What You Need to Sew a Basic Scrunchie

A scrunchie is a fabric tube with an elastic band threaded through it. You can make one with a sewing machine in about 15 minutes once you have the materials. The only things you need are fabric, elastic, a needle, thread, and scissors.

For fabric, use something soft and stretchy—cotton jersey, knit, or even old t-shirt material works well. Avoid stiff fabrics like canvas or denim; they won't fold comfortably around your hair. You need a piece roughly 4 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches long, depending on how full you want the scrunchie to look.

For elastic, buy hair tie elastic or ponytail elastic from a fabric store—it is thinner and softer than regular sewing elastic. A piece about 2 to 3 inches long is enough for one scrunchie. Thread color should match your fabric or be close enough that stitches won't show.

Key Takeaways

  • Fold your fabric rectangle in half lengthwise with the right side facing inward, then sew a straight seam down the long edge to create a tube.
  • Turn the tube right-side-out using a safety pin or bodkin threaded through one end, then push it through from the inside.
  • Thread the elastic through the tube using a safety pin, then overlap the elastic ends by half an inch and sew them together before closing the fabric opening.
  • Fold the open end of the fabric inward and sew it shut with a ladder stitch or whip stitch for an invisible seam.
  • Knit and jersey fabrics work best because they are soft and won't fray; woven fabrics may need a zigzag stitch to prevent unraveling.

Sewing the Fabric Tube

Start by folding your fabric rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right side facing inward (the side you want to show on the finished scrunchie). Pin along the long edge to hold it in place. Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a standard stitch length.

Sew a straight seam down the pinned edge, staying about a quarter inch from the fold. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the thread. You now have a long tube, but it is inside-out. Do not trim the seam allowance yet—you will need it for grip when you turn the tube.

Turning the Tube Right-Side-Out

Turning a narrow tube is the trickiest part. The easiest method is to use a safety pin as a pusher. Thread the safety pin through the eye of a regular sewing needle, then push the needle through one end of the tube from the inside. The safety pin will catch the fabric and pull it through as you push the needle forward.

Work slowly and gently—if you push too hard, the fabric may tear. Once the safety pin emerges from the other end, keep pushing until the entire tube is right-side-out. The seam should now be hidden inside. Press the tube flat with an iron on a low setting if you want crisp edges, though this is optional.

Threading and Securing the Elastic

Attach a safety pin to one end of your elastic band. Use the safety pin the same way you did to turn the tube: push it through one end of the fabric tube and feed it through. The elastic will follow behind. This takes a minute or two, but it is much faster than trying to thread elastic with a needle.

Once the elastic emerges from the other end, overlap the two elastic ends by about half an inch. Sew them together with a few tight stitches, going back and forth several times to make sure they do not slip apart. You now have a complete elastic loop inside the fabric tube.

Closing the Open End

The fabric tube still has an open end where you turned it. Fold the raw edges inward by about a quarter inch on both sides and pin them closed. You can sew this shut with a ladder stitch (also called a whip stitch), which is nearly invisible from the outside.

To ladder stitch, bring your needle up through the fold on one side, then across into the fold on the opposite side. Slide the needle inside the fold for about a quarter inch, then come back out and cross over to the other side. Repeat this zigzag motion along the entire opening. Pull the thread gently every few stitches to close the gap. When you reach the end, tie off the thread inside the fold so the knot stays hidden.

Finishing Touches and Variations

Your scrunchie is now complete. If any raw edges are visible at the seams, trim them with scissors. If you used a woven fabric and the edges are fraying, you can explore a tiny dab of clear fabric glue to seal them, though this is usually not necessary for scrunchies since they are worn and not closely inspected.

Once you have made one, you can experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and elastic widths. Wider elastic (half an inch or more) creates a gentler hold and is better for delicate hair. Narrower elastic holds tighter. You can also sew two different fabric pieces together before folding to create a two-tone scrunchie, or add a small bow or charm to the outside before closing the final seam.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your seam is puckering or bunching, you may have pulled the fabric too tight while sewing. Loosen your grip and let the machine feed the fabric naturally. If the tube is too tight to turn, your seam allowance may be too wide—try sewing closer to the fold next time, leaving only an eighth inch of seam allowance.

If the elastic slips out while you are threading it, the safety pin may not be attached securely enough. Stop, tie the elastic to the safety pin with a small knot, and continue. If the fabric tears while you are turning the tube, you can still use it—just be more gentle with the next one. Fabric tears are a normal part of learning, and scrunchies are forgiving because the damage is usually hidden inside the tube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sewing elastic instead of hair tie elastic?

You can, but hair tie elastic is better because it is thinner, softer, and designed not to crease your hair. Regular sewing elastic is thicker and can leave marks. If you only have regular elastic, use less of it so the scrunchie is not too tight.

What fabric should I avoid?

Avoid stiff, heavy fabrics like canvas, denim, or upholstery material—they will not fold comfortably and the scrunchie will feel bulky in your hair. Avoid slippery fabrics like satin or silk unless you are experienced, because they are hard to control while sewing. Cotton jersey, knit, and fleece are the easiest to work with.

Do I need to use a zigzag stitch?

A straight stitch is fine for knit and jersey fabrics because they do not fray much. If you use a woven cotton or linen, a zigzag stitch along the seam edge will prevent fraying, but it is not required for scrunchies since the seam is hidden inside the tube.

How do I make the scrunchie less bulky?

Use thinner fabric, trim the seam allowance closer to the stitching line, and use narrower elastic. You can also press the seam flat with an iron before turning the tube. Avoid folding the fabric more than once, as this adds layers.

Can I make scrunchies without a sewing machine?

Yes, you can hand-sew them using a needle and thread, though it takes longer. Use a running stitch or backstitch along the long edge, then follow the same steps to turn, thread the elastic, and close the end. Hand-sewn seams are often stronger than machine seams if you sew carefully.