How to Crochet a Scrunchie: The Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide
Scrunchies are having a major moment — and not just as a nostalgic throwback to the 90s. These fabric-covered hair ties have become a genuine fashion accessory, popping up on runways, in boutiques, and on social media feeds everywhere. The best part? You can make your own in under an hour with just a hook, some yarn, and a basic elastic hair tie. Whether you’re a total beginner looking for a satisfying first project or an experienced crocheter wanting a quick and adorable make, this guide is for you.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to crochet a scrunchie from start to finish. We’ll cover the materials you need, the stitches involved, step-by-step instructions, variations to try, and tips for customizing your scrunchies as gifts or small business products. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make a beautiful handmade scrunchie — and probably want to make a dozen more.
Why Crochet a Scrunchie?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why crocheted scrunchies deserve a spot in your project queue.
They’re fast. A single scrunchie typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your yarn weight and experience level. That makes them perfect for an afternoon craft session, a last-minute gift, or a way to use up those small yarn scraps sitting in your stash.
They’re affordable. You likely already have most of what you need. A ball of yarn, a crochet hook, and a standard elastic ponytail holder — that’s essentially the whole supply list. You can make several scrunchies from a single skein of yarn, which makes them incredibly cost-effective compared to buying handmade ones online.
They’re personal. Unlike store-bought scrunchies, a crocheted one lets you choose exactly the color, texture, and style that suits you or the person you’re gifting it to. Velvet yarn gives a luxurious feel. Chunky yarn creates a big, dramatic puff. Fine cotton yarn makes something delicate and elegant. The possibilities are almost endless.
They sell well. If you have an Etsy shop or sell at craft fairs, crocheted scrunchies are a consistent bestseller. They’re impulse-buy friendly, easy to display, and appeal to a wide range of customers.
Materials You’ll Need
Getting your supplies together takes almost no time. Here’s what you’ll need for a standard crocheted scrunchie:
Yarn: Almost any yarn works, but your results will vary based on weight. Bulky or super bulky yarn (weight 5 or 6) produces a full, puffy scrunchie. Worsted weight (weight 4) gives a medium-sized result. Fingering or DK weight yarn creates something more delicate and flat. For your first attempt, a worsted or bulky yarn in a smooth texture is easiest to work with because you can see your stitches clearly.
Crochet hook: Match your hook size to your yarn. For worsted weight, a 5mm (H/8) hook works well. For bulky yarn, try a 6mm or 6.5mm (J/10) hook. For chunky or super bulky, go up to an 8mm or larger. When in doubt, check the label on your yarn — it will recommend a hook size.
Elastic hair tie: A standard 1.5-inch or 2-inch fabric-covered or rubber ponytail holder works perfectly. Avoid very thin or flimsy elastics, as they tend to lose their shape after a few uses. A thicker, fabric-covered elastic will give your finished scrunchie better structure and longevity.
Scissors and a yarn needle: You’ll need scissors to cut your yarn and a tapestry or yarn needle to weave in your ends neatly.
That’s it. Simple, right?
Stitches You’ll Use
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry — this project uses only the most basic crochet stitches. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to know:
Slip knot: The starting point for almost every crochet project. Make a loop with your yarn, pull a second loop through it, and tighten onto your hook.
Chain stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects. Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat for as many chains as needed.
Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or move your yarn without adding height. Insert your hook, yarn over, and pull through both loops at once.
Single crochet (sc): The most fundamental crochet stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, pull through both loops. Simple and clean.
Half double crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than a single crochet and gives a nice stretchy texture — excellent for scrunchies. Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops at once.
Double crochet (dc): Taller still, and creates that classic open, drapey look. Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first two loops, yarn over again and pull through remaining two loops.
For a beginner-friendly scrunchie, single crochet or half double crochet are the best starting points. Once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with double crochet for a lacier, more textured look.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Classic Crochet Scrunchie
This pattern uses half double crochet and produces a medium-to-full scrunchie. It works up quickly and looks polished with almost any yarn.
