What You Need to Make a Basic Hair Scrunchie

A hair scrunchie is a fabric tube with elastic running through it. You can make one with fabric scraps, a needle, thread, and a piece of elastic — all of which cost less than a dollar combined. The whole project takes about 30 minutes once you have the materials.

Gather a rectangle of fabric (cotton, linen, or jersey all work), elastic that fits comfortably around your wrist, a needle, thread that matches your fabric, scissors, and a safety pin. If you have a sewing machine, use it — hand sewing works but takes longer. You do not need a pattern; the measurements are straightforward math based on how thick you want the scrunchie.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut a rectangle of fabric roughly 4 inches wide by 8 inches long, then fold it in half lengthwise and sew the long edge closed to form a tube.
  • Thread elastic through the tube using a safety pin as a guide, then tie the elastic ends together and sew the fabric opening shut.
  • A sewing machine finishes the job in 15 minutes; hand sewing takes 30 to 40 minutes but requires no equipment beyond needle and thread.
  • Fabric scraps from old clothes, sheets, or quilting remnants work perfectly and cost nothing if you use what you already have.

Cutting and Preparing Your Fabric

Start with a rectangle of fabric. A standard size is 4 inches wide by 8 inches long, but you can adjust based on how thick you want the finished scrunchie. Wider fabric makes a thicker, more padded scrunchie; narrower fabric makes a sleeker one. The length determines how much the fabric wraps around the elastic.

If you are using a woven fabric like cotton or linen, cut your rectangle with sharp scissors and trim the edges straight. If you are using a knit like jersey, the edges will curl slightly, but that does not affect the finished scrunchie. Lay the rectangle flat and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right side (the side you want to show) facing inward. This fold creates the tube shape.

Sewing the Tube Closed

With the fabric folded in half and the right side facing inward, you now have a long, thin rectangle. Sew along the long open edge to seal it into a tube. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew about a quarter inch from the edge. Run the seam the full length of the fabric. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch or backstitch, keeping your stitches small and even.

Once the seam is complete, turn the tube right-side out so the seam is hidden inside. You now have a fabric tube with the good side facing outward. The short ends are still open — that is where the elastic will go in and come back out.

Threading the Elastic Through

Cut a piece of elastic about 2 to 3 inches long, depending on your wrist size. The elastic should stretch comfortably around your wrist without cutting off circulation. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic — this acts as a guide to pull the elastic through the tube without bunching the fabric.

Push the safety pin end into one open end of the tube and feed it through slowly, gathering the fabric onto the safety pin as you go. The fabric will bunch up on the pin like you are threading beads. Keep pushing until the safety pin and elastic come out the other end. Once the elastic is all the way through, remove the safety pin.

Closing the Scrunchie

Tie the two ends of the elastic together in a knot, pulling it tight so the loop is snug but not uncomfortable. The elastic is now a closed loop inside the fabric tube. Fold the raw fabric edges at both ends inward about a quarter inch and sew them shut, either by machine or by hand. This seam hides the elastic ends and finishes the scrunchie.

If you are sewing by hand, a ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch) works well here because it closes the opening from the inside and leaves almost no visible seam. If you are using a machine, a straightforward straight stitch around the opening is fine and will be visible, but it is functional and adds a decorative touch.

Customizing Your Scrunchie

Once you understand the basic method, you can change the look and feel. Use patterned fabric, striped fabric, or fabric with prints. Layer two different fabrics together before folding and sewing to create a reversible scrunchie. Use thicker fabric like fleece or corduroy for a more padded scrunchie, or thin fabric like silk for a gentler hold that is less likely to crease hair.

You can also adjust the elastic thickness. Thicker elastic (half an inch or wider) creates a stronger hold; thinner elastic (a quarter inch) is lighter and more delicate. Some people use multiple strands of thin elastic instead of one thick piece for a different texture and grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fabric glue instead of sewing?

Fabric glue can hold the seams temporarily, but it will not last through washing and regular wear. Stitching — whether by machine or hand — is much more durable. If you do not have a needle or machine, ask a friend or visit a tailor; the cost is usually a few dollars.

What elastic should I use?

Hair tie elastic, swimsuit elastic, or even braided elastic from a craft store all work. Avoid thin rubber bands because they break easily and can snag hair. Look for elastic labeled for hair accessories or swimwear, which is designed to stretch repeatedly without losing shape.

How do I keep the fabric from fraying?

Woven fabrics like cotton fray at the cut edges, but because the edges are sewn into a seam and then hidden inside the tube, fraying is not visible. If you want to prevent fraying before you sew, use pinking shears (scissors with a zigzag edge) to cut the fabric, or explore a small amount of fray-stop liquid to the edges and let it dry.

Can I make a scrunchie without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand sewing takes longer — about 40 minutes instead of 15 — but the result is identical. Use a needle, thread, and either a running stitch or backstitch. The stitches do not need to be perfect; they just need to hold the seams closed.

What should I do if the elastic slips out while I am threading it?

If the elastic comes loose from the safety pin, reattach it and start again. If the elastic itself slips back out of the tube, tie a knot in the end of the elastic to anchor it, then push the safety pin end through again. The knot will catch on the fabric and prevent the elastic from sliding back out.