crochet scrunchie pattern: A crochet scrunchie pattern uses basic stitches like single crochet, half double crochet, or double crochet worked around or over a hair elastic. Most patterns take under an hour to complete, need only a small amount of yarn, and work well for beginners. Free written patterns and video tutorials are widely available online.
What You Need to Start a Crochet Scrunchie Pattern
Before you pick up your hook, gather a few basic supplies. You will need yarn (approximately 25 yards per scrunchie), a crochet hook sized to match your yarn, a yarn needle, scissors, a stitch marker, and a hair elastic.
The hook size depends on your yarn weight. Worsted weight yarn pairs well with a J (6mm) crochet hook. For super bulky or jumbo chenille yarn, a 7mm to 9mm hook works better.
You only need a small amount of yarn per scrunchie, which makes this a good project for leftover stash yarn. The heaviest scrunchie uses just 15 grams of fingering-weight yarn so it will not make a dent in your stash.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Crochet Scrunchie Pattern
Yarn choice affects both how the scrunchie looks and how it feels against your hair.
Cotton yarn has excellent stitch definition, holds its shape, and does not stretch out over time. It is also breathable and washable, which makes it a good option for something worn frequently.
Acrylic yarn is a good choice for textured hair because it is smooth and will not get caught in curls. For thinner or silkier hair, cotton yarn is recommended, as its texture helps it stay in place.
Velvet and chenille are also popular choices. Velvet yarn creates a gorgeous-looking scrunchie and is super soft and easy on the hair. One designer noted that Bernat Velvet yarn is easy to find at most craft stores and comes in a wide variety of colors.
One practical tip from a pattern designer: Bernat Velvet yarn is quite sleek and slippery, which can cause stitches to reshape and produce big loops pointing out from the scrunchie. You can minimize this by using a smaller hook or crocheting tighter stitches.
Three Main Methods for Making a Crochet Scrunchie Pattern
There is more than one way to crochet a scrunchie. The method you choose affects the final look and feel.
Method 1: Crocheting in a tube around the elastic. With worsted weight yarn and a J crochet hook, chain 10, place the chain around a hair tie, and join with a slip stitch to form the start of a tube. Working in spiral rows, make 36 rows of half double crochet. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, then seam together the two ends of the tube and weave in the ends.
Method 2: Crocheting directly around the elastic. Start by leaving a long tail, grab the yarn with your crochet hook, and pass it through the elastic. With both strands of yarn held together, chain 2. Continue holding both strands and work double crochets all the way around the elastic, aiming for 60 to 70 stitches.
Method 3: Crocheting a flat rectangle and seaming it. This method involves crocheting a flat piece and seaming it around the hair elastic, first into a tube and then closing the tube. To find your starting chain length, pinch your elastic to measure its length and multiply that number by 6.
The tube method produces a classic, chunky, 90s-style scrunchie that is fun and easy to make. The flat rectangle method offers more flexibility with stitch patterns, since you can use any stitch you like for the flat section.
Key Tips for a Better Scrunchie
A few small adjustments can make the difference between a scrunchie that looks flat and one with good volume.
In order to get that full, chunky, 90s-style scrunchie, keep crocheting around even after the two ends of your tube meet. The more rounds you make, the more volume you will get in your finished scrunchie.
Use 2 hair ties instead of just 1 if you want it to be really scrunched and textured and if you plan to do a lot of rows.
Use an “ouchless” hair elastic to make your crochet scrunchie. The metal crimp on some types of elastics will snag your yarn.
The ideal size for a scrunchie is typically around 4 to 6 inches in diameter, as this size provides a good balance between holding the hair securely and being comfortable to wear.
Can Beginners Follow a Crochet Scrunchie Pattern?
Yes. Most published crochet scrunchie patterns are written specifically for beginners. If you can make a half double crochet, you can make a scrunchie.
A small ball of worsted weight yarn, a size J (6mm) hook, an elastic hair tie, and a blunt tapestry needle to sew in the ends is all you need to get started.
Many free patterns also include video tutorials in both right-handed and left-handed versions. The most important thing is to make sure that your stitches are not pulling the hair tie too tight.
If you enjoy making small wearable accessories, you might also want to explore other once you have your first scrunchie finished.
Scrunchie Variations to Try
Once you have the basic crochet scrunchie pattern down, there are several ways to change up the look.
Use variegated yarn for a multicolor swirl effect, add more double crochet stitches for extra ruffles, or switch to half double crochet for a slightly tighter frill.
Try chunky velvet yarn for a retro look or lacy cotton yarn for a boho summer feel. You can also add beads to the edge or crochet a bow and sew it to the front.
Scrunchies are also a natural starting point if you want to try next, as both projects use similar basic stitches and small amounts of yarn.
Can You Sell Crochet Scrunchies?
Crochet scrunchies are very inexpensive to make. If you want to make them to sell, you can buy hair elastics in bulk, and one skein of yarn makes a large number of scrunchies. They are also very quick to make, which makes them good items to sell at craft shows.
These 90s-style scrunchies are so quick to make that you can easily produce a batch to give to family and friends, making them a great handmade gift even at the last minute.
FAQ
How long does a crochet scrunchie take to make? Each scrunchie takes about an hour to make using basic crochet stitches. Experienced crocheters can finish one faster. One designer reported being able to make a scrunchie in about 6 minutes with practice.
What is the best stitch for a crochet scrunchie pattern? It depends on the look you want. Half double crochet produces a classic, chunky finish. Double crochet creates more ruffles. Single crochet gives a tighter, smaller result. Most beginner patterns use HDC or DC as the main stitch.
Can I adjust the pattern for different yarn weights? There is no need for a specific number of chains. Make your foundation chain longer than your stretched hair elastic. As long as the base of the crochet rectangle is bigger than the stretched hair elastic, it will give you the scrunched look.
Do crochet scrunchies damage hair? Using a well-made scrunchie provides a little extra protection for the hair compared to a regular elastic hair band. Be sure the yarn you select is not rough to avoid any damage to the hair.