How to Sew a Scrunchie

How to Sew a Scrunchie? You Don’t Want to Miss This Compelling Lesson

Wearing them can be a lot of fun—not to mention discovering how to sew a scrunchie!

As Jerusha Neely notices on Quince and Co.:

“They are easy on the hair and cute as anything. A staple of gen-X youth style resurfaces from the 90s, and we love it.”

Image source: Heart Zeena

Amanda Mull from The Atlantic in “Scrunchies Are Little Rainbow Reminders That Millennials Are Old,” puts it like this:

“Gen Z, free of scrunchie baggage, has incorporated the hair ties into its own subcultures. The most prominent of them is the VSCO girl, a teen aesthetic marked by bright, feminine colors, oversize T-shirts, ugly-cool shoes like Crocs or Birkenstocks, conspicuous eco-friendliness, and—maybe most importantly—an armful of scrunchies. She’s beachy, she’s fun, she wants to put her hair up.”

Read about the VSCO girl trend on Independent.

Image source: Business Insider

A scrunchie is an elastic hair tie covered with fabric. We also know it as scrunchy, and the French call it “chouchou.”

It’s known for its large, elaborate style. (Wikipedia)

The singer Rommy Revson created and patented it in 1987. She wanted a less hair-damaging alternative to the metal hair ties used in the 1980s.

We don’t have to underline how timeless this incentive is.

Read more about the scrunchie history on Pure Wow and Rommy’s tangle over legal fees for her patent on Observer.

Image source: Her View from Home

We can make stylish scrunchies with any fabric, from silk to velvet to cotton. The latter is the best for beginners, so we recommend you to start with this one.

Since their beginnings, scrunchies are available in many:

- colors,
- fabrics, and
- designs;

No wonder that they matched so well the over-the-top aesthetic of the colorful 1980s.

Think about Janet Jackson, Debbie Gibson, Paula Abdul, or Demi Moore. Or do you remember Madonna in “Desperately Seeking Susan”?

We saw scrunchie also in productions like “Heathers,” “Friends,” “Full House,” and “Seinfeld.”

After a few years of extreme popularity, interest in scrunchies slowly decreased.

So when Carrie Bradshaw, in “Sex and the City,” mocked the scrunchie fashion, it seemed the final nail in the coffin.

Image source: Vintag

But the story has come full circle.

Look at today’s celebrities like Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, Bella, Gigi Hadid, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or Selena Gomez. Also, Eleven in “Stranger Things” wears scrunchie, adding to its re-surged popularity.

Scrunchies also have romantic symbolics linked to them.

Teens exchange scrunchies as a sign of an emerging romance. When a girl gives a scrunchie to a boy, it’s a sign of affection. The boy will then wear the gift on his wrist, revealing reciprocity of the feelings he has for his “crush.”

But why would scrunchie find its way through so many cultural and social settings?

First off, the scrunchie is gentler than regular hair ties to:

- curly,
- coarse, and
- kinkier hair;

What’s more, some female astronauts on a mission used scrunchies to secure their hair!

Are you still wondering if you really need one?

Do your homework with “16 Chic Scrunchies You Didn’t Know You Needed,” on Marie Claire.

If these beauties don’t inspire you, then we throw in the towel!

Then, have a look at the table that we created with Azyaamode:

Pros of scrunchie	Explanation
They are saviors on a bad hair day	If your hair isn’t eager to cooperate, give it a scrunchie! Tie them up in a ponytail, and an immodest scrunchie will do the rest.
Scrunchies don’t damage your hair	We know the pain of wearing a pretty elastic that has a bad influence on the structure of the hair. Scrunchies are unbelievably gentle in that matter. No other elastic cares about your hair this much!
You can play with colors	As many scrunchies as many colors! How about a scrunchie that matches your look or adds charm to a particular piece of your wardrobe? Look at these easy beginner sewing projects and 35 intermediate sewing projects to liven up your clothing with some new, fresh, homemade designs.

Scrunchies are good for protecting and embellishing your hair. But this accessory also introduces some life and fresh style to your wardrobe.

What else can they offer us?