Finished size: Fits a standard elastic hair tie (approximately 1.5 to 2 inches diameter)
Yarn: Worsted weight, approximately 15–25 yards
Hook: 5mm (H/8)
Stitch: Half double crochet (hdc)
Step 1: Prepare your elastic
Before you begin crocheting, hold your elastic hair tie in one hand. You’ll be crocheting directly around it rather than making a foundation chain first. This technique encases the elastic inside your stitches, giving the scrunchie its characteristic gathered, puffy look.
Step 2: Make a slip knot
Make a slip knot and place it on your hook, leaving a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.
Step 3: Begin crocheting around the elastic
Hold the elastic with your non-dominant hand and position your hook above it. To work around the elastic, you’ll insert your hook through the center of the elastic ring (not into a stitch — literally through the hole of the elastic) for every stitch you make.
To start: chain 1. This counts as your first “stitch” and is just to get things going. Now insert your hook through the center of the elastic, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops. You’ve made your first half double crochet around the elastic.
Continue making hdc stitches around the elastic. You want to make approximately 80 to 100 stitches total around the entire elastic ring, distributing them evenly as you go. The more stitches you add, the fuller and more gathered your scrunchie will be.
Don’t worry about spacing them perfectly — as you add more stitches, they’ll naturally start to ruffle and bunch up, which is exactly the effect you want. If you’re using bulky yarn, aim for the lower end of that count. If you’re using worsted weight or lighter, go toward 90–100 stitches.
Step 4: Join the round
Once you’ve worked your way around the entire elastic and your last stitch meets up with your first, you’ll join the round with a slip stitch. Insert your hook into the very first stitch you made, yarn over, and pull through to join. Your stitches should now be evenly covering the elastic all the way around.
Step 5: Fasten off
Cut your yarn, leaving another tail of about 6 inches. Pull the tail through the final loop on your hook to secure it.
Step 6: Weave in your ends
Thread each yarn tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it through the back of several nearby stitches to secure. Trim any excess. Give your scrunchie a gentle stretch and tug to distribute the stitches evenly, and you’re done.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic scrunchie, the fun really begins. Here are some popular variations that use the same core technique but produce completely different looks.
Double Crochet Scrunchie
Swap out your half double crochet for double crochet stitches and you’ll get a taller, more ruffled result. Because double crochet stitches are taller, you can use slightly fewer of them — around 60 to 80 should give you a good, full scrunchie. This variation looks especially beautiful in a variegated or self-striping yarn.
Bobble Stitch Scrunchie
Bobble stitches (made by working several partially completed double crochets into the same stitch and pulling through all loops at once) create little textured bumps along the scrunchie’s surface. They take a bit more time but the result is incredibly charming, almost like a string of tiny pompoms.
Shell Stitch Scrunchie
A shell stitch involves working multiple double crochets into the same stitch, creating a fan or shell-shaped cluster. These look especially elegant in a silky or sheen yarn and make wonderful gifts for anyone who appreciates a more refined, handcrafted look.
Velvet Yarn Scrunchie
Velvet or chenille yarn is incredibly popular for scrunchies right now, and for good reason. The soft, plush texture feels luxurious against hair, and the finished scrunchies look almost indistinguishable from expensive boutique versions. Because velvet yarn is thick and the stitches tend to blend together, half double crochet works best with this fiber. Aim for around 70 to 80 stitches.
Mini Scrunchie
Use a smaller elastic (the thin rubber kind that comes in multipacks) and fingering weight or DK yarn with a smaller hook. These tiny scrunchies are adorable for kids, for wearing on the wrist, or for using as gift ribbon on a wrapped present.
Rainbow Scrunchie
Carry two or three strands of different colored yarn together as you work. The blended effect creates a heathered, multi-toned scrunchie without the need for color changes or carrying yarn.
Tips for a Beautiful Finished Scrunchie
A few small details make the difference between a scrunchie that looks homemade and one that looks professionally crafted.
Keep your tension even. Try to maintain consistent tension throughout your stitches. If your stitches are too tight, the scrunchie won’t gather properly. If they’re too loose, the elastic will peek through. Aim for a firm but not stiff result.
Work more stitches for more volume. The number of stitches you make around the elastic directly affects how puffy and gathered your scrunchie looks. If your first attempt feels flat, try adding an extra 10 to 20 stitches next time.
