How to Cut Pool Noodles for Crafting

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Before you start doing pool noodle crafts, it might be helpful to know how to cut pool noodles. Here is a simple guide to cutting pool noodles for craft projects.

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How to Cut Pool Noodles

There will be many occasions where you need to know the best way to cut pool noodles if you’re going to be doing our crafting projects.

This little tip guide will show you how to cut the pool noodles we use in our crafts.

And, if you’re not into doing the cutting yourself, they actually sell precut noodles on Amazon. Check it out: Spiral Cut Pool Noodles

Tools

Miter Box

A miter box is one of the best things you can have when cutting pool noodles.

It can help hold the noodle still while you cut and guide you to cut straight lines.

Here is a noodle I cut with a miter box and one without. Guess which is which?

You can purchase a miter box and saw at Amazon, but be careful in your choice.

I bought one and it turned out to be way too small for a 3.5-inch pool noodle.

This miter saw should work and is worth it if you do a lot of crafting, especially crafting with pool noodles. It looks large enough to handle the job.

We made our own miter box from a piece of wood and some screws.

If you’re handy with tools, or have a spouse with that kind of talent (like I do), making your own is easy.

You can see mine in the photo below. The marks were drawn on to show inches and to use as a guide when cutting.

If you don’t have a miter box, you can place your pool noodle in a glass and use it as a guide. In that case, though, you may be limited in the length of the cut pieces.

But, if it works for your project, that is another option.

Knife or Saw

To cut pool noodles, you need a proper knife. We recommend a long serrated knife, like a bread knife, to use with your miter box.

A straight blade works, too, but may not move through the noodle as easily.

If it is a straight blade, be sure your knife is extra sharp so that it cuts clean and doesn’t tear the noodle.

An electric knife will work well, too. If you plan on crafting with pool noodles frequently, it may be worth the investment! (They’re actually fairly inexpensive.)

You can also use an Exacto knife, a short or long blade, or whatever you have on hand, especially if you’re doing “detailed” cutting.

Tip: Scissors do not work well for cutting pool noodles. They CAN, however, be used for trimming and small cuts in certain circumstances.

Types of Cuts

Cutting pool noodles for luminaries, garland, boats, and similar items are cut across the noodle in slices like this.

This photo is using a straight blade knife and no miter box. (This is the crooked piece that you saw above.)

Pool noodles can also be cut in half lengthwise. You would use this cut to make a marble run or a race car track.

Cutting the length of the noodle is a little more difficult than a cross-cut. The noodle will want to slip and turn.

You need to find a way to keep it from creeping away on you.

Just press the noodle up against one side of the miter box so it will remain still while you cut.

Another option is to push the noodle up against the wall at the floor and draw a straight line the length of the noodle. Use this as a guide for cutting.

You can also run a thread or string through the noodle and tie it tight as I did in this video. Use the string as a guide for your knife.

How to Cut Pool Noodles Video:

The noodles cut lengthwise below can be used for building blocks for a toddler.

Half pieces make the best roof!

These half pieces are also good for playing games – see who can run the distance without the noodle piece falling off her head.

Shorter pieces like this can be cut inside the miter box.

Cut curly pool noodles for sculpturing like for coral, trees, cactus plants, or other crafts.

Or slice up and down to make trees or bushes. I think I might need a little practice for this one.

Debra from MyHumbleHomeandGarden made an awesome tablescape using some fun cutting techniques. Check out her cute design.

Are you ready?

Are you ready to add cut up some pool noodles and make some crafts?

I’d love to know how you cut your noodles and which way you think is easiest.

Let us know in the comments below.

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