What you need to make a scrunchie

A scrunchie is a fabric tube with elastic threaded through it, and your sewing machine can make one in about 15 minutes. You need four things: a piece of fabric (cotton or jersey works well), elastic (usually 1/4-inch wide), thread that matches your fabric, and scissors. The fabric should be a rectangle roughly 4 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches long—the exact size depends on how thick you want the finished scrunchie.

Elastic width matters because it has to fit through the tube you'll sew. If you use 1/2-inch elastic, your fabric rectangle needs to be wider so the tube doesn't squeeze it. Start with 1/4-inch elastic if you're new to this; it's the easiest to thread through. You can find both at any fabric store or online.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut a rectangle of fabric 4 inches wide by 8 to 10 inches long, then fold it in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward.
  • Sew a straight seam down the long edge, leaving a 1/2-inch gap near one end so you can turn the tube right-side out.
  • Turn the tube inside out through the gap, then thread elastic through the hollow center using a safety pin or bodkin as a guide.
  • Overlap the elastic ends by 1/2 inch and sew them together, then sew the gap in the fabric closed to finish.

Fold and sew the fabric tube

Lay your fabric rectangle on the table with the right side (the side you want to show) facing down. Fold it in half lengthwise so the long edges line up. You now have a long, thin rectangle with the right side tucked inside. Pin along the long edge to hold it steady.

Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a standard stitch length. Sew down the long edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance—that means the needle should be 1/2 inch away from the edge. Stop about 1 inch before you reach the end and backstitch to lock the thread. This gap is how you'll turn the tube right-side out later, so don't sew it closed.

Turn the tube and thread the elastic

Reach into the gap you left and grab the fabric from inside. Pull it through the opening to flip the whole tube right-side out. The seam is now hidden on the inside. Use a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil to push the corners out so the tube lies flat.

Cut a piece of elastic about 6 inches long. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic—the pin acts as a weight and guide. Push the pin into one end of the fabric tube and feed it through the hollow center. The elastic will bunch the fabric as it slides through. When the pin comes out the other end, remove it and pull the elastic so it sits evenly inside the tube.

Join the elastic and close the gap

Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about 1/2 inch. Sew them together with a small rectangle of stitches—go back and forth a few times to make sure they're find. This overlap keeps the elastic from slipping when you wear the scrunchie.

Now sew the gap in the fabric closed. You can do this by hand with a ladder stitch (which is nearly invisible) or by machine. If you use the machine, fold the raw edges of the gap inward and pin them, then sew a straight seam close to the fold. Backstitch at both ends to lock the thread.

Trim threads and test the fit

Trim any loose thread ends with scissors. Gently stretch the scrunchie to make sure the elastic is find and the fabric doesn't bunch unevenly. If the elastic is too tight, you can carefully cut a small opening, remove the elastic, and replace it with a longer piece. If it's too loose, tie a knot in the elastic inside the tube.

Your scrunchie is ready to use. The fabric will soften with washing, and the elastic will hold its shape through many uses.

Fabric and elastic choices that work best

Cotton quilting fabric is durable and comes in endless patterns, but jersey knit (the stretchy fabric used for T-shirts) is gentler on hair because it has a smooth surface. Avoid stiff fabrics like canvas or denim for your first scrunchie—they're harder to turn right-side out and don't drape as nicely.

Elastic comes in different widths and materials. Braided elastic is more durable than knit elastic, but knit elastic is softer and less likely to leave marks in your hair. If you can't find 1/4-inch elastic, 3/8-inch works too—just make your fabric rectangle 5 inches wide instead of 4 inches so the tube isn't too snug.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the tube is hard to turn right-side out, the gap may be too small. Make it at least 2 inches next time. If the elastic keeps slipping, overlap it more before sewing—try 3/4 inch instead of 1/2 inch. If the fabric bunches unevenly around the elastic, the elastic may be too long; pull it tighter before you sew the ends together.

If your thread keeps breaking, check that the needle is inserted correctly (the flat side faces the right direction for your machine) and that you're using thread weight that matches your fabric. Thin thread on thick fabric, or thick thread on thin fabric, causes tension problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different width of elastic?

Yes. Wider elastic (1/2 inch or more) works, but your fabric rectangle needs to be wider too—at least 5 to 6 inches—so the tube doesn't squeeze the elastic. Narrower elastic (1/8 inch) is harder to thread through but uses less fabric.

What if I don't have a safety pin to thread the elastic?

A bodkin (a flat needle tool sold in fabric stores) works the same way. You can also use a straw: tie the elastic to one end of the straw and feed the straw through the tube. The elastic follows behind it.

How do I sew the gap closed by hand?

Fold the raw edges inward and pin them. Use a ladder stitch: bring the needle up through one fold, across to the opposite fold, and back down through it. Move forward about 1/4 inch and repeat. The stitches hide inside the fold and are nearly invisible from the outside.

Can I make scrunchies from old T-shirts?

Yes. Cut a rectangle from the side seam area where the fabric is flat. Avoid the neckline or armholes because those edges are already finished and will be bulky inside the tube. Jersey from old shirts works beautifully and is soft on hair.

How long does the elastic last before it loses its stretch?

That depends on how often you wear it and how you wash it. Most scrunchies last several months to a year with regular use. When the elastic stops holding your hair, you can cut open the seam, remove the old elastic, and thread in a new piece.