How to Knit a Scrunchie: A Free Pattern, Video Tutorial, and Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever wanted a quick, cozy, and customizable accessory, knitting a scrunchie is a perfect project. It’s small, forgiving for beginners, uses only a little yarn, and you can tailor the size, color, and material to suit any outfit. Best of all, you’ll end up with a hair accessory that looks polished and handmade, plus the satisfaction of following a clear, repeatable pattern.
In this post you’ll find a simple, free pattern you can start today, plus tips for adjusting the size to fit kids, teens, or adults. There’s also a companion video tutorial you can watch to see each step in real time. If you prefer to learn by watching, the video makes it even easier to grasp the technique and the finishing touches.
Materials you’ll need
Choosing the right yarn is part of the fun. Scrunchies are great made from cotton for a soft, breathable feel, or from a wool blend or acrylic for a bit more stretch and resilience. A lightweight or medium-weight yarn (often labeled DK or worsted weight) works well for most scrunchie sizes.
– Yarn: About 60 to 120 yards of worsted-weight yarn (choose a color you love; you can make several in different hues with just one skein, depending on yardage). Cotton blends are excellent for a sleeker look.
– Knitting needles: Size US 6 to US 7 (4.0 to 4.5 mm) or the size you need to achieve a fabric you like. You can use straight needles or a small circular needle if you prefer.
– Elastic: A piece of thin hair elastic, about 6 to 8 inches long (adjust for the person’s head or ponytail size). You’ll thread this through the tube later.
– Tapestry needle or a crochet hook small enough to thread the elastic.
– Scissors and a measuring tape or ruler.
– Optional: stitch markers to help with pattern notes, and a swatch for gauge if you want to customize size precisely.
Understanding gauge and sizing
Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows you get per inch. For a simple garter-stitch scrunchie, gauge helps you estimate how many stitches to cast on to reach a comfortable width, and how long your piece should be.
– A good starting point for worsted-weight yarn is around 4.5 stitches per inch in garter stitch. If your gauge is close to that, you can use the approximate numbers in the pattern below.
– If your gauge is looser or tighter, you’ll want to adjust the cast-on stitches to keep the fabric around the elastic comfortable without being too tight or too loose.
A quick sizing guide you can start with
– Small (kid size): Cast on 12 stitches for a width around 2.5 inches; length about 7–8 inches before sewing. Adjust length to about 7–9 inches depending on comfort.
– Medium (teen or average adult): Cast on 14–16 stitches for a width about 3 inches; length about 8–9 inches.
– Large (adult):
If you choose to knit a broader scrunchie, cast on 18 stitches for a width around 3.5 inches; length about 9–10 inches.
Remember: the width is determined by the number of stitches you cast on (and your gauge), while the length controls how far you’ll stitch to form the tube. The elastic is what creates the snug fit around the hair.
The free pattern: garter-stitch scrunchie (rectangle method)
This is a straightforward, beginner-friendly approach. You knit a rectangle in garter stitch, seam the short edges to form a tube, and thread elastic through the length of the tube. The result is a soft, stretchy scrunchie that you can customize with color and texture.
Notes before you begin the pattern:
– The instructions assume worsted-weight yarn and standard gauge. If your gauge differs, adjust cast-on stitches to achieve the same approximate width.
– You’ll end up with a fabric tube. The elastic will be threaded through the tube, then the ends of the elastic tied and tucked inside, and the seam closed.
Starting the pattern
1) Cast on
– For a standard adult scrunchie with a moderate width, cast on 14 stitches using your chosen yarn and needles. If you want a narrower scrunchie, cast on 12 stitches; for a wider one, cast on 16 stitches.
– Leave a long tail for sewing the seam later (about 12 inches will do).
2) Work garter stitch
– Knit every row (garter stitch) until the piece measures about 8 inches in length. This length is the circumference of the tube once you seam the short edges, so it’s generous enough to wrap around hair or a ponytail with a bit of ease.
– If your gauge is particularly tight or loose, you can adjust the length to 7.5–9 inches. A quick swatch helps you fine-tune.
3) Bind off
– Bind off loosely to avoid a stiff edge. You want a soft edge that you can sew easily.
4) Form the tube
– Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together (or right sides together, depending on your preferred seam visibility). Sew the two short edges together using a mattress stitch or a simple whip stitch to form a tube.
– You should now have a fabric tube whose longer dimension is the length you knit, and whose circumference is defined by the width of the rectangle, which corresponds to your cast-on stitches.
