DIY Scrunchie: Easy Sewing Tutorial For Beginners

Sep 1, 2025 by Benjamin Cohen 50 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a super fun and easy sewing project? Today, we're going to learn how to sew a scrunchie! Scrunchies are not only a super cute and trendy accessory, but they're also incredibly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned sewing pro or just starting out, this scrunchie tutorial is perfect for you. We'll walk through each step, making it an easy scrunchie project that you can whip up in no time. Plus, making your own scrunchies is a fantastic way to use up those fabric scraps you've been hoarding – we all have them, right? Let’s get started and create some awesome fabric scrunchies!

Why Sew a Scrunchie?

Before we jump into the sewing scrunchies process, let's talk about why this is such a great project. First off, scrunchies are seriously back in style! They're a fun and fashionable way to accessorize your hair, and they come in a million different colors and patterns. Making your own scrunchies allows you to customize them to perfectly match your outfits or express your unique personality. Imagine having a scrunchie for every occasion – the possibilities are endless!

Another fantastic reason to DIY scrunchie is that it’s an excellent project for beginners. If you're new to sewing, scrunchies are a great way to practice basic sewing skills like straight stitching and working with elastic. The project is small and manageable, so you won't feel overwhelmed, and you'll get a real sense of accomplishment when you finish your first one. Plus, it’s a super quick project. You can easily sew scrunchie in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those times when you need a fast and satisfying craft fix.

Lastly, making your own scrunchies is budget-friendly and eco-conscious. You can use fabric scraps from other projects, giving them a new life instead of throwing them away. This is a fantastic way to reduce waste and be more sustainable with your crafting. Plus, think of all the money you'll save compared to buying scrunchies from the store! So, are you convinced yet? Let's get into the materials you'll need for this easy scrunchie project.

Materials You'll Need

Okay, guys, let’s gather our supplies! To sew a scrunchie, you don't need a ton of fancy materials. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a great project – it's simple and accessible. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Fabric: This is the fun part! You can use just about any lightweight fabric for your scrunchies. Cotton, silk, velvet, and even flannel work great. Scraps from old shirts, dresses, or other sewing projects are perfect for this. Aim for a piece that’s about 4 inches wide and 22 inches long. This size will give you a nice, full scrunchie. Feel free to experiment with different fabrics to see what you like best. Different textures and patterns can add a lot of personality to your scrunchies.
Elastic: You’ll need a piece of elastic that’s about 1/4 inch wide and 7-9 inches long. The length can vary depending on how tight you want your scrunchie to be. A shorter piece of elastic will result in a tighter scrunchie, while a longer piece will be looser. Experiment to find your perfect fit. You can find elastic at most craft stores or online.
Sewing Machine: While you can technically sew a scrunchie by hand, a sewing machine will make the process much faster and easier. If you're just starting out with sewing, this is a great project to get familiar with your machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, don't worry! You can still hand-sew a scrunchie – it will just take a bit more time and patience.
Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric. This will help your stitches blend in and look more professional. If you’re using a patterned fabric, you can choose a neutral color like white or black, or pick a color that complements one of the colors in the pattern.
Scissors or Rotary Cutter: You’ll need a good pair of scissors or a rotary cutter to cut your fabric. Rotary cutters are great for cutting straight lines quickly and accurately, but scissors work just fine too.
Safety Pin: A safety pin is super helpful for threading the elastic through the fabric tube. It’s a small tool, but it makes a big difference in the ease of this project.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: You’ll need a measuring tape or ruler to measure your fabric and elastic. Accuracy is important for getting the right size and shape for your scrunchie.
Iron and Ironing Board: Ironing your fabric before you start sewing will help ensure that your scrunchie looks neat and professional. It also makes the fabric easier to work with.

Now that we have our materials, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for how to sew a scrunchie!

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Sewing Your Scrunchie

Alright, guys, let's get to the fun part – actually sewing scrunchies! This scrunchie tutorial is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, so even if you're a beginner, you'll be able to create a beautiful scrunchie in no time. So, grab your materials, set up your sewing machine, and let’s dive in!

