How to Make a Scrunchie

Need a project to deal with your scrap fabric stash fast? Learn how to make a scrunchie in 10 minutes flat with our easy to follow beginner sewing tutorial and pattern. Make this super easy sewing project and use up all those scraps fast!

This pattern is gaining traction quick on Pinterest and in the hair of mom buns everywhere!

Sewing hair scrunchies was one of the first projects I ever learned to make in my after school sewing class back in 4th grade. I’ll never forget fighting over the best fabric with the other girls in hopes of having the cutest scrunchie.

Flashback to the Tanner girls from Full House. Now it’s time to teach the next generation just how to rock the scrunchie!

This is the pattern I made along side my mother as she’d sew us clothes as we sipped tea and ate cookies together in her sewing room. Together we teach this pattern to my beautiful nieces. May you enjoy making scrunchies just as I have!

HOW TO MAKE A SCRUNCHIE

Scrunchies are a super simple basic sewing project to whip up for gifts, to sell at craft fairs or for your own pony. They are the perfect solution to upcycling favourite old shirts and using your fabric stash.

Scrunchies are made from all sorts of fabric. If you’re a beginner sewer, cotton is your best bet for an easier fabric to work with. I highly recommend using a sewing machine for a more refined professional look.

WHAT ARE SCRUNCHIES MADE OF?

Scrunchies are made out of long strips of fabric, usually in a cotton, suede or silk fabric. They can be made around a traditional hair elastic or a 1/4 inch elastic.

VINTAGE SCRUNCHIES

Dig through your mother or grandmothers scrap fabric stash. Rummage through the back of their closet and start gathering vintage fabrics to make your scrunchies. Think tiny prints like floral, gingham and polka dots. Go for a pastel palette for a vintage feel or bold bright colours to bring back the 90’s theme.

I DO HAVE TO SAY, I LOVE THE VINTAGE FABRICS USED HERE

With more and more people upcycling and using what they have to live a more sustainable lifestyle, DIY scrunchies using scrap fabric or old flannel shirts are a great option for a guilt free hair accessories!

MORE SUSTAINABILITY AND STYLE TIPS HERE

Hair scrunchies are also a super frugal DIY project that can save you a ton of money on hair accessories, and products to tame the frizz and damage caused by standard hair elastics.

MORE FRUGAL LIVING TIPS IN THIS POST

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A SCRUNCHIE?

Fabric

1/4″ elastic

Coordinating 100% Cotton Thread

Pins

Tape Measure

Fabric Scissors

Pencil or Chop stick

Masking Tape

Sewing Machine

With such a basic pattern, there’s no need for anything fancy. Dust off an old machine and use a straight stitch and a back stitch.

And with these few simple supplies you can quickly sew up some super cute DIY hair scrunchies.

STEP BY STEP SIMPLE SCRUNCHIE TUTORIAL

Get ready to tie your hair back and get crafty!

STEP ONE: CUT FABRIC LENGTHWISE

Use a rotary cutter to cut fabric into a 2.5-by-22-inch strip for a standard medium size scrunchie. (For a mini scrunchie 2×15 inches and a jumbo at 5×24)

This is the perfect measurement for making a large amount of scrunchies to sell using a Moda Fabric Jelly Roll. In the tutorial photos below, I am using a scrap strip from a spring quilt I made.

The strips are already cut to 2.5 inches. Simply cut them in half. There are 40 strips per jelly roll to make a total of 80 scrunchies. Scrunchie prices range from $5 each to $10.

Grab a cute vintage themed Moda Jelly Roll here!

STEP TWO: FOLD THE FABRIC

Fold the ends of the strip towards the ugly side of the fabric a quarter inch. Sew along the the ends to create a clean finish.

STEP THREE: SEW TUBE RIGHT SIDE TOGETHER

Now fold the strip lengthwise, nice sides facing each other, pin and stitch along the length of the fabric using a straight stitch, and a 1/4 seam allowance along the folded length of the tube.

STEP FOUR: TURN TUBE RIGHT SIDE OUT

Turn the tube right side out. Use a chopstick to help aid turning the fabric in on itself.

STEP FIVE: PRESS

Using an iron, press the tube flat.

STEP SIX: THREAD THE ELASTIC

Using a rotary cutter, cut a piece of 1/4 inch elastic to a 9 inch length. Attach a safety pin thread the elastic through the tube, making sure to keep hold of the end.

STEP SEVEN: TIE

Tie the elastic in a knot.

STEP EIGHT: JOIN THE TUBE

Join the tube in the round by tucking in one end to the other, lining up the seams and sewing shut along the stitch line from basting in the ends of the original strip.

FINISHED!

Wear that scrunchy in your hair or on your wrist. Go ahead and take a pic and tag us on instagram!

Happy Crafting!

SPREAD THE SCRUNCHIE LOVE, PIN THIS POST!