A scrunchie takes 15 to 20 minutes and uses fabric scraps you probably have

A scrunchie is a fabric tube wrapped around an elastic band—you can make one from a strip of fabric, a needle or sewing machine, and elastic cord. The whole project takes about 20 minutes if you use a machine, or 30 to 40 minutes by hand. You do not need special fabric; leftover cotton, linen, or knit from other projects works fine. The elastic goes inside the tube so it stays hidden, and the seam runs along the back where it does not show.

This guide covers both hand-sewing and machine methods. Hand-sewing is slower but requires only needle, thread, and scissors. Machine-sewing is faster and produces a stronger seam, but either method gives you a usable scrunchie on the first try if you follow the steps in order.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut a rectangle of fabric 4 inches wide by 8 to 10 inches long, depending on how thick you want the finished scrunchie.
  • Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward, sew or stitch the long edge closed, then turn it right-side-out to hide the seam.
  • Thread elastic through the tube using a safety pin or needle, then sew the ends of the fabric together to close the loop.
  • The entire project uses scraps and takes 20 minutes by machine or 30 to 40 minutes by hand.
  • Common mistakes are cutting the fabric too narrow (making the scrunchie flimsy) or pulling the elastic too tight (making it hard to put in your hair).

Gather your materials and cut the fabric

You need fabric, elastic, thread, and a needle or sewing machine. For fabric, use any cotton, linen, or cotton-blend cloth—a piece 4 inches wide by 8 to 10 inches long is enough. Thinner fabrics like quilting cotton work best; avoid heavy denim or canvas for your first scrunchie because they are harder to turn inside-out. For elastic, use 1/4-inch-wide elastic cord, the kind sold in the notions aisle at fabric stores, and cut a piece 6 to 7 inches long.

Lay your fabric flat and measure 4 inches across the width. Mark a line 8 inches down the length (use 10 inches if you want a thicker, puffier scrunchie). Cut along those lines with scissors or a rotary cutter. You now have a rectangle. If the fabric has a pattern or texture you prefer on one side, that is your right side; the other side is the wrong side.

Sew the long edge closed by machine

Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward—the pretty side should be on the inside, the wrong side facing out. Line up the long edges so they match exactly. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters. Sew along the long edge, starting 1/4 inch from the fold and stopping 1/4 inch before the end. Backstitch at the start and end to lock the thread.

You now have a long tube with the seam on the outside. The next step is to turn it right-side-out so the seam hides inside. Reach into one end of the tube and grab the fabric near the opposite end, then pull gently. The tube will flip inside-out. Use a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil to push the corners out so the tube lies flat and smooth.

Sew the long edge closed by hand

If you do not have a sewing machine, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward, just as you would for machine-sewing. Thread a needle with thread that matches your fabric, and tie a knot at the end. Start at one short end, about 1/4 inch from the edge.

Use a running stitch: push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull it out about 1/8 inch away, then push it back in. Repeat along the entire long edge, keeping your stitches small and even. Stop about 1/4 inch before the other short end. Tie off the thread with a knot on the inside. Turn the tube right-side-out by reaching in and pulling gently, then use a chopstick to smooth out the corners.

Thread the elastic through the tube

The elastic goes inside the tube. The easiest way to get it through is to use a safety pin: fasten the safety pin to one end of the elastic, then push it into one end of the tube. The pin will catch the fabric and pull the elastic along behind it. Push the safety pin all the way through until the elastic comes out the other end. This takes about one minute.

If you do not have a safety pin, thread a needle with a long piece of thread, push the needle through the tube from one end to the other, then tie the elastic to the end of the thread and pull it back through. Either way, once the elastic is inside, you should have about 1 inch of elastic sticking out each end of the tube.

Close the ends and finish the scrunchie

Overlap the two short ends of the fabric tube by about 1/2 inch, with the elastic ends meeting inside. The elastic should form a loop about 5 to 6 inches around—large enough to hold hair but not so loose it falls out. If the loop feels too tight or too loose, adjust by pulling more or less elastic out of one end before you sew.

Fold the raw edges of the fabric inward so they are hidden, then sew the overlapped ends together. By machine, use a straight stitch and sew back and forth over the overlap two or three times for strength. By hand, use a whip stitch: bring the needle up through the fold of one piece, across to the fold of the other piece, and back down through the fold. Repeat every 1/8 inch until the ends are closed. Tie off the thread on the inside. Trim any loose threads with scissors.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is cutting the fabric too narrow. If your rectangle is only 2 or 3 inches wide, the finished scrunchie will be thin and flimsy and may not hold hair well. Stick to 4 inches wide as a minimum. The second mistake is pulling the elastic too tight. If you stretch the elastic to its maximum length before sewing the ends together, the scrunchie will be hard to put in your hair and uncomfortable to wear. Leave the elastic slightly loose—it should stretch to about 6 inches around, not 4.

A third mistake is sewing the long seam too close to the fold. If you sew right on the fold line, the tube will be too narrow to turn inside-out easily. Always leave at least 1/4 inch between your seam and the fold. Finally, do not skip the backstitch or knot at the start and end of your seams. Without it, the thread can unravel and your scrunchie will fall apart after a few washes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a knit fabric like jersey or t-shirt material?

Yes, knit works well for scrunchies and is often softer on hair than woven cotton. Knit does stretch, so cut your rectangle slightly narrower—3.5 inches instead of 4—to account for the stretch. Use a ballpoint needle in your sewing machine if you have one, as it slides between the fibers rather than piercing them.

What if I do not have 1/4-inch elastic?

You can use any elastic that fits inside the tube—1/2-inch elastic works, though it will make the scrunchie thicker. Thin hair ties or even a loop of thread work in a pinch, though they wear out faster. The key is that the elastic should be strong enough to hold hair without snapping.

How do I make the scrunchie thicker and puffier?

Cut a longer rectangle—10 to 12 inches instead of 8 to 10. The extra length will bunch up more when you close the ends, creating a fuller look. You can also cut the fabric wider, up to 5 or 6 inches, though this makes it harder to turn inside-out by hand.

Can I sew the ends together by machine instead of by hand?

Yes. Fold the overlapped ends under so the raw edges are hidden, then sew across the overlap with a straight stitch. Sew back and forth two or three times for strength. This is faster than hand-sewing and produces a very strong seam.

How long does a homemade scrunchie last?

A well-made scrunchie lasts several months to a year with regular use. The elastic eventually loses its stretch and stops holding hair. When that happens, you can cut open the seam, replace the elastic with a new piece, and sew it closed again—this takes about 10 minutes and gives the scrunchie a second life.