DIY Crochet Scrunchies: Free Patterns for Every Skill Level

There is something quietly satisfying about making your own hair accessories. A crochet scrunchie takes less than an hour to finish, uses up yarn scraps that would otherwise sit in a bag forever, and produces something you will actually wear. Better yet, these little projects make some of the most appreciated handmade gifts around — personal, practical, and easy to customize in any color imaginable.

Whether you have been crocheting for years or you just learned your first chain stitch last week, this guide has a free pattern for you. Below you will find everything from a simple beginner-friendly scrunchie to a textured boho version with a chunky shell stitch, along with tips on yarn, hooks, sizing, and finishing so every scrunchie you make turns out beautifully.

What You Need to Make a Crochet Scrunchie

Before diving into the patterns, let’s talk supplies. The good news is that scrunchies are one of the most low-material projects in all of crochet. Here is what you will need:

Yarn. Almost any yarn works for scrunchies, and this is honestly one of the best stash-busting projects you will find. Cotton yarn gives a clean, structured look and feels great against the skin — Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and Paintbox Simply DK are popular choices. Velvet or chenille yarn creates a luxuriously soft, chunky scrunchie that looks like something from a boutique. Acrylic works fine for everyday wear. If you want a more flowy, boho look, try a lightweight bamboo or bamboo-cotton blend.

Hook size. Match your hook to your yarn weight. A 3.5mm or 4mm hook suits DK or sport weight yarn well. A 5mm hook works nicely with worsted weight, and if you are using a chunky velvet yarn, go up to a 5.5mm or 6mm hook.

Hair tie or elastic. A standard fabric-covered hair tie works perfectly and gives you that classic scrunchie silhouette. You can also use a length of elastic (roughly 25–30cm) sewn into a loop if you prefer to customize the tightness.

Scissors and a yarn needle. You will need these to cut and weave in your ends neatly.

Stitch markers (optional). Helpful for keeping track of your rounds if you are new to working in the round.

Understanding the Basic Technique

Every crochet scrunchie is made the same fundamental way: you work a row or a round of crochet stitches directly over a hair tie, which anchors everything in place. The hair tie acts as your foundation, so there is no chain or foundation row to worry about.

The number of stitches you make around the tie determines how full and ruffled your scrunchie looks. Fewer stitches lie flatter and more minimalist. More stitches create a big, poufy, ruffled effect. The patterns below give you exact stitch counts, but once you understand the principle, you can easily adjust them to your taste.

To start any of these patterns, simply hold your hair tie in your non-dominant hand, insert your hook through the center, pull up a loop of yarn, and chain one (or chain the number specified in the pattern). Then work your stitches over the tie the same way you would work into a chain — the tie is always sitting inside your stitches, held in place by the yarn wrapping over and around it.

Pattern 1: The Classic Crochet Scrunchie (Beginner)

This is the perfect starting point. It uses only single crochet stitches worked directly over the hair tie, creating a clean, smooth scrunchie with a modest ruffle. It works up in about 20–30 minutes and is an excellent way to use up small amounts of cotton yarn.

Materials:

• Approximately 15–20 yards of DK or worsted weight yarn
• 4mm or 5mm crochet hook (depending on yarn weight)
• One standard hair tie
• Scissors and yarn needle

Stitches used: Single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), chain (ch)

Instructions:

Join your yarn to the hair tie by inserting your hook through the center of the tie, pulling up a loop of yarn, and chaining 1. This chain does not count as a stitch.

Round 1: Work 80 single crochets over the hair tie, spacing them evenly around the entire circumference. When you reach the beginning of the round, join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (80 sc)

Round 2 (optional, for extra fullness): Chain 1. Work 2 single crochets into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. (160 sc)

Fasten off. Weave in your ends securely using your yarn needle, making sure the tail is woven through several stitches in different directions so it does not come loose during wear.

