What you need to make a basic hair scrunchie

A hair scrunchie is a loop of fabric wrapped around an elastic band. To make one, you need a strip of fabric about 4 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches long, a needle, thread that matches your fabric, scissors, and a hair elastic (the kind you find in any drugstore). You can use leftover fabric from other projects, old t-shirts, or cotton scraps from your sewing basket.

The elastic itself is the only part you cannot substitute. A standard hair elastic is about 2 inches in diameter when relaxed. If you use elastic that is too thick or too thin, the scrunchie will either be stiff or will slip out of your hair.

Key Takeaways

  • A scrunchie is made by folding fabric around an elastic band and sewing the ends together.
  • You need a fabric strip roughly 4 by 8 inches, a needle, matching thread, scissors, and one hair elastic.
  • The seam that holds the fabric to itself is the most important step—if it is loose, the scrunchie will unravel.
  • You can finish the raw edges by folding them inward before sewing, or leave them raw if your fabric does not fray badly.

Folding and wrapping the fabric around the elastic

Lay your fabric strip flat with the wrong side (the back) facing up. Place the elastic along one long edge of the fabric, about a quarter-inch from the edge. Fold the fabric over the elastic so the wrong sides of the fabric are now facing each other and the elastic is sandwiched between them.

Roll the elastic and fabric together, wrapping the fabric around the elastic like you are rolling a burrito. Keep the fabric taut as you roll so there are no wrinkles or loose spots. When you reach the end of the fabric, you should have a tube with the elastic inside and the seam running along one side.

Sewing the seam that holds the fabric together

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Start at one end of the tube and sew a running stitch along the open seam, going through both layers of fabric. A running stitch means pushing the needle through the fabric, pulling it back out a quarter-inch away, and repeating. Keep your stitches small and even—about a quarter-inch apart.

Sew all the way to the other end of the tube. When you reach the end, push the needle through both layers one more time, then bring it back out and tie a knot to find the thread. Trim the thread close to the knot. This seam is what holds the entire scrunchie together, so make sure your stitches are tight and close together.

Closing the ends of the scrunchie

You now have a tube of fabric with the elastic inside, but the two short ends are still open. Fold one end of the fabric inward about a quarter-inch, then fold it inward again. This hides the raw edges. Sew this folded end closed with a running stitch, going through all the layers.

Repeat on the other end. When both ends are sewn shut, the scrunchie is complete. The elastic will be fully enclosed inside the fabric tube, and the two ends will be sealed. Try it on—the fabric should be smooth and the elastic should hold your hair without slipping.

Finishing raw edges to prevent fraying

If your fabric is cotton or linen, the edges may fray over time, especially after washing. To prevent this, you can fold the long edges of your fabric strip inward before you wrap it around the elastic. Fold each long edge about a quarter-inch toward the wrong side, then press with your fingers or an iron to crease it.

Once both long edges are folded, wrap the fabric around the elastic as described above. The folded edges will now be on the inside of the tube, hidden from view. This takes a little longer but makes the scrunchie last much longer, especially if you wash your hair frequently.

Choosing fabric that works well for scrunchies

Cotton and cotton blends are the easiest fabrics to work with. They are soft against your hair, do not slip, and are forgiving if your stitches are not perfect. Avoid slippery fabrics like satin or polyester unless you are experienced—they are harder to control and the elastic can slide inside the fabric tube.

Thicker fabrics like denim or canvas will make a scrunchie that is stiff and uncomfortable. Thin fabrics like gauze or lace will tear easily. Medium-weight cotton, quilting cotton, or old t-shirt fabric are all good choices. If you are using a t-shirt, cut your strip along the grain so it does not curl at the edges.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the elastic keeps slipping out of the fabric tube, your seam is too loose. Unpick the seam with a seam ripper or small scissors, and sew it again with stitches closer together. If the fabric bunches up around the elastic, you wrapped it too tightly or did not keep it taut while rolling. Unpick and start over, keeping the fabric smooth as you roll.

If the scrunchie feels stiff or uncomfortable, you may have used fabric that is too thick, or you may have pulled your stitches too tight. For your next one, use thinner fabric or loosen your tension slightly. If the raw edges fray badly after a few washes, fold them inward next time before sewing, as described in the finishing section above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine instead of hand sewing?

Yes. Set your machine to a straight stitch and sew along the open seam at a medium speed. Use a stitch length of about 2 to 2.5 millimeters. A machine seam will be faster and stronger than hand sewing, though you need to be careful not to catch the elastic in the needle.

What size elastic should I use?

A standard hair elastic is about 2 inches in diameter when relaxed and stretches to about 3 inches. This size works for most people. If you have very thick hair, you may want a slightly larger elastic. Check the package—most drugstore elastics list the diameter.

How do I make the scrunchie reversible?

Cut two fabric strips instead of one, and sew them together along the long edges with the right sides facing each other, leaving one short end open. Turn the tube right-side out, insert the elastic, and sew both short ends closed. This hides all the seams and raw edges.

Can I wash a fabric scrunchie?

Yes, you can hand wash it in cool water with mild soap, or toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Air dry it by laying it flat or hanging it. Avoid the dryer, as heat can damage the elastic. Most fabric scrunchies last several months with regular washing.

What if I do not have matching thread?

Use thread that is close in color—slightly darker is better than lighter, because it will be less visible. If you have no close match, use a neutral color like gray or tan. The seam will be on the inside of the tube, so it will not show unless someone looks very closely.