12 Free Scrunchie Knitting Patterns | The Knit Crew
If you love quick, satisfying knitting projects that are practical and stylish, scrunchies are a perennial favorite. They’re fast to knit, use small amounts of yarn, and you can tailor them to any mood or wardrobe with color, texture, and yarn choice. Plus, sewing something handmade for yourself or a friend makes hair accessories feel special rather than just utilitarian. The Knit Crew has gathered a dozen free scrunchie knitting patterns you can start today. Each pattern here focuses on a simple rectangular knit, transformed into a cozy fabric tube that holds an elastic band. By changing stitch patterns, yarns, and colors, you’ll have a closet full of scrunchies in no time.
In this guide, you’ll find:
– A quick primer on choosing yarns and elastics for scrunchies
– How to size and finish a scrunchie for a comfortable fit
– Twelve varied patterns to suit beginners through seasoned knitters
– Tips to adapt any pattern to different yarn weights or lengths
Why scrunchies make great knitting projects
Scrunchies are a perfect “instant gratification” knit for several reasons. They require only a small amount of yarn, usually a simple stitch, and can be completed in a single sitting or a few short sessions. Because they’re lightweight and forgiving, they’re ideal for practicing new stitches or colorwork without committing to a larger project. They also make thoughtful gifts and easy fundraiser items for friends, family, or a local craft group.
The Knit Crew’s approach to scrunchies is to present patterns that are accessible, versatile, and ready to adapt to what you have on hand. You’ll see the same core method—knit a rectangle, seam the ends to form a tube, insert elastic, and finish with a neat seam. The variety comes from the stitch patterns, the weight of yarn, and the width of the finished scrunchie. Ready? Let’s dive into the patterns.
Materials, tools, and getting started
Before you knit, gather a few basics that stay the same across most scrunchie patterns:
– Yarn: The most common weight for scrunchies is worsted or DK, but you can adapt to sport weight if you want a lighter finish. Choose 100 percent cotton for a crisp, springy feel that grips hair well, or cotton blends with a touch of nylon for added sheen and durability. For a bit of sparkle, you can use a yarn with a metallic thread or a soft acrylic blend.
– Needle size: A typical choice is US size 6-7 (4.0-4.5 mm) for worsted weight yarns, or US size 5-6 (3.75-4.0 mm) for DK. If your yarn is lighter or heavier, adjust the needle size to achieve a fabric that isn’t too stiff or too loose.
– Elastic: The inside elastic is what gives the scrunchie its hold. A common choice is a 9-inch length of 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch wide elastic. You’ll thread it through the fabric tube after you seam the rectangle. If you want a looser hold, use a slightly longer elastic; for a tighter grip, shorten it a bit.
– Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, a safety pin or a small section of wire to thread elastic through the fabric, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure to check the fabric length.
How to size and finish a scrunchie
Sizing is straightforward. Cast on stitches to create a rectangle that’s about 9 inches long (this length becomes the circumference of the scrunchie when worn around the hair). The width of the rectangle (the height of the fabric) should be around 3 to 4 inches for a standard scrunchie; wider if you want a chunkier look. Work the chosen stitch pattern for about 9 inches in length, then bind off. Fold the rectangle with the right sides facing, seam the short ends together to form a tube, and leave a small opening to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through the tube with a safety pin, join the ends of the elastic, and sew the opening closed. Weave in any remaining ends for a neat finish.
If you’re new to finishing: mattress stitch along the seam gives a flat, nearly invisible seam. For a decorative touch, you can top-stitch along the seam after inserting the elastic to help the fabric stay in place.
Pattern 1: Basic Garter Stitch Scrunchie
Overview: The classic, no-fuss option that looks clean and tidy. Garter stitch lies flat and never curls, making it a reliable starter pattern.
Materials:
– 100% cotton worsted weight yarn, about 100 yards
– US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles
– 9-inch length of 1/4-inch elastic
– Tapestry needle
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work every row in garter stitch (knit every row) until your piece measures about 9 inches from the cast-on edge.
– Bind off, leaving a long tail.
– Sew the short ends together with a mattress seam to form a fabric tube about 3-4 inches tall.
– Thread the elastic through the tube using a safety pin or yarn needle.
– Overlap elastic ends an inch or so and stitch to secure. Weave in ends.