Stretch the elastic as you work. Many crocheters find it helpful to gently stretch the elastic with their non-dominant hand while crocheting. This makes it easier to insert the hook through the center of the elastic and ensures the stitches are evenly spaced.
Weave in ends on the inside. Always weave your yarn tails to the inside of the scrunchie (the side that sits against your hair) rather than the outside. This keeps the finished piece looking neat from every angle.
Block if needed. If your yarn is a natural fiber like cotton or wool, a quick wet block can help even out any uneven stitches. Simply wet the finished scrunchie, gently shape it, and lay it flat to dry.
Yarn Recommendations for Crochet Scrunchies
Not all yarns are created equal when it comes to scrunchies. Here are some crowd favorites that work beautifully for this project.
Lion Brand Pound of Love is an affordable acrylic that comes in a huge range of colors. It works up smoothly, washes well, and is easy for beginners to handle. Malabrigo Rios is a popular choice for those who want a more luxurious feel — it’s a superwash merino that produces beautiful stitch definition and comes in gorgeous hand-dyed colorways. For velvet scrunchies, Bernat Velvet or Lion Brand Vel-Luxe are excellent options and widely available at craft stores. For a natural, eco-conscious option, Paintbox Simply DK in cotton is soft, breathable, and great for people with sensitive skin.
How to Package and Gift Crocheted Scrunchies
A crocheted scrunchie makes a heartfelt, personal gift for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, Mother’s Day, or really any occasion. Here are a few ideas for packaging them beautifully.
Roll the scrunchie into itself and place it in a small square of tissue paper tucked inside a kraft paper box. Add a handwritten tag with the yarn content and care instructions — it looks professional and thoughtful at the same time.
If you’re making a set of scrunchies, arrange them on a simple piece of cardstock punched with holes and tied with twine. This “card” style display works especially well for craft fair tables and makes it easy for customers to see all the colors at once.
For a more lavish gift, pair the scrunchie with a matching mini headband or bow worked in the same yarn. A little coordinated set feels extra special and takes only a small amount of additional time to make.
Caring for Your Crocheted Scrunchie
How you care for your scrunchie depends on the fiber content of your yarn. Acrylic yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle and can be tumble dried on low — they’re incredibly low maintenance. Natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool should ideally be hand washed in cool water with a gentle soap and laid flat to dry. Velvet yarn can be tricky — hand washing is safest, and you should avoid wringing or squeezing the fabric, as this can distort the pile. Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions when in doubt.
Making Scrunchies to Sell
If you’re thinking about selling your crocheted scrunchies, you’re in a good market. Handmade scrunchies are perennial bestsellers at craft fairs and on Etsy, particularly around back-to-school season, the holidays, and spring. A few things to keep in mind as you build a product line:
Price your work fairly. A handmade scrunchie takes real time and materials. Don’t undersell yourself by pricing at what mass-produced versions cost. Consider your material costs, your time, and the uniqueness of a handcrafted item when setting prices.
Offer variety. Having a range of colors, yarn textures, and sizes gives customers choices and makes your booth or shop more visually appealing. A standard velvet scrunchie alongside a boho cotton one alongside a chunky yarn version appeals to very different tastes.
Make care tags. A small tag that identifies the fiber content and includes basic washing instructions looks professional and helps customers maintain their purchase. It also signals that you’ve thought carefully about your product.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to crochet a scrunchie is one of those gateway projects that many crafters look back on as a turning point. It’s small enough to finish quickly, satisfying enough to make you want to keep going, and practical enough that the finished result actually gets used. Whether you make one for yourself, a whole basket as gifts, or a stash to sell, you’ll find this project as rewarding as it is simple.
The beauty of the crocheted scrunchie is that it grows with you. Start with single crochet and a basic worsted weight. Then move on to double crochet and velvet yarn. Then try a bobble stitch version or a tiny mini scrunchie in sock weight yarn. Each variation teaches you something new and adds another beautiful piece to your collection.
Now grab your hook and a ball of yarn, pull out that elastic from the back of a drawer, and get started. Your first handmade scrunchie is only about 30 minutes away.
