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This tutorial will teach you how to make a scrunchie, and DIY scrunchie in 2 sizes. These fabric-covered elastics are great for holding back your hair and preventing split and damaged ends. And what gymnastic or dance outfit would be complete without a matching scrunchie?

How to Make a Scrunchie Tutorial

This how to make a scrunchie tutorial will show you how to make this popular hair accessory in 6 sizes with either a hand stitch or sewing machine stitch.

This how to make a scrunchie tutorial has the following options:

6 SIZES - The smaller sizes have less fabric and slightly shorter elastic for a more subtle effect. The larger scrunchie sizea are more of a traditional design where you see lots of fluffy, gathered fabric around your hair.
How to Make a Scrunchie with a Sewing Machine
How to Make a Scrunchie by Hand
No-Sew Scrunchie Instructions
Printable Scrunchie Bow Pattern

If you are a beginner sewer then this is a fantastic project to start with and learn to sew.

Scrunchies also make really nice gifts as you can personalize them by selecting the perfect fabric for your friend or family member.

What is a Scrunchie?

A scrunchie is a fabric-covered hairband with gathered fabric on the outside and a hidden elastic inside. They are great for matching your outfit and adding a pop of color to your hair.

Best of all, because no elastic can snag or tear your hair, they promote silky, healthy hair.

If you have lived through the 80s and 90s or ever watched Seinfeld then you know what a scrunchie is! They devoted a whole episode to the scrunchie.

Scrunchies are coming back in a big way and even my local paper had an article in it about all the scrunchies on the designer catwalks this season. Fashion always comes back around.

You can put the scrunchie around the top of a ponytail, a bun, or the bottom of a plait.

Supplies to DIY Hair Scrunchie

So what materials do you need to make a scrunchie? Here are all the supplies you need to make a scrunchie -

PIN - Safety pin to thread the elastic.
FABRIC - Cotton is easiest to sew.
ELASTIC - ¼ inch (6mm) wide elastic
HAND SEWING - Hand needle and strong thread
FOR MACHINE SEWING - Sewing machine, all-purpose foot, thread.
NO-SEW - Fabric glue.

What Fabric is Best for Scrunchies

The best thing about making scrunchies is that it uses the smallest scrap of fabric. Rummage around your scrap bin (yes I know you have one that is overflowing) for long-shaped scraps.

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.

Slippery fabrics like polyester or silk tend to fall out of hair more easily so look for fabrics like quilting cotton that will grab the hair slightly.

Crushed Velvet looks expensive and dramatic but is a little harder to sew as it tends to stretch a little. Use this once you have made a few from regular cotton fabric.

When looking at fabric patterns, consider that you will be cutting a narrow strip. Look for small motifs such as tiny flowers, spots, and stripes. Also, think about whether you want a subtle or bold color that will compliment your skin tone and hair color.

What Elastic is Best for Scrunchies

The best type of elastic is knit and braided elastics. Choose a soft flexible elastic in ¼ inch (6mm) widths. Woven elastic tends to be a little firm for scrunchie making.

DIY Scrunchie Measurements for Cutting

So what are the measurements for making a scrunchie?

SIZE	CUT FABRIC SIZE	CUT ELASTIC LENGTH
Extra Small	2.5x18" (6.5x46cm)	6" (15cm)
Small	2.5x20" (6.5x51cm)	8" (20cm)
Medium	3x21" (7.5x53cm)	8.5" (21.5cm)
Large	3.5x22" (9x56cm)	9" (23cm)
Extra Large	5x26" (13x66cm)	12" (30.5cm)
Extra Extra Large	5x28" (13x71cm)	13" (33cm)

Measurements for Cutting Scrunchies

Make Your Own Scrunchie Size Formula:

If you are looking for a particular size scrunchie, you can make your own pattern. For the elastic, choose your finished size and add ½ inch for the overlap.

Cut the fabric 2.5 to 3 times the length of the elastic. For the fabric height, cut it double your desired finished size plus ½ inch for seam allowances.

