In this tutorial, I’ll be showing you how to make DIY scrunchies! If you’ve always wanted to know the best way for how to make a scrunchie then you’re in the right place.
You don’t really need a scrunchie pattern to make a scrunchie but if that’s something that you would find helpful, then let me know in the comments down below.
These are the best if they’re made out of satin, velvet or any soft and silky type of fabric.
This is an easy sewing project for any beginning sewer so I hope you enjoy!
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How to Make a Scrunchie
Below you will find a quick video showing you how to make DIY scrunchies with a sewing machine. At the end of the tutorial, I’ve included an extended video edition of the scrunchie tutorial.
What you will need
- Fabric cut to 22″ x 4″ (56cm x 10cm) for a large size or 18″ x 3″ (46cm x 8cm) for a small size or 16″ x 2″ (40cm x 5cm) for a mini size
- 1/4″ wide elastic
- 2 safety pins
- Hand sewing needle
- Thread
- Pins
- Marker (optional)
- Cutting tools – Scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
- Sewing machine – any sewing machine is fine for this project. You can see the mini one I use here
Scrunchies Tutorial Video
Or watch the quick video version here on YouTube
Step by Step Scrunchie Tutorial Instructions for DIY Scrunchies
Step 1 – Prepare your rectangular scrunchie fabric
Cut your fabric to size according to the size you would like to make. Ensure that the right side of the fabric is facing you.
I am making a large size so my fabric dimensions are 22″ x 4″ (56cm x 10cm).
Fold the fabric in half and pin the long raw edges ready to sew.
You will now have created a tube and you are ready to sew the long edges together.
Step 2 – Sew the long edges
Using your sewing machine, sew the long raw edges together, using a straight stitch and leaving about a 5/8″ seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end of your sewing. You can see the tutorial demonstrating the Aldi sewing machine (FHSM 505) I use here.
Step 3 – Turn the tube right side out
Attach a safety pin to the one end of the tube and push it through to turn the tube right side out.
you can leave the safety pin on ready for the next step if you wish.
Step 4 – thread the elastic through the tube
Using both safety pins and the elastic, thread the elastic through the tube of fabric. Attach one safety pin to one end of the tube and use the other safety pin to thread the elastic through to the other end.
Having the elastic safety pinned to the other end of the tube will ensure you don’t lose the end of the elastic while you are threading it through. It’s super frustrating to lose the other end of the elastic when you are threading it through.
Step 5 – Secure the elastic ends together
There are a few different methods to secure the ends of elastic together. In the longer video at the bottom of the post I show you all of them.
The first, and easiest, option is to simply tie the ends together. The next option is to hand sew the ends together and the final option is to use a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine to sew the ends together. My preference is to use the sewing machine to secure the ends together, but do what is easiest and best for you.
Step 6 – Close up the opening
There are a couple of options for this step as well.
The first option would be to sew over the two ends with your sewing machine.
Be sure to overlap the ends of the tube and tuck in the raw edges of the top tube end.
The second option would be to close up the opening using a ladder stitch or invisible stitch. This is my preferred method of closing up an opening as it gives you a stitchless finish.
Once you have finished closing up the opening then you have completed the final step.
The scrunchies are finished and, most importantly, you know how to make a scrunchie!
You can make your scrunchies to suit pretty much any size you want. You could even try jumbo scrunchies. I’ve seen a few of those around lately.
You may also like to check out the tutorial for Christmas scrunchies. These Christmas scrunchies are made with minky and coral fleece, which makes them oh so soft to wear in your hair or on your wrist.
If you want a great tutorial for how to hand sew a scrunchie then I recommend checking out this tutorial over at Cucicucicoo.com.
Some Background Information
Scrunchies are a fabric covered hairband or hair tie with a scrunched fabric tube on the outside and an elastic hidden inside. They can be custom-made to go with any outfit and you can even make some with bows. The best part is no elastic can snag or tear your hair, so they keep your hair looking healthy and strong.
If you were around through the 80s and 90s then you know what a scrunchie is! I remember these being the most popular during the 90s.
It’s amazing how fashion always goes in cycles. I’m sure I see more people wearing scrunchies on their wrist as a fashion statement rather than holding up a ponytail. Scrunchies have definitely become a trendy fashion item recently.
If you are looking for more easy sewing projects for beginners then be sure to check out my collection here. I am currently rejigging the collection but I will constantly adding more projects over time.
You may also be interested in some tutorials looking at using your sewing machine or even just getting ready to sew.
I hope you have found this DIY scrunchies tutorial helpful. Once you start making scrunchies you will find it hard to stop! Be sure to leave a comment below if you would like a pattern for this project as well.
Until next time, happy sewing.
Domenica
P.S. Here’s the longer version video!