Tips: If your scrunchie feels tight or the hair tie shows through, add more stitches in the first round — try going up to 90 or even 100 single crochets. If the scrunchie feels too loose and floppy, work fewer stitches or try a smaller hook.

Pattern 2: Shell Stitch Crochet Scrunchie (Intermediate)

The shell stitch is one of those stitches that looks far more complicated than it actually is. A shell is simply multiple double crochets worked into the same stitch, fanning out in a way that creates a pretty scalloped texture. This pattern gives your scrunchie a boho, vintage feel that looks beautiful in earthy tones or pastel cotton.

Materials:

• Approximately 25–30 yards of DK or worsted weight cotton yarn
• 4mm or 5mm crochet hook
• One standard hair tie
• Scissors and yarn needle

Stitches used: Single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st)

Abbreviations:
Shell = 5 dc worked into the same stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch

Instructions:

Join your yarn to the hair tie as described above and chain 1.

Round 1: Work 60 single crochets evenly over the hair tie. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (60 sc)

Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 4 more dc into the same stitch (this is your first shell). Skip 2 stitches. Single crochet into the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches. Work 5 dc into the next stitch (shell made). Skip 2 stitches. Single crochet into the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches. Repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

You should end up with approximately 10 shells evenly spaced around the scrunchie. If your count does not divide evenly, adjust the number of stitches in Round 1 — the stitch count just needs to be a multiple of 6.

Variation: For a bigger, fuller shell, use 7 dc per shell instead of 5 and increase your Round 1 stitch count to 70. The extra volume creates a dramatic, statement-making scrunchie that is especially lovely in a variegated yarn.

Pattern 3: Velvet Chunky Crochet Scrunchie (Easy/Intermediate)

If you have ever seen those lush, velvet scrunchies for sale and wondered if you could make them yourself, the answer is absolutely yes. Velvet or chenille yarn produces a scrunchie that feels incredibly soft and has a beautiful drape and sheen. This pattern uses half double crochets for a slightly taller stitch that really shows off the texture of the yarn.

Materials:

• Approximately 20–25 yards of velvet or chenille yarn (bulky or super bulky weight works well)
• 5.5mm or 6mm crochet hook
• One jumbo or standard hair tie
• Scissors and yarn needle

Stitches used: Half double crochet (hdc), slip stitch (sl st), chain (ch)

Instructions:

Join your velvet yarn to the hair tie and chain 2 (this counts as your first hdc in this pattern).

Round 1: Work 49 half double crochets over the hair tie, spacing them evenly. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-2. (50 hdc including the starting chain-2)

Fasten off and weave in your ends carefully. Velvet yarn can be a little slippery, so weave the tail through at least 4–5 stitches and double back a couple of times before trimming.

Tips for working with velvet yarn: Velvet and chenille yarns have a tendency to “eat” your hook because the fibers are so dense. Go slowly, use a smooth metal hook rather than a wooden or plastic one, and keep your tension slightly looser than you normally would. It also helps to work in good lighting since the stitches can be hard to see.

Pattern 4: Bobble Stitch Scrunchie (Intermediate/Advanced)

Bobble stitches add a gorgeous three-dimensional texture to any project, and on a scrunchie they create a satisfying, bumpy, tactile result that is genuinely eye-catching. This pattern takes a bit more patience than the others but is well worth the effort.

Materials:

• Approximately 30–35 yards of DK or worsted weight yarn
• 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook
• One standard hair tie
• Scissors and yarn needle

Stitches used: Single crochet (sc), bobble stitch, chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st)

Bobble stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) 5 times in the same stitch. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook.

Instructions:

Join yarn to the hair tie and chain 1.

Round 1: Work 60 single crochets evenly over the hair tie. Join with a slip stitch. (60 sc)

Round 2: Chain 1. Single crochet into the next stitch. Bobble stitch into the next stitch. Repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

The bobbles will naturally pop out to the front side of the work as you crochet. If they are poking toward you while you work, push them gently to the other side — that is the right side of the scrunchie.