5) Prepare the elastic
– Cut a piece of elastic about 6 to 8 inches long. If you’re making a peculiarly thick or thin hair, adjust the length slightly shorter or longer to fit comfortably.
– Important: before threading, check that the elastic is not twisted.
6) Thread the elastic through the tube
– Attach a safety pin or a small crochet hook to one end of the elastic.
– Thread the elastic through the tube, passing it from one opening to the other so you end up with the elastic inside the fabric tube.
– When the elastic emerges from the other side, overlap the ends by about half an inch and tie them securely with a knot. For extra security, you can sew the knot with a few extra stitches and then hide the knot inside the tube.
7) Close the opening and finish
– If there is a small opening at the seam edge, stitch it closed with a whip stitch or a ladder stitch so the seam remains nearly invisible.
– Gently tug the fabric to distribute the elastic evenly inside the tube.
– Optional finishing touches: weave in all thread tails. The scrunchie is ready to wear.
Variations you can try
– Wider scrunchie: Cast on more stitches (for example, 16 stitches) to achieve a wider width, and knit the same length. The tube will be wider, giving a bulkier look.
– Narrow scrunchie: Cast on 12 stitches to create a slimmer look.
– Different textures: Try garter stitch with a cotton yarn for a crisp texture, or use a soft acrylic for more stretch and resilience. You can also switch to a simple ribbing pattern (k1, p1) if you’d like a lightly textured look. Note that ribbing will curl less than standard stockinette, but garter stitch is the simplest to keep edges flat.
– Colorwork: Use two contrasting colors to create stripes by changing colors every few rows. This adds a playful touch without complicating the pattern.
– Embellishments: After finishing, you can add a small charm, a bead, or a fabric bow on one side using a decorative stitch.
Video tutorial: what you’ll see and how to use it
A video tutorial can be a great companion to the written pattern. In the video, you’ll see each step in real time, from casting on to finishing the seam and threading the elastic. Here’s what the video covers:
– Choosing yarn and needles: A quick overview of why worsted weight is a good starting point, and how to pick needles for a tidy garter-stitch fabric.
– Casting on and knitting: A live demonstration of casting on the correct number of stitches for different sizes and how to knit garter stitch, plus tips to keep your edge stitches even.
– Measuring the length: How to measure the piece so it’s the right length (around 8 inches) for the standard-size scrunchie.
– Seaming the short edges: A clear demonstration of mattress stitch or backstitch to join the short edges, forming the tube with smooth seams.
– Threading the elastic: Step-by-step guidance on threading the elastic through the tube with a safety pin or crochet hook, ensuring you don’t twist the elastic.
– Finishing the seam and weaving in ends: How to close the sewing gap and tuck in all ends for a neat finish.
– Finishing touches and wear test: A quick try-on to show how the scrunchie sits on hair and how it stretches.
If you’d like to follow along with the video, you can find the tutorial link at the end of this post, or search for “How to Knit a Scrunchie – Free Pattern Video Tutorial” on your preferred video platform. The video is designed to be beginner-friendly, with on-screen captions and close-ups on tricky steps like threading the elastic.
How to adapt the pattern to different weights and sizes
The square-rectangle method is forgiving and easy to adapt. Here are a few tips to customize your scrunchie beyond the basic pattern:
– Lighter yarn or smaller gauge: If your yarn is lighter and your gauge is around 5–5.5 stitches per inch, you’ll want a shorter cast-on. Start with 10 or 12 stitches and test the width as you knit. If you’re working in something even lighter than DK, you may find you need as few as 9 stitches to achieve a 2.2–2.8 inch width.
– Heavier yarn or larger gauge: For bulky yarn or a heavier gauge, you’ll likely want more stitches to achieve a comfortable width. Try 18 stitches for a wider fabric and a chunkier look. Knit to about 8 inches in length.
– Non-worsted weights: If you’re using cotton rather than wool or acrylic, you may find the fabric stiffer and less forgiving. You can opt for a slightly shorter length to keep the fabric comfortable to wear. If you prefer a softer drape, choose a yarn with a bit of nylon or a softer rayon blend.
– Kids’ scrunchie: For kids, you might aim for a 2–2.5 inch width. Cast on 11 stitches and knit until the length reaches 7–8 inches. The elastic can stay around 5–6 inches for a smaller head circumference.
– Adult scrunchie: For a more standard adult size, cast on 14–16 stitches and knit until you reach 8–9 inches in length. The elastic can be around 6–7 inches, adjusted to fit your hair better.
