This Instructable will show you how to use a pom pom maker to make these trendy pom pom hair bands. It is a perfect project for teens or older children. They are as fun to make as they are to wear.

Check out the video to see a demo showing how it's done.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Since I am writing this while we are on COVID 19 stay at home orders, please know that all of the supplies can be easily ordered. I used a worsted weight cotton yarn left over from a crochet project, but you can achieve different looks with different yarns. Play with what you might already have on hand.

I experimented with a variety of rubber bands. I found that medium sized hair rubber bands worked best. However, if making for a toddler, consider using a mini rubber band. They take a bit more patience to attach, but it is easily doable.

Here's what you'll need.

Yo yo maker (small or extra small)
Yarn
Hair rubber bands
Jewelry glue (or use a toothpick to apply any glue that will dry clearly)

Step 2: Wind the Pom Pom Maker

Open the arms of the pom pom maker

Wind the yarn once around one of the side slots. This will hold the yarn in place. Begin winding around the first arm. Keep winding until it is full. Use the other side slot to hold the yarn in place so you can move to the other side. Begin winding around the 2nd arm until it is full. Use the slot to hold in place Cut off.

Step 3: Complete the Pom Pom

Close the arms.

Now it's time to do some cutting. Look for the middle channel on the arm. Cut along the channel on one side. Do the same on the other side.

Take your length of yarn and tie a square knot tightly around the channel slot. This is the most important step. It should be tightly tied so the cut yarn will stay in place.

Trim off the yarn wound around the side slots.

Remove the pom pom maker by carefully pulling open.

Trim off any excess yarn until your pom pom has a nice shape.

Step 4: Attach Pom Pom to Rubber Band

The completed pom pom now has two tails. We'll use the tails to attach the pom pom to the rubber band. If you are using a medium sized hair rubber band, it will be an easy task. The half hitch knot is easy and intuitive once you get the hang of it. It is simply a matter of wrapping a cord around an object and securing with a loop. Check out the last part of the video to see it demoed.

If you are attaching to a smaller rubber band, use your fingers to stretch it out so that you can easily tie the knots. You will not need as many knots. Make sure the glue is completely dried before trimming off.