Note on Elastic Lengths for Scrunchies:

After you have made the first test scrunchie you might find you need to adjust the elastic lengths on the next scrunchie to fit the perfect amount of times you want to twist it around your ponytail. As you can imagine, hair does vary dramatically in its thickness and texture from person to person.

Making a Wrist Scrunchie:

I've seen some people wearing their scrunchie around their wrist so you can also measure that and just add ½" (12mm) for the overlap or knot. If you want it to wrap twice around your wrist then x2 the measurement and add overlap.

how to make hair accessories — DIY Fabric Hair Clips

How to Make a Scrunchie Video

Here is a video I made for you on how to make a scrunchie. Like all my videos. it is just a few minutes long, colorful, fun, and straight to the point as I know you are busy 🙂 Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

How to Make a Scrunchie VIDEO

How to Make a Scrunchie Step by Step

The below tutorial includes how to make a scrunchie with a sewing machine and how to sew a scrunchie by hand.

Step 1 - Fold over one end

If your fabric frays, then press over one of the short ends by ½ inch (12mm) on the WRONG side. For Lycra scrunchies or fabric that doesn't fray such as knits, you can skip to the next step.

step 1 - how to make a scrunchie — Step 1: Press over one edge

Step 2 - Stitch Along the Length

With RIGHT sides together, fold the fabric lengthwise matching the raw edges.

Stitch along the edge with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance. Make sure you leave both ends open.

In this how to make a scrunchie tutorial, I used my sewing machine to sew the seams. It is also possible to make a scrunchie without a sewing machine.

Machine Stitching a Scrunchie

Use a small machine straight stitch with a length of 2.0.

Hand Stitching a Scrunchie

Sew the seam with a hand stitch such as a backstitch or running stitch.
Backstitch is the strongest hand stitch but does take a little longer and running stitch is the easiest for absolute beginners.
Whichever hand stitch you use, just make sure you are making small stitches so they will hold the elastic without splitting.

Step 2: how to make a scrunchie — Step 2: Stitch the raw edge

Step 3 - Turn the Tube the Right Way Out

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. You need a small to medium-sized safety pin to do this. a large pin won't be able to turn back on itself.

Step 3: How to make a scrunchie — Step 3: How to Make a Scrunchie - Turn the right way out

Step 4 - Press the DIY Scrunchie

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. The seam should be on one side of the tube so it is not easily visible.

Step 4: How to make a scrunchie — Step 4: Press

Step 5 - Thread the Elastic

Now attach the safety pin to the elastic and thread it through the tube. Make sure you pin the first end so it doesn't pull all the way through by mistake. Your fabric will gather on top of the elastic.

Step 5: How to make a scrunchie — Step 5: How to Make a Scrunchie - Thread the elastic

Step 6 - Stitch the Elastic

Overlap the ends of the elastic by ½ inch (12mm) and stitch them together. If you are in a hurry you could just tie the ends in a knot instead of stitching. Pull it tight so it won't come undone.

When I filmed my video I just tied the ends in a knot. A few people commented that it would add bulk but really the knot is so small you won't feel it. I also had a few comments that the knot would come undone but I've never had that happen. If you don't want the knot to come undone then just pull tight. Do what is easiest for you and fits your time schedule and patience level. Personally, I always take the fastest route!

Step 6: How to make a scrunchie — Step 6: Stitch the ends

Step 7 - Final Stitch of the Ends

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 for your DIY scrunchie and don't have a pressed edge then just put one end into the other.

Overlap it by ½" (12mm) so the inside raw edge is hidden.

Step 7: how to make a scrunchie — Step 7: Insert ends

Machine Stitching

Stitch the gap closed through all layers. Make sure you backstitch so it doesn't come undone. This will catch in the elastic and keep it nice and secure.
If you use a matching thread you won't notice this stitching as it will be hidden in the folds of fabric.

Hand Stitching

If you want an invisible finish, you could hand stitch using a ladder stitch (slip stitch). Stitch all the way around the fabric without catching in the elastic.
Hand stitching does take a little time so it's a good tv job. In other words, put on your favorite tv show and hand stitch during the ads.

