You can make a scrunchie with a needle, thread, and fabric scraps in under 20 minutes

A scrunchie is a loop of fabric sewn around an elastic band. You need four things: a rectangle of fabric (about 4 by 8 inches), a needle, thread that matches the fabric, and a hair elastic. The whole project takes one sitting, uses almost no material, and costs less than a dollar. If you can thread a needle and sew a straight line, you can make one.

The basic method is to fold the fabric rectangle in half lengthwise, sew it into a tube, turn it right-side out, thread the elastic through, and close the ends. The elastic does the actual holding; the fabric just covers it and makes it look finished.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut a rectangle of fabric roughly 4 inches wide by 8 inches long — old t-shirts, cotton scraps, or quilting fabric all work.
  • Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward, then sew down the long edge to form a tube.
  • Turn the tube right-side out by pulling one end through itself, then thread a hair elastic through the middle.
  • Fold the raw ends of the tube inward and sew them closed around the elastic to finish.
  • A standard hair elastic is about 2 to 3 inches in diameter when relaxed.

What fabric and elastic to use

Cotton works best because it is straightforward to sew, holds its shape, and feels comfortable in hair. Knit fabric like t-shirt material also works but can be slippery. Avoid anything too thick — denim or canvas will be hard to turn right-side out and uncomfortable to wear. Flannel, quilting cotton, and old t-shirts are ideal.

For elastic, use a standard hair elastic (sometimes called a ponytail holder). These are usually 2 to 3 inches in diameter when relaxed and cost a few cents. Do not use thick craft elastic or rubber bands — they are too stiff and uncomfortable. If you cannot find hair elastic at a fabric store, a pack of basic hair ties from a drugstore works fine; just slip the elastic out of the fabric covering.

Cutting and preparing the fabric

Cut a rectangle about 4 inches wide by 8 inches long. The exact size does not matter much — slightly larger or smaller still works. If you are using a patterned fabric, decide which side you want to show on the finished scrunchie; that will be your right side.

Check that your edges are roughly straight. If you are cutting from a t-shirt, you can use the existing seams as one edge to save time. Trim any loose threads.

Sewing the tube

Place the fabric rectangle with the right side facing inward (so the pretty side is hidden). Fold it in half lengthwise so it looks like a long, thin rectangle. Pin the long open edge if you want to keep it steady, though it is not necessary.

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Sew along the long edge with a straightforward running stitch — push the needle through both layers, pull it out about a quarter-inch away, and repeat. Keep your stitches roughly even, about a quarter-inch apart. You do not need to be perfect; scrunchies are forgiving. When you reach the end, tie off your thread with a knot and trim the excess.

You now have a tube with one seam down the length and two open ends.

Turning the tube right-side out

This is the trickiest step, but it gets easier with practice. Reach into one end of the tube with your finger and grab the fabric at the opposite end. Pull gently — the tube will turn itself inside out as you pull. It may feel stuck at first; go slowly and wiggle as you pull.

Once it is turned, the seam is now on the inside and the pretty side of the fabric faces outward. Poke the corners out gently with a blunt object like a chopstick or the back of a pen if they look bunched.

Threading the elastic and closing the ends

Cut a piece of thread about 12 inches long, thread your needle, and tie a knot. Fold one end of the tube inward about half an inch and sew it closed with a running stitch, going around the opening. Leave a small gap — just big enough to thread the elastic through.

Thread the hair elastic through the gap and into the tube. Push it all the way through so it comes out the other end. Fold the other end of the tube inward and sew it closed the same way, trapping the elastic inside. The elastic should now form a loop inside the fabric tube.

Tie off your thread and trim. The scrunchie is finished.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the tube is hard to turn right-side out, the fabric may be too thick or the tube too narrow. Try cutting a wider rectangle next time. If the seam puckers or looks uneven, do not worry — it will be hidden inside the scrunchie and does not affect how it works.

If the elastic slips out before you sew the second end closed, just push it back in. If the finished scrunchie feels loose in your hair, the elastic may have stretched or been too loose to begin with. You can open one end, remove the elastic, replace it with a tighter one, and sew it closed again.

If your stitches are very loose or the seam tears, you can reinforce it by sewing over the same line a second time. Scrunchies are durable and can handle a second pass of stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine instead of hand sewing?

Yes. Set the machine to a straight stitch and sew along the long edge of the folded rectangle. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance to match hand sewing. A machine is faster and produces more even stitches, though hand sewing is just as strong for this small project.

What if I do not have a hair elastic?

You can use a small rubber band or a loop of elastic cord from a craft store. The elastic needs to be about 2 to 3 inches in diameter when relaxed. If you use something too small or too large, the scrunchie will either be too tight or too loose.

How long does a homemade scrunchie last?

The fabric usually lasts as long as you wear it — months or years depending on use. The elastic inside will eventually lose its stretch and stop holding hair. When that happens, you can open one end, remove the old elastic, thread in a new one, and sew it closed again.

Can I make scrunchies from other materials like felt or fleece?

Felt works but is stiff and uncomfortable in hair. Fleece is soft but can be slippery. Cotton, linen, and t-shirt knit are the easiest to work with and most comfortable to wear. If you want to experiment, test a small piece first to see how it feels.

Do I need to wash the scrunchie before wearing it?

No, but you can if you want to. Most fabric scraps are clean enough to wear as-is. If you are using an old t-shirt, a quick rinse does not hurt. Let it dry completely before wearing.