This post shows you how to make a scrunchie. Keep reading for the pattern and step-by-step instructions!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link–at no additional cost to you.
Sure, you can find scrunchies just about anywhere—but the benefit of making your own is in how much you can customize them! Find a fabric that matches your loved one’s hobbies, favorite colors, or profession. For a less budget-friendly option, order some custom fabric from Spoonflower with photos of them, their pets, or something else they love.
To make one scrunchie, you’ll need:
- Fabric: I make my scrunchies 27” by 4.5”, but you might need more or less, depending on how big and fluffy you want your scrunchie to be. I have used cotton and also flannelette. If you can’t get a piece of 27” by 4.5” fabric, you could do 2 pieces of 14” by 4.5” and have two seams instead of one. I’ve done this and it works just as well as having just one piece! Want a pattern that you can print out? Click here for my free scrunchie pattern!
- Elastic: I’d recommend this Dritz quarter inch elastic.
- Thread: Whatever color you’d like; I prefer to go with threads that match my fabric. Gutermann thread is my go-to for quality thread; I’d recommend this Gutermann thread pack so you always have the right color on hand. It’s a popular brand, so you should be able to find it in any craft store, fabric store, and even Walmart!
- A sewing machine or a needle to sew by hand. (PS – if you’re looking for a new sewing machine that works well and won’t break the bank, I have this Brother sewing machine and I love it!)
If you’d prefer a pattern that you can cut and trace, click the button below for the free pattern I did up just for my lovely readers!
Directions
Step 1
It’s material-gathering time! I have this fun woodland-themed print that I picked up at Fabricland, my cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a piece of elastic. I cut mine to 8.5″ and made a mark at 1.5″ and again at 7″. I’ll explain why, later. Not pictured is my ruler, but I’d recommend having one of those too.
If you don’t have a rotary cutter, no problem! Scissors work too!
Step 2
The next step is to cut out your scrunchie fabric. I folded my fabric and cut a piece that was 13.5″ long and 4.5″ tall. When I open it up, I now have a piece of fabric that’s 27″ long and 4.5″ tall. If you don’t have a piece of fabric that’s a total of 27″ long (like if you pick up a cute fat quarter somewhere!), you can cut two pieces that are 14″ long by 4.5″ tall. (This gives you a little extra space because you’ll have two seams instead of one!)
Step 3
Now fold your fabric again so the back is facing out (print side in). Sew a seam to close it up. I left about a 1/4″ seam allowance. If you have two pieces, instead of one, do this on both sides. You want your fabric to make one long loop.
Step 4
Now lay your fabric down and finger-press the seam open as pictured below. You don’t need an iron for this, just finger-pressing will be fine!
Step 5
Now you’re going to do something called a burrito fold. It seems more complicated than it is, although it took me a few tries to get it. I tried to adequately explain in photos what I was doing, but it was a fail. So instead I’m going to link you to the Youtube video that I used to learn how to do this technique. Keep in mind that the scrunchie dimensions listed here are a little different than the ones listed in the video – you can do either. The dimensions I’ve listed are the ones that I like best after doing some research, but you can make adjustments to suit your own needs!
Click Here to Watch Notches Sewing’s Tutorial (Not an affiliate link, and not my video!)
Step 6
Once you’ve got it folded properly, you’re going to sew along the edge (I do about 1/4″), pulling out your folded fabric as you go. (Honestly, I really recommend you watch the video I linked above. Here it is again, for reference. Notches Sewing’s tutorial.)
Step 7
Once you’ve sewn all the way around, you’ll have this weird-looking tube.
Step 8
Find the space you left for turning and turn the tube inside out.
Step 9
Now flatten it! You don’t need to iron, I just went around and straightened out the seams. I put a clip where the opening is, so it’s easy to find. This is totally optional and isn’t super important if you’re only doing one scrunchie at a time. Because I generally do ten or so at a time, this makes the process quicker for me. I think when it comes to crafting there’s really no right way or wrong way, as long as the finished product is functional and looks good. Find a method/strategy that works best for you!
Step 10
Now take that piece of elastic. As mentioned earlier, I use 1/4″ elastic, and I cut it to 8.5″ long. I make a mark at 1.5″ and another at 7″. Those marks show me where I’m going to tie off my elastic. Now you’re going to thread your elastic through the scrunchie tube. I put a safety pin on one end to help me guide the elastic through. You want to make sure you secure the other end as well, so you don’t lose it in the fabric! You can pin it to the scrunchie, hold it with one hand, clip it to the table… whatever works for you!
Step 11
Thread the elastic through the scrunchie; it’ll gather like this. Once it’s all the way through, I line up the two ends and make a very tight knot where I’ve marked my elastic. Make sure it’s really, really tight or your scrunchie’s elastic will come apart while it’s being worn! Then I trim about an inch off the ends. You want to leave a little room for the knot to shift a bit, but not so much that it makes the scrunchie bulky.
Step 12
Finally, find that place where the scrunchie is open and sew it closed along the edge. You can either sew just over the open part or sew all around the edge of the scrunchie. I opt to just sew along the open part, personally, with a few extra stitches on either side.
Step 13
Adjust your bunches along the elastic to even out the scrunchie. It’s now ready to be worn!
Do you love scrunchies?
I’m new to the scrunchie fan club. I only recently started wearing them because I found a few that I thought were adorable. But since making my own I’ve become a scrunchie convert. They’re easier on my hair (which I have to be careful with because I bleach it and dye it blue!) and don’t give me headaches. Plus, they’re ridiculously adorable.
Will you try out this scrunchie DIY? Will you keep them for yourself or give them as gifts? Let me know in the comments!
And for more fun DIY gifts, check out this post: 6 Simple DIY Gifts That You Can Make on a Budget.