Optional - If you want a flatter-looking scrunchie, you could topstitch around the outside seamed edge.

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How to Make a Scrunchie Variations

You can decorate your scrunchies in numerous ways such as:

Add thin lace or piping to the seam. Add it into the seam in step 2.
Sewing sequins or beads in strategic places
Making an extra-large scrunchie that twists around your hair extra times

How to Make a Scrunchie Bow

If you would like to add a bow or ears to the scrunchie here is a printable scrunchie pattern for you to download. The bow is in 2 sizes so you can mix and match it with your DIY scrunchies.

DOWNLOAD SCRUNCHIE BOW PATTERN

To Make the Scrunchie Bow:

Cut 2 pieces of fabric using the pattern.
Put the fabric pieces right sides together.
Stitch around the bow leaving a gap where indicated on the pattern piece.
Clip the corners and curves and turn the right way out.
Press.
Topstitch around the edge of the bow shape. If you don't want to topstitch, you can just handstitch the gap closed.
Tie the bow around the scrunchie to hide the join.

How To Make a Scrunchie No-Sew

You can make a scrunchie without sewing by substituting a strong fabric glue for the stitching in steps 2 and 7. A hot glue gun will work as well.

Work neatly so your glue does not show on the right side of the scrunchie and test the glue on your fabric before you start. When joining the elastic ends in step 6, use a knot as the glue won't be strong enough to hold the elastic.

How to Make a Scrunchie FAQs

How to Wear a Scrunchie

To wear your scrunchie, put it around the base of a bun or twist it a couple of times around a ponytail. If you have very thick or thin hair, you might need to adjust the size of your elastic to suit how many times you want to wind it around your hair.

How Wide Should Elastic Be for Scrunchies?

The best width elastic for scrunchies is ¼ inch (6mm). This width stretches easily and can be twisted around your hair several times. If you can't get this width of elastic, try ⅜ inch (1cm). Don't go any narrower as it will stretch out of shape easily.

How to Neatly Finish a Scrunchie

If you want an invisible finish for your scrunchie then use a ladder stitch in the final step instead of your sewing machine. At this point, the raw edge will be inserted into the tube and the seam can be hand-stitched around the outside in a circle.

How Long Does it Take to Sew a Scrunchie?

The first scrunchie you make will probably take you around 20 minutes but your second will be 10 minutes or less. It takes longer to cut the rectangle and gather your supplies than to actually sew the scrunchie. If you are making gifts, line up all your supplies and fabric and create a production line to cut down on time.

How to Make a Scrunchie - In Conclusion

Wow! You are finished learning how to make a scrunchie! Wasn't that easy? Now you can DIY scrunchie in every color of the rainbow.

How to Make a Scrunchie

Learn how to make a scrunchie with this easy tutorial. DIY scrunchies are great beginner projects and can be made with a sewing machine, by hand stitching or even no-sew options.

4.7/5 - (141 votes)

Print Pin

Difficulty: Easy Beginner

Keyword: Sewing Patterns

Total Time: 20 minutes

Tools

Saftey Pin

Materials

Scrap Fabric Small 2.5 x 20" (6.5x51cm) or Large 3.5x22" (9x56cm)
Piece Elastic - ¼ inch (6mm) wide Small 8" (20.5cm) or Large" (21cm)

Instructions

On the wrong side, fold over one short end of the fabric by ¼ inch (6mm)
Fold the fabric lengthwise with right sides together and stitch with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance.
Pin
Use the safety pin to turn the tube to the right side. Press.
Pin
Thread the elastic through with the safety pin.
Overlap the ends of elastic and stitch. (Or knot them together). Spin the elastic around so the ends are hidden.
Pin
Put the raw edge of the fabric inside the folded edge. Overlap by ½ inch (12mm).
Machine stitch across the join through all layers and the elastic. Alternatively, for an invisible finish, slip stitch around.
Pin

Video

Notes

For a printable scrunchie bow pattern and more scrunchie sizes, go to the full tutorial at https://blog.treasurie.com/how-to-make-a-scrunchie-diy/