If you have lived through the 80s and 90s or ever watched Seinfeld then you know what a scrunchie is! These fabric covered elastics are great for holding back your hair and preventing split ends. And what gymnastic outfit would be complete without a scrunchie? If you have ever wanted to learn how to make a scrunchie, this tutorial will teach you how to DIY scrunchie in 2 sizes.
Supplies to DIY Hair Scrunchie
Notions – Safety pin to thread the elastic
Fabric – You can use any kind of cotton or lycra fabric. Try and choose a fabric that is lightweight so you can get a nice gathered effect around the elastic.
- Small – Cut a piece of fabric 2.5 x 20 inches (6.5cm x 51cm)
- Large – Cut a piece of fabric 3.5 x 22 inches (9cm x 56cm)
Elastic – 1/4 inch (6mm) wide elastic
- Small – cut the elastic 8 inches (20.5cm)
- Large – cut the elastic 9 inches (21cm)
How to Make a Scrunchie: The Video
Here is a video I made for you on how to make a scrunchie. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.
How to Make a Scrunchie
If your fabric frays, then press over one of the short ends by 1/2 inch (12mm) on the WRONG side. For Lycra scrunchies or fabric that doesn’t fray, you can skip to the next step.
With RIGHT sides together, fold the fabric lengthwise matching the raw edges. Stitch along the edge with a 1/4 inch (6mm) seam allowance. Make sure you leave both the ends open.
Now turn your tube RIGHT side out. The easiest way to do this is to attach the safety pin to one end and thread it back through the middle.
If you are using a cotton fabric then give it a good press. For Lycra fabrics, just try and flatten it out a little with your fingers.
Now attach the safety pin to the elastic and thread it through. Make sure you pin the first end so it doesn’t pull all the way through by mistake.
Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1/2 inch (12mm) and stitch them together. If you are in a hurry you could just tie the ends but this will give you a little bulk in one area.
Pull the elastic around so the join is hidden. Then feed the raw edge of the tube into the pressed edge.
If you used Lycra fabric and don’t have a pressed edge then just put one end into the other.
Stitch the gap closed. Make sure you backstitch so it doesn’t come undone.
Optional – If you want a flatter looking scrunchie, you could topstitch around the outside seamed edge.
Wow! You are finished! Wasn’t that easy?
Pin this image for later 🙂
I made one of those and it turned out super cute! Thanks sew much, I’ve always wanted a scrunchie!
Izzy?
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad it turned out so well. I’ve made lots in different colors for the Summer.
Thank u so much, I’m gonna make one out of team sport type material for a little girl who luves uk basketball, you can”t find these already made!!
That’s great. They really are fast to make. Thanks for reading 🙂
So, you’re stitching the gap over the elastic, is that right?
Hi Silvia, yes you are. It will hold it all together. You could choose to hand sew it for an invisible finish but it is much quicker and easier with your machine.