DIY Yarn Balls
Use our simple instructions to make festive yarn balls that add a unique, whimsical touch to parties or home décor.
Want to add a festive touch to your home décor? Yarn balls are colorful, versatile and suitable for so many holidays and occasions. Here’s how to make them.
Materials
Balloons
Plastic bags or a dropcloth to cover the floor
Cooking spray
White glue
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup hot water
Scissors
Yarn
Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Blow up balloons to different sizes (filling balloons only halfway will help you achieve a more spherical shape) and knot each balloon
- Create a drying area. If you’re working outdoors or in the garage, hang up a clothesline. If you’re working indoors, suspend a string between two chairs. Be sure to put a dropcloth or several plastic bags under the drying area to catch drips
- Hang balloons from strings above the drying area
- Spray balloons with cooking spray; this will make it easier to remove the yarn later
- In the mixing bowl, mix hot water with cornstarch
- Add a bottle of white glue and mix thoroughly
- Dip yarn into the glue mixture and gently squeeze out the excess with your fingers — you may want to wear rubber gloves for this step!
- Beginning at the knot end, wrap the inflated balloon with the wet yarn. The more you wrap, the denser the ball will be
- Wrap in all directions, top to bottom and side to side
- When you’re satisfied with the wrapping, cut the string
- Repeat the process with the remaining balloons
- Allow the balloons to dry completely. This may take up to 24 hours. The yarn should be stiff and dry
- Pop the balloon. Try very gently kneading the balloon before popping it to separate it from the yarn. Remove the popped balloon
Tip: If the ball collapses a little, inflate a new balloon inside the ball to gently push the collapsed spot back into place, and then pop and remove the balloon.
Décor Tips
- Because you can use any color yarn for this project, yarn ball decorations are suitable for almost any occasion
- Throwing a baby shower? Hang pink and blue balls above the table for a sweet chandelier
- Need decorating ideas for an outdoor wedding? String white lights through the balls, or put flameless lights inside and hang them in the trees!
- Use orange and black balls for a Halloween centerpiece
- Want an elegant holiday garland for your mantel? Use metallic silver and gold yarn for an offbeat alternative to the usual greenery
- Yarn balls make great ornaments for the tree, too
Shelly is a writer, communications consultant, wife, mother of two and artist. When she’s not in her office, she’s in her studio with her kids making a really big mess. To find out more about her work, visit www.shellyreese.net.