler Quilt Block Pillows

    DIY Patchwork and Pom Pom Scarf Sewing Tutorial

    3. Patchwork Scarf Tutorial

    DIY Ribbon Bracelets

    4. Pretty Preppy Bracelets

    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.

    Learn tips and trick to make it easy to sew with pom pom trim or fringe. Like how to add pom pom fringe to a pillow

    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.

    Learn tips and trick to make it easy to sew with pom pom trim or fringe. Like how to add pom pom fringe to a pillow

    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.

    Learn tips and trick to make it easy to sew with pom pom trim or fringe. Like how to add pom pom fringe to a pillow

    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.

    Learn tips and trick to make it easy to sew with pom pom trim or fringe. Like how to add pom pom fringe to a pillow

    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.

    How to use a cording foot for your sewing machine

    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!

    Learn tips and trick to make it easy to sew with pom pom trim or fringe. Like how to add pom pom fringe to a pillow

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • Sewing Machine Needles Explained & Printable Guide
    • 15 Must Know Bag Making Tips and Tricks
    • How to Make a Simple Zipper Pouch
    • Sewing Lesson: How to Make and Sew Piping

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise/DIY Crush says

      April 14, 2016 at 9:35 am

      I LOVE pompom trim! Nice projects and tips!

      Reply
    2. Erin says

      April 14, 2016 at 10:33 am

      Zipper foot! You can get right up to the edge.

      Reply
    3. Jeifner says

      April 14, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      I like to glue baste it in place :). I’ve also used a zipper foot to good success.

      Reply
    4. JoAnne says

      May 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      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!

      Reply
    5. Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says

      June 06, 2017 at 4:47 am

      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

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        June 08, 2017 at 9:29 am

        I’m pretty sure sometimes swearing is unavoidable – but hopefully the tips will help a tiny bit *wink*

        Reply
    6. David Wood says

      December 01, 2019 at 11:34 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 02, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        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.

        Reply
    7. Paige Farrish says

      August 15, 2020 at 9:29 pm

      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!

      Reply

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