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

First things first, we need to cut our fabric to the correct size. As mentioned earlier, a good size for a standard scrunchie is about 4 inches wide and 22 inches long. Use your measuring tape or ruler and scissors (or rotary cutter) to cut a rectangle of fabric to these dimensions. Make sure your lines are straight – this will help your scrunchie look its best. If you're using a patterned fabric, think about how the pattern will look on the finished scrunchie and adjust your cutting accordingly. For example, if you have a fabric with a directional print, you'll want to make sure the design is oriented the way you want it before you cut.

Step 2: Fold and Iron

Next, fold your fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides (the pretty side of the fabric) facing each other. This means the wrong sides of the fabric will be on the outside. Press the fold with an iron. Ironing the fabric at this stage will create a crisp, clean edge and make it much easier to sew a scrunchie a straight seam. Plus, it gives your finished scrunchie a more professional look. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference!

Step 3: Sew the Long Edge

Now, it's time to sew! Using your sewing machine, stitch along the long, open edge of the fabric, creating a tube. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance – this means you’ll sew about 1/4 inch away from the edge of the fabric. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the stitches. Backstitching involves sewing a few stitches forward, then a few stitches backward, and then continuing forward. This prevents the seam from unraveling. If you're hand-sewing, use a backstitch or a sturdy running stitch to create a secure seam.

Step 4: Turn the Tube Right Side Out

Once you’ve sewn the long edge, it’s time to turn the tube right side out. This can be a bit tricky, but here’s a simple method: Attach a safety pin to one end of the tube, and use it to guide the fabric through itself, turning the tube inside out. It might feel a bit like you’re performing a magic trick! Once you’ve turned the tube right side out, use your fingers or a point turner to gently push out the corners and create a smooth, even tube.

Step 5: Iron the Seam

After turning the tube right side out, iron the seam flat. This will help the scrunchie look neat and professional. Position the seam in the center of the tube and press it with your iron. Be careful not to iron over the safety pin if you’re still using it to hold the fabric in place.

Step 6: Insert the Elastic

Now comes the elastic! Attach the safety pin to one end of your elastic. Thread the safety pin through the fabric tube, gathering the fabric as you go. This can take a little patience, but the safety pin will guide the elastic through. Once you’ve threaded the elastic all the way through, remove the safety pin from both ends of the elastic. Hold the ends of the elastic together, overlapping them by about 1/2 inch. Secure the ends of the elastic by sewing them together using a zig-zag stitch or a series of straight stitches. Make sure the elastic is securely joined – this is what will give your scrunchie its stretch and hold.

Step 7: Close the Scrunchie

The final step is to close up the scrunchie. Tuck one end of the fabric tube inside the other, creating a clean, finished edge. Pin the opening closed, making sure the raw edges are tucked inside. Sew around the opening, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. You can either sew this by machine or by hand using a slip stitch for an invisible finish. If you're sewing by machine, backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure it. If you're hand-sewing, a slip stitch will create a neat, almost invisible closure.

Step 8: Admire Your Handiwork!

Congratulations, guys! You've just learned how to sew a scrunchie! Give your new scrunchie a final press with the iron to smooth out any wrinkles, and then wear it with pride. You’ve created something beautiful and functional with your own two hands. Now that you know how easy scrunchie making is, you can create a whole collection in different colors and patterns. Let's talk about some creative ideas and variations you can try.