Tips:
– If you want a slightly narrower scrunchie, cast on 24 stitches and/or knit for around 8 inches before binding off.
– For a softer feel, try a cotton-bamboo blend.
Pattern 2: 2×2 Rib Scrunchie
Overview: A little more stretch with a classic rib texture. The 2×2 rib gives a structured look that remains comfy on hair.
Materials:
– DK weight cotton blend, about 120 yards
– US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
– Tapestry needle
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in 2×2 rib (k2, p2) for about 9 inches.
– Bind off loosely.
– Seam the short ends to form a tube; thread elastic; finish as pattern 1.
Tips:
– Use a cotton-acrylic blend for a bit of bounce and easier care.
– If you prefer a tighter rib, cast on 30 stitches and keep to 9 inches.
Pattern 3: Seed Stitch Scrunchie
Overview: A softly textured look with a pleasant squish factor. Seed stitch creates a subtle, tactile surface.
Materials:
– Worsted weight cotton, about 110 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
– Tapestry needle
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in seed stitch (alternate rows: if you start with knit, purl on the next row; on next row, purl first, then knit) for about 9 inches.
– Bind off, seam into a tube, thread elastic, close.
Tips:
– For an even more soft feel, use a cotton blend yarn.
Pattern 4: Stripe Stockinette Scrunchie
Overview: A playful striped scrunchie that uses two colors to create bold bands.
Materials:
– DK weight yarn in two colors (color A and color B), about 180 yards total
– US size 5-6 (3.75-4.0 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches with color A. Work in stockinette (knit wrong side, purl right side) for about 4-6 rows, then switch to color B for 4-6 rows. Repeat color changes every 4-6 rows until the piece is about 9 inches long.
– Bind off, seam into a tube, thread elastic, and finish as pattern 1.
Tips:
– If you don’t want to weave in many ends, use a simple self-striping yarn to create stripes automatically.
– To avoid curling at the ends, finish with a garter edge for a couple of rows before binding off.
Pattern 5: Lace Eyelet Scrunchie
Overview: A delicate, airy option you can dress up with a pastel or jewel-tone yarn.
Materials:
– Sport weight cotton or cotton blend, about 140 yards
– US size 3-4 (3.25-3.5 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
– Tapestry needle
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Row 1: k2, yo, k to end. Row 2: purl all stitches. Repeat the above lace pattern (k2, yo, k to end) every alternate row, keeping the background in stockinette or garter as you prefer, until piece is about 9 inches long.
– Bind off. Sew into a tube and insert elastic.
Notes:
– If you’re new to lace, practice the a few rows on a separate swatch to get the rhythm of yarn overs and decreases.
– A thin cotton yarn works beautifully for a light, breezy feel.
Pattern 6: Basket Weave Scrunchie
Overview: A rich texture that’s forgiving and sturdy. Basket weave gives a soft, plump look.
Materials:
– Worsted weight yarn in two colors (optional) about 150 yards
– US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in a 4×4 basket weave pattern (knit 2, purl 2 for a row, then slip 2, knit 2, purl 2, pass slipped stitches over for the next row, etc.) for about 9 inches. If you’re using two colors, switch colors on the same row you switch the “blocks” in the weave to emphasize the pattern.
– Bind off, seam a tube, thread elastic, finish.
Tips:
– Basket weave looks great in a wool blend for a slightly heavier feel.
– Use a slightly larger needle if you want a bulgier texture.
Pattern 7: Moss Stitch Scrunchie
Overview: A compact, pebbled texture that holds its shape well.
Materials:
– Light worsted or DK weight yarn, about 110-120 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work moss stitch (alternating k1, p1 across, starting with either depending on your preferred edge) for about 9 inches.
– Bind off, seam the ends, and insert elastic as usual.
Pattern 8: Faux Cable Twisted Rib Scrunchie
Overview: A faux cable look without complicated cable charts. This is achieved with a twist in the rib—easy to learn and still gives a cable-like texture.
Materials:
– Aran to DK weight yarn (depending on desired thickness)
– US size 6-7 (4.0-4.5 mm)
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in a twisted rib pattern for about 9 inches. A simple approach: knit two stitches, slip the next stitch knitwise, return the slipped stitch to the left needle, then knit to complete a small twist, continuing in a 2×2 or 3×3 rib pattern to mimic a cable.
