A scrunchie is a hair tie made from a tube of fabric gathered over a loop of elastic. It takes one strip of fabric, about 20 cm (8 in) of narrow elastic and one seam, which makes it a good first project on a new sewing machine and a quick way to use the scraps left from bigger projects. Sewly gives the strip as cutting dimensions, so there is nothing to print: measure, cut and sew.
Scrunchie sizes
The pattern has one option, the size:
- Skinny: a narrow strip that makes a neat, discreet scrunchie for fine hair or for wearing on the wrist.
- Classic: the default, the everyday size most people picture.
- Oversized: a wide, long strip for a full, puffy scrunchie that stands out in thick hair.
The strip is longer than the elastic loop so the fabric gathers when the elastic contracts; the wider the strip, the puffier the result.
Best fabrics for scrunchies
Almost anything soft works, woven or knit: satin, velvet, cotton lawn, silk, or scraps from other projects. Satin and silk are gentle on hair and slide well. Velvet makes a plush scrunchie but creeps when you sew it, so pin closely. Avoid stiff fabrics such as canvas, which do not gather softly.
Which elastic to use
The pattern uses about 20 cm (8 in) of narrow elastic, 6 mm (1/4 in) wide. Knitted or braided elastic both work. Cut it, try the loop around your ponytail, and shorten it before sewing the ends if it feels loose.
How hard is it to sew?
A beginner project, and one of the easiest things to sew. The first one may take half an hour while you learn to turn the tube; after that, 10 to 15 minutes each. It is also a good project for sewing with kids, with an adult at the iron.
What's in the pattern
- One scrunchie strip, given as cutting dimensions, with a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance on every side
- Elastic, with its length
The sewing guide explains each step and you can ask it a question if something is unclear, for example how to turn a narrow tube.
How to sew a scrunchie
- Cut the strip across the width of the fabric, as the cutting dimensions show.
- Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the long edge to make a tube.
- Turn the tube right side out.
- Thread the elastic through with a safety pin, overlap its ends and sew them together securely.
- Tuck one end of the tube into the other and close the gap by machine or with a ladder stitch by hand.
Scrunchies are among the quickest handmade gifts you can sew in a weekend: make a set in matching fabrics and tie them with a ribbon.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a scrunchie?
Very little: a strip from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) deep across 110 to 150 cm (45 to 60 in) wide fabric gives one or two scrunchies, the oversized size needing the upper end. Scraps work as long as they are long enough for the strip. Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Can I sew a scrunchie by hand?
Yes. Sew the long seam with a small backstitch, then close the gap with a ladder stitch. It takes longer than by machine but needs nothing more than a needle and thread.
Which size of scrunchie should I make?
Classic suits most hair and everyday use. Choose skinny for fine hair or to wear on the wrist, and oversized for thick hair or a statement scrunchie.
Do I need to print anything?
No. The only piece is a rectangle given as cutting dimensions, so you measure and cut it directly on the fabric.
