How to Crochet a Ruffle Eyelet Lace Scrunchie: The Ultimate Guide for a Gorgeous, Handmade Hair Accessory

There is something deeply satisfying about making your own hair accessories. A handmade scrunchie sits in a category all its own — it is personal, practical, and endlessly customizable. But if you have been crocheting for a while and want to push beyond the basic fabric-wrapped elastic, the ruffle eyelet lace scrunchie is exactly the kind of project that will make you fall in love with the craft all over again. It combines the delicate openwork beauty of eyelet lace with the playful, dimensional texture of ruffles, all wrapped around a simple hair elastic. The result is something that looks like it came straight out of a boutique — and yet it costs almost nothing to make.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know: the materials, the stitches, the full pattern, tips for customizing, and advice on how to wear and care for your finished scrunchie. Whether you are a beginner who has just learned the basics or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick, satisfying project, this pattern has something for you.

Why Crochet a Ruffle Eyelet Lace Scrunchie?

Before we get into the how, let us talk about the why. Scrunchies have made a full cultural comeback, and they are not going anywhere. From the runway to everyday street style, oversized fabric scrunchies and delicate lace ones are showing up everywhere. Crocheted scrunchies in particular have become incredibly popular on platforms like Etsy and Pinterest, where handmade versions command a premium price.

Crocheting your own means you can match your scrunchie to any outfit, any season, any mood. Want a soft blush pink for spring? A deep burgundy for autumn? A sparkly metallic thread for a holiday party? All of these are possible with a single pattern once you understand the structure.

The ruffle eyelet lace design is especially appealing because it is versatile. The eyelet lace component — those small, deliberate holes formed by yarn-overs and skipped stitches — gives the scrunchie an airy, feminine feel. The ruffle adds volume and drama without bulk. Together, they create something that sits beautifully in the hair without that heavy, weighted look that some scrunchies can have.

This is also an excellent project for using up small amounts of yarn or thread from your stash. Because scrunchies require so little material, you can experiment with fibers and colors you might not want to commit to for a larger project.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about this project is how minimal the supply list is. Here is what you will need to get started.

Yarn: For a delicate, lacey look, cotton thread or a fine fingering-weight cotton yarn works beautifully. Size 10 crochet cotton thread is a classic choice for eyelet lace patterns because it creates crisp, well-defined stitches and holds its shape well. That said, you can absolutely use a DK-weight yarn if you want a chunkier, more casual scrunchie — just adjust your hook size accordingly.

Crochet Hook: If you are using size 10 crochet cotton thread, a steel crochet hook in size 7 (1.65mm) is a good starting point. For fingering-weight yarn, try a 2.25mm to 2.75mm hook. For DK-weight yarn, a 3.5mm to 4mm hook works well.

Hair Elastic: A standard round hair elastic, about 2 inches (5cm) in diameter. The color does not matter much since it will be covered, but choosing one close to your yarn color is a nice touch.

Scissors and a Tapestry Needle: For finishing off your yarn ends neatly.

Optional: Stitch markers, a small amount of coordinating ribbon for added decoration, or beads for a more embellished finish.

Stitch Glossary

If you are newer to crochet or simply need a refresher, here are the stitches used in this pattern. All instructions are written in US crochet terminology.

Chain (ch): The foundation of most crochet work. Loop yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook.

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, and pull through both loops on hook in one motion. Used here to join rounds and to work around the hair elastic.

Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops. The shortest of the standard stitches.

Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops. Creates a taller, more open stitch.

Chain Space (ch-sp): The space or loop formed by a chain stitch, which you work into on subsequent rows.

Eyelet: In this pattern, an eyelet is formed by a combination of a chain stitch and a skipped stitch or chain space. The chain creates a small hole in the fabric — that is the “eye” of the eyelet.

Ruffle: A ruffle in crochet is created by working multiple stitches into a single stitch or space, causing the fabric to flare outward. The more stitches you add, the more pronounced the ruffle.

