How to Make a Scrunchie

Scrunchies are a classic beginner sewing project. Fun and easy to make, practice your sewing skills and impress your friends at the same time with this unique hair scrunchie.

Scarf scrunchies in many colors and sizes

The Scrunchie Scarf Combo

Karen Kavett gives step-by-step instructions on how to sew a scrunchie with a scarf, as seen on HGTV's Handmade.

Photo by: Karen Kavett

Karen Kavett

Looking to up your ponytail game this year? With just a few supplies, this fun-to-make (and fun-to-wear) scrunchie is the perfect beginner sewing project to get you started.

DIY Scrunchie Scarf
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Materials + Tools

  • fabric
  • sewing machine
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • pins
  • needle and thread
  • elastic
  • safety pin
  • iron

Cut the Fabric and Clip it Together

Cut your fabric to 22 inches x 3.5 inches. Fold it in half lengthwise with right sides together (Image 1). Mark 1.5 inches from each end with a pin, and then pin or clip it together along the entire length (Image 2 + 3).

Start Sewing

Sew between the two pins (Image 1 + 2), leaving 1.5 inches unsewn on each end (Image 3 + 4).

Put Your Safety Pin to Use

Attach a safety pin to the end of the tube (Image 1) and feed it through to turn it halfway inside out, so that the two short ends line up with each other (Image 2).

Make Circles

Sew the short seam together (Images 1 + 2). Then reach through the remaining opening and finish turning the tube inside out (Image 3). You should end up with a large circle (Image 4).

Insert the Elastic

Cut an 8-inch piece of elastic (Image 1). Add a safety pin to the end and feed it through the scrunchie (Image 2). Hand sew the ends of the elastic together. These stitches can be messy and uneven, since it will be hidden inside the scrunchie (Image 3).

Complete the Scrunchie

Sew the fabric opening closed by folding in the extra fabric and sewing the edge of the seam (Image 1 + 2). Then adjust the fabric evenly around the elastic to finish your basic scrunchie (Image 3 + 4).

Start Making the Scarf

To make the scarf, fold your fabric twice so you have four layers. Cut a long curve between the folded edges. This curved piece should measure around 8 inches x 1.5 inches (Image 1). Unfold it to get a long oval that measures around 16 inches x 3 inches (Image 2). Fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides together and press it with an iron (Image 3).

Sew the Sides

Sew together on each side, leaving around 2 inches unsewn in the center (Image 1 - 3).

Turn Inside Out and Iron

Carefully turn it inside out, pulling each end through the hole left in the center. Use a pencil to make sure the corners are fully pushed out (Image 1 + 2). Press with an iron (Image 3).

Finish the Scarf

Using your sewing machine, carefully sew the opening closed (Image 1 - 3).

Connect the Two Pieces

Tie the scarf onto the scrunchie (Image 1). You can adjust it until you’re happy with how it looks, and since it’s not sewn on, you can wear the scrunchie with or without the scarf (Image 2 + 3).

Feel Free to Make Adjustments

Feel free to make adjustments to this project. To make your scrunchie more voluminous, make your initial rectangle of fabric larger and your elastic shorter (Image 1). For this example, our fabric rectangle measured 28 inches x 5 inches and our elastic measured 6.5 inches (Image 2 + 3).

Want It Longer or Shorter?

Cut longer or shorter curves to make longer or shorter scarves. You can try making a longer scarf from lightweight fabric (Image 1) and a shorter scarf with heavier fabric (Image 2).

Experiment With Your DIY Scarf Scrunchie

Experiment with the shape of the scarf by cutting different designs on the tails (Image 1). You can make as many variations on this project as you can think of (Image 2)!

Remove the Scarf (If You Want)

Since the scarves aren’t sewn on, you can remove them if you want to wear the scrunchies on their own (Image 1 + 2)

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