– Bind off; seam into a tube; insert elastic; finish.
Tips:
– A slightly thicker yarn makes the “cable” more visible.
– You can blend two colors for extra depth.
Pattern 9: Diagonal Seed Scrunchie
Overview: A playful diagonal texture created with a simple sequence of knit and purl offsets.
Materials:
– Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend, about 120 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in seed stitch, but on each row offset the starting stitch by one (i.e., on row 2 start with p1, then knit, etc.), continuing for about 9 inches. This creates a diagonal, textured effect.
– Bind off; seam into a tube; insert elastic; finish.
Pattern 10: Jiffy Chevron Scrunchie
Overview: A chevron motif that’s quick to knit with a few simple slipped stitches.
Materials:
– DK weight yarn, about 140 yards
– US size 5-6 (3.75-4.0 mm) needles
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work a simple chevron motif by alternating knit rounds with slipped-stitch rows to form small chevrons along the fabric. Maintain a total length of about 9 inches.
– Bind off, seam into a tube, thread elastic.
Pattern 11: Sparkle Knit Scrunchie
Overview: Fun and festive, this pattern uses a yarn with a touch of metallic or shimmer.
Materials:
– Sparkle or metallic-acrylic blend, DK weight, about 130 yards
– US size 5-6 (3.75-4.0 mm)
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work in a simple stitch you like (garter, stockinette, or seed) for about 9 inches. The shimmer adds personality to any outfit.
– Bind off, seam, insert elastic, finish.
Pattern 12: Eco Tube Scrunchie with Variegated Yarn
Overview: For a yarn-forward look, use a variegated skein to make each scrunchie unique, embracing sustainable fibers when possible.
Materials:
– Variegated worsted yarn, about 100-120 yards
– US size 6-7 (4.0-4.5 mm)
– 9-inch elastic
Instructions:
– Cast on 28 stitches. Work garter stitch (or your preferred stitch) for about 9 inches with the variegated yarn. The color changes will occur naturally as you knit.
– Bind off, seam into a tube, thread elastic, finish.
Care tips for knitted scrunchies
– Wash yarns according to their fiber content. Cotton scrunchies will generally hold up well in warm water and a gentle cycle; acrylic blends tolerate machine washing but air dry to maintain shape.
– If you notice the elastic getting loose over time, replace it with a slightly tighter or longer one, then resew the opening to secure.
– If your scrunchie stretches out with use, you can reinforce the seam with a stronger mattress stitch or a narrow seam along the edge to minimize stretching.
Customization ideas
– Change the width: If you want a wider scrunchie, work your rectangle longer before binding off; if you want a narrower look, shorten the length slightly.
– Play with stitch density: Swapping garter for stockinette or moss for ribbing changes texture and feel. Just keep the length in the 9-inch range for consistency.
– Add buttons or beads: A tiny bead accent along the seam or a small crochet flower at the seam can be a cute detail.
– Seasonal themes: Use yarn in spring colors for a fresh look, autumn tones for a cozy vibe, or bright neons for a playful pop.
Tips for spinning your scrunchie into a collection
– Create a mini color story: pick three colors that coordinate well with your wardrobe and make three or four scrunchies in different patterns to wear as a set.
– Gift sets: Knit a handful of scrunchies and package them together with a ribbon and a card. They make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts for birthdays, teacher gifts, or holidays.
– Swaps and markets: If you’re part of a craft group or market, these patterns are ideal to sell or trade. They’re quick enough to produce in multiples, and you can add clever tags like “The Knit Crew free pattern.”
Final thoughts
Whether you’re teaching yourself a few new stitches or building a mini collection of knit scrunchies, these twelve patterns provide a range of textures, weights, and styles. They’re designed to be approachable, adaptable, and, above all, practical. Scrunchies are a wonderful way to use up leftover yarn, experiment with colorwork, and enjoy the rhythmic comfort of knitting. The Knit Crew hopes you find joy in each pattern and, perhaps, a signature style that becomes your own.
If you’d like more like these, tell us what you’re most excited to try—garter, lace, rib, or a bold colorwork scrunchie? We’d love to hear about your favorite combinations and any clever tweaks you discover along the way. For more free patterns, tutorials, and a peek behind the scenes at The Knit Crew, subscribe to our updates and follow us on social media. Happy knitting, and may your next scrunchie be your coziest yet.
