Think crochet sounds tricky? Don’t worry — a scrunchie is surprisingly easy!
All you do is crochet around a hair tie, round and round. In about an hour, you’ll get to say, “I made this!”
In this post:
- Fun ways to change up yarn and colours
- Materials and tools you’ll need
- Easy step-by-step instructions
- Tips for a fluffy, pretty finish
Table of Contents
Why a crochet scrunchie is perfect for beginners
- Uses just a little yarn: Leftover yarn works great, so you can start the moment inspiration strikes.
- Cute even if it’s a bit wobbly: The hair tie does the shaping for you. Even if your stitches aren’t perfectly even, it still turns out soft and pretty.
- Done in about an hour: It works up so fast, you’ll feel that “I did it!” moment in no time. It only uses basic stitches, so it’s great practice too.
- Wear it the same day: Once it’s done, pop it straight into your hair. “I made this myself!” — it feels a little bit proud, in the best way.
Scrunchies are something you use every day, so having a few in different colours is always a happy thing.
The other day, I taught a mom friend how to make one, and we crocheted together. We chatted while our hands kept busy, and before we knew it, we each had a finished scrunchie! Showing each other and saying “We did it!” was such a fun moment.
A little crochet time in between housework and parenting — it’s a small treat, just for you.
Materials and tools
- Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spun (colour 099N), Medium (4) [affiliate link]
- Crochet hook: J-10 (6.0 mm)
- Hair tie: 1 (any size or thickness you like)
- Tapestry needle and scissors
The yarn I used is Lion Brand Re-Spun — my current favourite! It has just the right amount of fluffiness, and the natural colours are so pretty.
But honestly, any yarn you have at home will work. Even leftover yarn turns into a lovely scrunchie.
Tips for choosing yarn
Yarn labels in North America show the weight as a number. “Medium (4)” is worsted weight, which is a great all-round choice for this project. If you use a thicker or thinner yarn, just pick the hook size suggested on the label.
How to crochet a scrunchie
You only need three basic stitches: single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc). Just three rounds, and you’re done in about an hour! It’s a great way to practise the basics.
Note: This pattern uses Canada/US crochet terms.
Round 1: Single crochet around the hair tie
Working over the hair tie, single crochet all the way around it. Join with a slip stitch into the first stitch.
The number of stitches depends on the size of your hair tie. Keep going until the tie is completely covered with no gaps. The trick is to push the stitches together along the tie every so often to pack them in tightly! This is what gives your scrunchie its fluffy base.
Round 2: Double crochet
Chain up, then work 3 double crochet into each stitch of the previous round. The stitch count jumps up and creates a soft, ruffled shape. Join with a slip stitch.
The double crochet adds height, and it really starts to look like a scrunchie. This part is so exciting!
Round 3: Half double crochet to finish
Chain up again, then work 2 half double crochet into each stitch of the previous round. The ruffles get even fuller and fancier! Join with a slip stitch, and you’re done crocheting.
Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a short tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave it through the stitches to hide it. Do the same with the starting tail and… you’re finished! Great job!
Fun variations
Once you make one, you’ll be thinking, “What colour should I do next?” That’s the magic of scrunchies! A small change gives a whole new look.
- Switch up the yarn: A different weight or fibre creates a totally different feel. Try cozy, fuzzy yarn in winter and cotton yarn for a light, clean look in summer.
- Mix colours: Change colour for the last round for a pretty trim.
- Add more volume: Add more stitches for extra-full ruffles.
- Add beads or pearls: For a more grown-up, elegant finish.
Perfect for gifts
Handmade scrunchies make lovely little gifts — a birthday present for your child’s friend, or a thank-you for a teacher.
Thinking of someone’s favourite colour while you crochet is part of the joy of making things by hand.
Final thoughts
All you need is a crochet hook, some yarn and a hair tie — you can start today!
Don’t worry if your stitches aren’t perfect at first. Just enjoy that “I made it!” feeling when you hold your finished scrunchie.
Having fun matters more than making it perfect. The excitement starts the moment you pick out a yarn colour you love.
If you make one, please leave a comment — it would make my day!