The Pattern: Ruffle Eyelet Lace Scrunchie

This pattern is worked in two stages. First, you work the eyelet lace band directly over the hair elastic. Then, you add a ruffle row along the edge of the band. This two-stage approach gives you a stable base with a gorgeous decorative finish.

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but working too loosely may cause your stitches to slide on the elastic. Work at a tension that feels snug but not tight.

Finished Size: Approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter when worn, depending on the yarn weight and how much you stretch the elastic.

Stage One: The Eyelet Lace Band

Step 1 — Covering the Elastic

Begin by holding your hair elastic in your non-dominant hand. You are going to work your stitches directly around the elastic rather than into a chain foundation. This is what gives the scrunchie its structure and keeps the elastic completely hidden.

Insert your hook through the center of the elastic, place a slip knot on your hook, and pull the yarn through so the slip knot sits on the outer edge of the elastic. This is your starting point.

Work approximately 60 to 70 single crochet stitches around the entire elastic, spacing them evenly, until the elastic is completely covered. The exact number will depend on your yarn weight and the size of your elastic — you want the stitches snug enough that the elastic does not show, but not so tight that the elastic cannot stretch.

Once you have covered the elastic completely, join with a slip stitch into your first single crochet to form a ring. This is now your base round.

Step 2 — Creating the Eyelet Lace Pattern

Now you will begin the eyelet lace section, which will form the main body of the scrunchie’s decorative band.

Round 1 (Eyelet Round): Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), skip the next stitch, double crochet in the following stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch — repeat this sequence (double crochet, chain 1, skip 1) all the way around until you reach the beginning chain. Join with a slip stitch into the third chain of the beginning chain-3. You should have approximately 30 to 35 double crochet stitches with chain-1 spaces between them, forming a simple but beautiful eyelet ring.

Round 2 (Stabilizing Round): Slip stitch into the first chain-1 space. Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into the same chain space. Work 2 double crochets into every chain-1 space around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3. This round fills in the lace a little, creating a more structured band.

Round 3 (Second Eyelet Round): Chain 4 (counts as double crochet plus chain-1), skip 1 stitch, double crochet in next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 — repeat around, ending with a slip stitch join. This creates a second tier of eyelets that are offset from the first, giving the band a more complex and decorative appearance.

If you want a deeper band, you can repeat Rounds 2 and 3 once more before moving on to the ruffle stage. For a daintier scrunchie, proceed directly to Stage Two.

Stage Two: The Ruffle

The ruffle is what transforms this scrunchie from pretty to spectacular. It is worked along the outer edge of the eyelet lace band, using the chain spaces from your final eyelet round as anchor points.

Ruffle Row 1: Join yarn (you can use the same color or switch to a contrasting color for a two-tone effect) into any chain-1 space from the final eyelet round. Into each chain-1 space, work: 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 3 double crochets, 1 half double crochet, 1 single crochet. This creates a classic shell-like ruffle petal that fans out beautifully. Repeat in every chain-space around and join with a slip stitch.

Ruffle Row 2 (Optional, for Extra Volume): If you want a more dramatic ruffle, work this additional row. Working into the top of each double crochet from the previous ruffle row, work 2 double crochets into every stitch. This causes the ruffle to cascade outward even more, creating a lovely layered, petticoat effect.

Fasten off and weave in your ends using your tapestry needle. Take care to secure the ends at the base of the scrunchie (near the elastic) where they will be hidden from view.

Tips for a Perfect Ruffle Eyelet Lace Scrunchie

The pattern itself is straightforward, but a few tips will help you get the best possible result.

Keep your tension consistent. Because you are working around a round elastic, it can be tempting to pull your stitches tighter as you go. Remind yourself to maintain even tension throughout the base round. Uneven tension will cause your scrunchie to look lumpy rather than smooth.

Do not skip the stabilizing round. It might be tempting to go straight from one eyelet round to the next, but the stabilizing round is what gives the band enough structure to hold its shape when you add the ruffle. Without it, the ruffle can cause the band to bunch.

