Here we go with the final post in my tutorial series on the Woodland Critters Scarf! Last week I demonstrated how to create tassels, one option to finish the scarf. Now I will give step-by-step instructions for the second finishing options: pompoms!
This option is interesting because it gathers together the ends of the scarf into a closed tube, then the pompom covers the gathered circle and adds weight to hold down the scarf. I think the pompoms are a great option for the child size scarf, because they are less likely to get snagged in coat zippers, and they are fun to swing around!
The first step in this process is to create the pompoms for your scarf. You will need two pompoms, one for each end. I like a big, meaty pompom for this scarf, so I used a 3″ (8cm) pompom kit (which makes a 3″ diameter pom).
I have two tutorials which will be of help in making your pompoms. The first shows you how to make your own DIY pompom maker with recyclable plastic.
The second tutorial shows the steps for making a pompom.
For these pompoms, you will cut 12 strands, 100″ (254cm) in length, in each of these four colors: Semolina (yellow), Masala (rusty orange), Bluebell (blue), and Edamame (green). Divide the amounts in half, using 6 strands of each color together to make each of the two pompoms.
Follow the tutorial steps for making the pompoms.
There they are! Cute and fluffy and ready to go!
Now you are ready to gather the ends of your scarf.
Cut a length of yarn 18″ (46cm) in length, in the same color as the edge of your scarf (CO or BO, depending on the edge you choose first). Thread it through a yarn needle. You don’t need to knot it; just leave a long tail so you don’t accidentally pull it through.
Now begin weaving your needle through the CO or BO edge stitches of your scarf.
Work your needle from front to back through the first stitch, but don’t pull all the way through. Now work from back to front through the next stitch.
Work the need from front to back through next stitch:
…and so on, until you have no more space on your yarn needle.
Once you have woven your yarn needle through a good number of stitches, pull the needle and yarn through, and push the stitches closely together, to begin the gathering process. Be careful not to push them off the end of the yarn!
Continue weaving the yarn needle through edge stitches until you have worked your way around the entire circular edge of the scarf. If you haven’t already gathered the stitches together as you went along, now would be the time to do so. Cinch that tube together by pulling tight both ends of the yarn:
You may not be able to cinch the circle completely closed, but try to make the hole as small and tight as possible. When you are finished, knot the yarn together tightly, and weave in the ends or push them inside the cinched hole.
Now you can attach your pompom to the end of the scarf, just as you would do for a hat or other garment! Be sure to tie the pom on nice and tight so it won’t be ripped off accidentally.
Work the second end of the scarf as you have for the first.
And there you have it: a fun, cute way to finish off your scarf with colorful pompoms!
I hope you enjoyed making your Woodland Critters Scarf. Stay tuned for many more tutorials on other designs from the Woodland Critters collection!
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