Tips for Perfect Crochet Scrunchies Every Time

Keep your tension consistent. Uneven tension is the most common reason a beginner’s scrunchie looks lumpy or mishapen. If your stitches vary a lot in size, try practicing on a small swatch before starting the scrunchie itself.

Don’t skip the weave-in. A loose yarn tail will come undone after the first wear or wash. Weave in for at least 2–3 inches, going in multiple directions through the stitches, and then trim closely.

Wash before wearing. Cotton yarn in particular benefits from a gentle hand wash before you wear a new scrunchie. It helps even out the stitches and gives the finished piece a softer, more polished look.

Experiment with stitch height. Taller stitches (double or treble crochet) naturally create more fullness because they take up more vertical space. If you want a bigger, puffier scrunchie, substitute taller stitches in any of these patterns.

Try marling two yarns together. Holding a thin strand of metallic thread alongside your main yarn as you work gives scrunchies a beautiful shimmer that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gifts. Just use a hook one size larger to accommodate the extra thickness.

Gift Ideas and Customization

Crochet scrunchies make wonderful gifts for just about anyone. A set of three in coordinating colors tucked into a kraft paper gift bag with a handwritten tag is a gift that feels personal and thoughtful without requiring a huge time investment.

For kids, try bright colors like sunshine yellow, coral, and turquoise in a durable cotton or acrylic. For a teenager or young adult, the velvet or bobble pattern in dusty mauve, sage green, or terracotta always lands well. For a bride-to-be, consider making a set in ivory or blush with a thin strand of silver metallic thread held alongside the yarn for a subtle sparkle.

You can also personalize scrunchies with small additions — a tiny crochet flower or bow sewn onto the front, a vintage button stitched in the center of a shell, or a short fringe made by cutting small lengths of yarn and looping them through the edge stitches. None of these additions are technically difficult, and they can transform a simple scrunchie into something that looks completely one of a kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yarn do I actually need? For most standard scrunchies, 15–35 yards is plenty. This makes them ideal for using up leftover yarn from bigger projects. If you are buying yarn specifically for scrunchies, a single 50g ball will give you enough for multiple scrunchies.

Can I use a thinner yarn? Yes, lace or fingering weight yarn works beautifully for delicate, lacey-looking scrunchies. You will need to work more stitches around the tie to fill it properly, and the result will have a finer, more intricate texture. Use a 2.5mm or 3mm hook.

How do I stop the hair tie from twisting inside the scrunchie? Make sure you are spacing your stitches as evenly as possible around the tie. If you are working your stitches in a spiral, gently rotate the tie as you go so the tension stays even around the whole circumference.

Are these patterns safe for all hair types? Cotton and velvet scrunchies tend to be the gentlest on hair because they have less friction than textured stitches like bobbles. If you have fine or delicate hair, stick to smoother stitch patterns and softer yarn fibers.

Can I sell scrunchies made from these patterns? These are free patterns shared for personal and small-scale commercial use. It is always good etiquette to credit the pattern source if you are selling or sharing your makes publicly, but the patterns themselves do not restrict you from selling the finished items.

A Few Final Thoughts

Crochet scrunchies are the kind of project that sneaks up on you. You make one to use up a bit of leftover yarn, and before long you have made ten, you are giving them to everyone you know, and you have a dedicated basket of yarn scraps set aside just for scrunchie making. They are quick enough to feel immediately rewarding, varied enough to keep things interesting across different patterns and yarn types, and useful enough that they never feel like busy work.

If you are new to crochet, these patterns are some of the best places to start building your skills. You get to practice the foundational stitches — single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet — in a low-stakes context where small imperfections barely show and the whole project can be started fresh in minutes if something goes wrong. And if you are an experienced crocheter looking for something relaxing and portable, a scrunchie is the perfect take-along project for a commute, a waiting room, or a quiet evening on the couch.

Pick your favorite yarn, grab your hook, and make something beautiful today. Your hair (and everyone on your gift list) will thank you for it.