Block your finished scrunchie. Because cotton yarn holds a block beautifully, spritzing your finished scrunchie lightly with water and patting it into shape will make an enormous difference to the finished look. The eyelets will open up more clearly, and the ruffle will lie in even, defined waves.

Try a split ring for easier working. Some crocheters find it easier to cut the hair elastic, work all their stitches in a flat strip, and then tie the elastic back together with a knot before joining the crochet into a ring. This is a great workaround if you find working around a continuous ring awkward.

Experiment with thread weight for different effects. Size 10 cotton thread produces a very delicate, almost vintage-looking lace scrunchie. A sport or DK-weight cotton creates something more modern and casual. Mohair or a soft lace-weight wool blend produces a romantic, wispy effect that is gorgeous in pale, dusty tones.

Yarn and Color Inspiration

Part of the joy of making your own scrunchies is choosing the perfect color. Here are a few combinations worth trying.

For a romantic spring look, try a soft lavender eyelet band with a cream ruffle. The two-tone effect makes the ruffle stand out beautifully and the color pairing is timelessly pretty.

For something bold and modern, choose a deep forest green or rich cobalt blue in a single color throughout. The monochromatic approach lets the texture of the lace and ruffle do all the talking.

For the holidays or a party, look for a crochet thread with a subtle metallic twist — gold, silver, or champagne. These threads work up just like regular cotton thread and the result is a scrunchie that catches the light beautifully.

For a boho summer vibe, natural undyed cotton or a warm terracotta are both stunning. Pair with other handmade accessories for a cohesive handcrafted look.

How to Wear Your Ruffle Eyelet Lace Scrunchie

A ruffle eyelet lace scrunchie is versatile enough for many different hairstyles and occasions. Wear it as a simple ponytail holder and let the ruffle cascade down over your hair. Tie it around a low bun for an elegant, effortless look. Slide it up around a braided updo to add a delicate decorative touch. You can even wear it as a wrist bracelet when you are not wearing your hair up — the lace band looks beautiful against the skin and the ruffle makes it look intentionally accessory-like rather than just a spare hair tie.

For more formal occasions, try pairing a cream or blush version with a braided half-up style. The delicate lace reads as polished and refined rather than casual.

Caring for Your Crocheted Scrunchie

Because cotton thread and yarn are machine washable in most cases, care is relatively simple. Turn the scrunchie inside out or place it in a small mesh laundry bag to protect the ruffle from catching on other items. Wash on a gentle, cool cycle. Reshape while damp and allow to air dry flat. Avoid high heat from a dryer, which can cause the elastic inside to degrade more quickly.

If you have used a more delicate fiber like mohair or a wool blend, hand washing is recommended. Gently squeeze out water (never wring) and roll the scrunchie in a clean towel before laying flat to dry.

Making These as Gifts or to Sell

A ruffle eyelet lace scrunchie makes an absolutely wonderful handmade gift. It is small enough to tuck into a birthday card envelope, pretty enough to feel special, and practical enough to actually be used rather than just displayed. Consider making a set of three in coordinating colors and packaging them together for a cohesive gift.

If you are interested in selling your finished scrunchies, the small material cost and relatively quick make time means your profit margin can be healthy. Because of the eyelet lace detail and the ruffle, these scrunchies photograph exceptionally well — especially in natural light against a neutral background. Good photos will make a significant difference to how well they sell online.

Final Thoughts

The ruffle eyelet lace scrunchie is proof that the smallest crochet projects can carry the most charm. It takes just a couple of hours to make, uses a tiny amount of yarn, and produces something genuinely beautiful — something with real texture and elegance that you will reach for again and again. Once you have made one, you will almost certainly want to make a dozen more in every color and fiber combination you can imagine. That is simply the nature of this particular pattern. It is quick, it is satisfying, and the results are always worth it.

So grab your hook, pick your favorite thread or yarn, and get started. Your hair — and everyone who sees you wearing it — will thank you.