Pros of scrunchie	Explanation
Scrunchie can serve as a bracelet	The deal is simple: If you don’t feel like wearing your favorite scrunchie in your hair right now, put it on your wrist. It will still rock your looks! As we read on Blush Pop Creations: “There is no harm in wearing scrunchies on your wrist since they are soft and have a real elastic band inside. [Wearing scrunchie] makes you feel like a fashionista. […] It is convenient to wear one on your wrist, especially when you work out frequently. It is just a short reach away. You can easily access it and use it to tie up your hair during various activities.”
They are monotony breakers	There is no easier way to spruce up your outfit than adding spice with a scrunchie. Azyaamode advises wearing a metallic scrunchie with an all-black look for added effect.
Scrunchies handle much hair and don’t break	It happened to everyone. The moment you need your elastic most, it suddenly breaks into a thousand pieces. It won’t happen here. Scrunchies can hold more hair and are hence much more reliable than regular hair ties.

Plus, the pleasure or mom-daughter moments. Is there anything cuter than wearing the same fancy model with your sweetheart baby girl?

Image source: Cucicucicoo

Sew your own scrunchie—introduction

Impatient to get your first hands-on experience with sewing scrunchies?

What are the options?

You can:

1. Knit a scrunchie

Check these fantastic DIY hand sew scrunchies projects by Spruce Hill Knits and Quince and Co.,

2. Sew a scrunchie

Have a taste of the sewing scrunchies tutorials by Lana Red Studio, Cucicucicoo, and Port Amelie.

3. Use no sewing method

For guidance and tips, reach out to Adventures of a DIY Mom, Laura Radniecki, and One Crazy Mom.

Image source: Spruce Hill Knits

Let’s learn to sew a scrunchie with the YouTube scrunchie sewing tutorial below.

Jennifer shows us three scrunchie sewing hacks:

- two sew methods—one method explains how to hand sew a scrunchie, and the other how to do it with a sewing machine,
- one no-sew method—this technique uses glue to attach opposing ends of a sewing fabric;

Isn’t sewing scrunchies one of the best sewing tips and tricks to become both comfortable and pretty?

Image source: Vogue

Knowing how to sew hair scrunchies from fabric scraps makes you also a sustainable sewer.

Check out our eco-friendly blogs:

If you prefer a more elaborated video on scrunchie making, check out this one by Threads Monthly:

Have these meticulous tips along the way making your experience easier?

If it’s one of your first sewing attempts—the more details, the better.

This scrunchy is also a bit fancier, so you may have to spend more time on it. But it’s worth the effort!

Other than that, there are at least ten other ideas for a scrunchie.

You can learn to sew them with Sew Guide:

1. Thin scrunchie
2. Lace edged scrunchie
3. Lace ruffle scrunchie
4. Double-sided scrunchie
5. No-sew scrunchie
6. No-sew ruffled net scrunchie
7. Scrunchie with beads
8. Bunny ear scrunchie
9. Faux fur scrunchie
10. Scrunchies with contrast bands

We love this collection of ideas!

Check Sew Guide, and don’t worry about the advanced sewing techniques it may involve. Constant learning is one of the 10 reasons to start sewing clothes!

Image source: Quince and Co.

“DIY Satin Scrunchie” by Karolina from Tintofmint is also among our favorite scrunchie tutorials.

Check it out to taste this chic and smooth scrunchie idea:

Do you know what else we’re crazy about? We go mad about these fully customized high-end different types of woven labels.

You can:

- create, and
- order

them now in any number (even a few pieces for your DIY fashion production) from the Super Label Store.

Create your:

- woven labels,
- care labels, or
- hang tags;

Get your creative juices flowing and design an original label. You can even attach this cute little accessory to your new scrunchie before you sell it or give it as a gift.

How to make a scrunchie?

We’ve seen a couple of handy tutorials.

Now let’s tackle how you conjure scrunchies up at home and why we should learn to make them.

For starters, as noticed by Port Amelie:

reason	description
They are great for beginners	As the author of the blog comments, all that you need for this project is “opposable thumbs.” That sounds like fun!
They are easy to upcycle	The size of the sewing fabric you need for this accessory is so small that you’ll quickly find it around the house. No buying or manufacturing process is involved. As the golden rule of sustainability states: the less we waste, the better.
They can be easily hand-sewn	Using a sewing machine is faster, but these small straight lines are also easy to sew by hand. Get a needle and a thread, and you’re all set!