Creative Ideas and Variations

Now that you've mastered the basic scrunchie tutorial, it's time to get creative! One of the best things about sewing scrunchies is that there are so many ways to customize them and make them your own. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Fabric Choices: Don't limit yourself to just cotton! Experiment with different fabrics like velvet, silk, satin, or even knit fabrics. Each fabric will give your scrunchie a different look and feel. Velvet scrunchies, for example, are super luxurious and perfect for special occasions, while cotton scrunchies are great for everyday wear. Silk and satin scrunchies add a touch of elegance, and knit fabrics can create a cozy, casual vibe.
Patterns and Prints: Play around with different patterns and prints. Floral prints, polka dots, stripes, and geometric patterns can all add a unique touch to your scrunchies. You can also use novelty fabrics with fun designs or characters. Think about matching your scrunchies to different outfits or seasons. For example, you could make floral scrunchies for spring, cozy flannel scrunchies for fall, and sparkly scrunchies for the holidays.
Embellishments: Add embellishments like beads, ribbons, lace, or even small charms to your scrunchies. This is a great way to personalize them and make them extra special. You could sew on a delicate lace trim, add a few strategically placed beads, or tie a ribbon around the scrunchie for a pop of color. Charms can also be a fun addition – think about adding a small initial charm or a cute animal charm.
Oversized Scrunchies: Try making oversized scrunchies for a bolder look. Simply use a larger piece of fabric – for example, 6 inches wide and 24 inches long – to create a bigger, more dramatic scrunchie. Oversized scrunchies are great for adding volume to your hair and making a statement.
Skinny Scrunchies: On the other hand, you can also make skinny scrunchies for a more subtle look. Use a narrower strip of fabric – about 2 inches wide – to create a slim, delicate scrunchie. Skinny scrunchies are perfect for holding thin sections of hair or for adding a touch of color without being too overwhelming.
Double Scrunchies: For a fun and unique twist, try making double scrunchies. Sew two scrunchies together, either using the same fabric or coordinating fabrics, to create a layered look. This is a great way to use up fabric scraps and create a scrunchie that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Scrunchies with Tails: Add a tail or ribbon to your scrunchie for a playful touch. Simply sew a length of ribbon or fabric to the seam of the scrunchie. The tail can be any length you like – short and sweet or long and flowing. This is a great way to add some extra flair to your scrunchie and make it stand out.

The possibilities are endless, guys! Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your DIY scrunchie creations. Try mixing and matching different fabrics, patterns, and embellishments to create a collection of scrunchies that reflects your personal style. Now, let's talk about some tips for successful sewing scrunchies.

Tips for Successful Scrunchie Sewing

To ensure your sewing scrunchies experience is smooth and enjoyable, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Pre-wash your fabric: Before you start cutting and sewing, it’s always a good idea to pre-wash your fabric. This will help prevent shrinkage after you’ve made your scrunchie. Nothing’s worse than spending time creating a beautiful scrunchie only to have it shrink in the wash!
Iron your fabric: As we mentioned earlier, ironing your fabric before you start sewing makes a big difference in the final product. Ironing helps create crisp edges and makes the fabric easier to work with. Plus, it gives your scrunchie a more professional look.
Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance: A 1/4-inch seam allowance is ideal for scrunchies. It provides enough fabric to create a secure seam without adding too much bulk. If you’re not sure how to sew a 1/4-inch seam, use the markings on your sewing machine as a guide, or invest in a 1/4-inch sewing machine foot.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of seams: Backstitching is essential for securing your seams and preventing them from unraveling. Always backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam – it only takes a few seconds, but it makes a big difference in the durability of your scrunchie.
Use a safety pin for threading elastic: Threading elastic through a fabric tube can be a bit fiddly, but using a safety pin makes the process much easier. Simply attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the tube.
Experiment with elastic length: The length of your elastic will affect the tightness of your scrunchie. A shorter piece of elastic will create a tighter scrunchie, while a longer piece will create a looser scrunchie. Experiment with different lengths to find what works best for you.
Be patient with turning the tube right side out: Turning the fabric tube right side out can be a bit tricky, especially if you're using a thicker fabric. Take your time and use a safety pin or a point turner to help guide the fabric through. If you get stuck, try gently massaging the fabric and easing it through the opening.
Have fun and experiment: Most importantly, have fun and experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and embellishments. Sewing scrunchies is a great way to express your creativity and create something unique. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what you come up with!

Conclusion

So, guys, there you have it! You've learned how to sew a scrunchie – a super fun, easy scrunchie project that’s perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up fabric scraps, create a personalized accessory, or simply enjoy a relaxing craft project, sewing scrunchies is a fantastic choice. With this scrunchie tutorial, you can create a whole collection of fabric scrunchies in different colors, patterns, and styles. So grab your materials, fire up your sewing machine, and start creating! Happy sewing, and remember to wear your handmade scrunchies with pride! You’ve earned it!