Care and maintenance
Your scrunchie will last longer if you care for it properly. Here are some simple tips:
– Hand wash or gentle cycle: If you used cotton or a cotton blend, a gentle wash cycle in cold water is often best. Dry flat or lay flat to finish to avoid distortion.
– Avoid high heat: Don’t tumble dry on high heat, which can cause shrinkage or stretching in some fibers.
– Inspect elastic regularly: If you notice the elastic losing elasticity, it may be time to replace the elastic and resew the scrunchie. Replacing elastic is quick: cut the old elastic out, thread a fresh piece through the tube, and knot securely.
Troubleshooting and quick fixes
– Edges curling: If your garter stitch makes edges curl a little, this is normal for garter with certain yarns. You can finish with a slim seam at the short edges so the curling isn’t visible.
– Elastic riding up: If the elastic keeps riding up inside the tube, it may be too long or the tube is too tight. Try a slightly shorter elastic length or a few more stitches to loosen the fit.
– Visible seam on the outside: If you’d like a cleaner look, use a nearly invisible sewing method like mattress stitch when you seam the short edges, and tuck the end of the yarn neatly into the seam line.
The broader pattern library: other ways to style
If you’re enjoying this pattern, consider experimenting with a few additional variations that still keep knitting fun and approachable:
– Textured scrunchie: Use ribbing (k1, p1; repeat) instead of garter to add a subtle texture. Ribbing can be a bit stretchier and may curl less, depending on yarn.
– Patterned scrunchie: Try simple color blocks or stripes by changing colors every few inches. You can carry the yarns along the sides or strand a tiny amount of yarn to keep color changes neat as you knit.
– Ribbed edge scrunchie: Knit a small garter stitch strip as the seam edge and then switch to a simple rib stitch for the body to create a contrast edge.
– Knit and crochet combo: If you know a basic crochet stitch, you can crochet a decorative edge along the seam if you’d like a touch of embellishment.
Where to place the pattern on your blog for SEO
If you’re planning to publish this as a blog post, a few straightforward SEO-friendly practices can help readers find your pattern:
– Use a descriptive title: A title like “How to Knit a Scrunchie: Free Pattern, Step-by-Step Guide, and Video Tutorial” clearly states what the post offers.
– Include a clear meta description: A concise 150–160 character summary helps search engines and readers understand the post’s value.
– Use subheadings: Break the post with descriptive headings such as Materials, Gauge and Sizing, Free Pattern, Video Tutorial, Variations, Care, and Troubleshooting. This helps readers skim and improves SEO readability.
– Include a tutorial video: A video tutorial is a strong engagement factor. Provide a brief summary of the video and embed the video if the platform supports it.
– Add alt text for images: If you add photos (your own progress shots or swatches), include alt text describing what’s shown (e.g., “garter stitch scrunchie rectangle ready to seam”).
– Link to additional resources: If you mention gauge calculations, include a quick link to a gauge swatch tutorial. If you mention elastic length, you can link to a short guide on finding the right size.
– Encourage comments and sharing: End with a question or prompt inviting readers to share their color choices or tips, which helps engagement signals.
A quick recap
– Materials: worsted-weight yarn, size US 6–7 needles (or your preferred size for your gauge), 6–8 inches of elastic, tapestry needle, scissors
– Pattern: a garter-stitch rectangle, roughly 2.5–3 inches wide and about 8 inches long (adjust size with gauge); seam the short edges to form a tube; thread elastic through; finish by sealing the seam
– Video: a companion tutorial demonstrates casting on, knitting garter stitch, seaming, and threading the elastic
– Variations: adjust width by changing cast-on stitches, length for different sizes, or switch to ribbing or color-block patterns
– Care: gentle washing, no high heat, replace elastic when needed
Final thoughts
Knitting a scrunchie is a small project with big rewards. It’s a practical keepsake you can customize for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The combination of a clear written pattern and a helpful video tutorial makes it easy to follow along, even if you’re new to knitting. With a few basic supplies and some bright yarn, you’ll be wearing a chic, homemade accessory in no time.
If you want to see the pattern in action, check out the accompanying video tutorial, where you’ll see each step demonstrated visually, making it even easier to pick up the technique quickly. Once you’ve finished your first scrunchie, you might want to experiment with different yarns, widths, and lengths to create a small collection that suits every mood and outfit.
Whether you’re knitting for yourself, for a friend, or for a craft fair, this scrunchie pattern is a versatile addition to your knitting repertoire. Enjoy the process, have fun with color and texture, and wear your handmade scrunchie with pride.