And here are sewing supplies you’ll need:

1. a small piece of sewing fabric—50 cm x 12 cm is excellent, but even half of it will do,
2. a piece of regular, plain elastic, can be even a standard rubber band;
3. sewing pins, if you are a beginner or have slippery fabric like polyester or velvet,
4. safety pin,
5. iron and ironing board,
6. scissors,
7. ruler,
8. sewing machine or a needle and thread (read sewing threads types and tips);

Image source: Lana Red Studio

Now, let’s get to the step-by-step process to sew your own scrunchie with Port Amelie and Cucicucicoo:

1. Fold your piece of fabric together vertically, with right sides facing each other.
2. Measure 5 cm down from one end and place your first pin, catching both sides of the fabric on the raw edge.

Pay attention to the pin perpendicular to the fabric.

Pin your fabric together down the raw edge until you arrive at 5 cm up from the other end.

Image source: Port Amelie

3. Sew along the pinned side.

Place your fabric under your sewing machine presser foot. Sew from where you placed the first pin to the last one (5 cm from both ends).

Never sew over your pins! Instead, sew right up to the pin before you remove it.

Backstitch when you start and end your seam.

Use a serger or a zigzag stitch to finish the edge.

You can sew it with a sewing machine or by hand.

You can use a backstitch or whipstitch around the raw edges.

If you’re sewing by hand, to sew the backstitch:

Insert the needle a little to the right of where the thread comes out. Then, pull the needle back out a bit to the left of the thread.

4. Iron your seam flat, especially if you are using silky or flowy fabrics.

This point is less crucial for stable kinds of cotton).

5. Turn your tube inside out.

Image source: Port Amelie

6. With right sides facing each other, place the two raw ends of your fabric tube together and pin along the raw edges.

7. Sew together along the raw edge, removing the pins and rotating the fabric as you go.

8. Put your needle down into your fabric. Lift your presser foot, smooth out your fabric, put the foot back down (never sew with the foot up!) and continue sewing.

When you saw the fabric, adjust the tube so that the seam is untwisted.

9. Fasten a safety pin onto your elastic at the top of one end.

Pull it through the opening of your scrunchie tube.

Hold on to the other end of the elastic so that it doesn’t get pulled inside the fabric tube.

How to pull the elastic through the tube? First, scrunch the fabric and grab the pin through the fabric as you un-scrunch the fabric.

Don’t forget to keep the other end of the elastic visible on one end. You can keep it with your teeth or pin it on your t-shirt for a little while.

10. When you have two elastic ends peeking out of your fabric, tie them in a knot.

Tuck your knotted elastic into the inside of the scrunchie.

11. Fold the raw edge of the fabric opening inside the hole to finish the seam.

12. Pin along the folded-over bit to close the hole. Ensure you catch both sides of the opening in your pin.

Image source: Port Amelie

Here, optionally, you can use glue instead of sewing.

According to Lana Red Studio:

- - First, slide the folded end of the fabric over the unfolded end.
  - Next, apply fabric glue on the inside of the folded fabric and attach the two ends.
  - Finally, let the glue dry according to the instructions of your glue of choice.

13. Place your scrunchie under your presser foot. Put the foot down, and sew the opening shut (sew as close to the edge as possible).

14. Your seam must be as close to the edge as possible. Otherwise, your scrunchie will lose that unique, pillowy look.

15. It looks like we made it!

Thanks again, Port Amelie and Cucicucicoo, for your handy guides.

Image source: Port Amelie

Scrunchies not only have a long, adorable history but were also created for a good reason—for the benefit of our hair.

The latter is probably the main reason why it is so hard to kick them out of fashion and forget about them.

Given their constant rebirth, they may be here to stay!

Up to this day, scrunchies are the best alternative for ordinary hair ties. They have colorful, smooth, and shiny textures that don’t pull out the strands of your hair.

You can see them around as part of casual, evening, and party wear.

They work amazingly as presents. Can appear as wedding favors, wedding scrunchies, or bridesmaid proposal gifts.

Image source: Quince and Co.