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.

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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.