How to Crochet a Hair Scrunchie

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the foundation row

Make a slip knot and chain 25 stitches. Work a single crochet into the second chain from the hook, then single crochet across the remaining chain for a total of 24 stitches. Turn your work — this is row one. Keep your tension even across the foundation row, as a tight or loose base can affect how the finished scrunchie stretches and sits on the hair elastic.

Place a stitch marker at each end of the row to help you keep track of your stitch count as you build up the body in the following rows.

Step 2 — Build the scrunchie body

For row two, work a double crochet into the first stitch. From here, work all subsequent double crochets through the back loop only — inserting the hook under just the back loop of each stitch rather than both loops. Continue in back loop only double crochet across the entire row, then chain one and turn. This back loop technique creates the raised ribbed texture that gives the scrunchie its characteristic look and stretch.

Repeat row two until the piece is long enough to wrap comfortably around your wrist with a little extra — roughly the circumference of the scrunchie plus an inch or two of ease for sewing. Measure against your wrist as you work and adjust the length to suit your preference. A longer strip produces a fuller, more gathered scrunchie once the elastic is threaded through.

Step 3 — Sew the seam

Remove your stitch markers and decide which side of the fabric you want on the outside — the back loop texture looks best facing out, so position that side facing inward for now. You will turn the scrunchie inside out after seaming to reveal it.

To join the seam, insert the hook into the first corner stitch at the opposite end of the strip from where you finished. Pull the working yarn through to connect the two ends. Continue by inserting the hook through each row on both sides of the fabric and working a single crochet for each row along the full length of the seam. When you reach the end, pull a long yarn tail, trim, and tie a knot for extra security. Turn the scrunchie inside out — the seam disappears to the interior and the ribbed texture faces outward.

Step 4 — Thread the elastic

Thread your 8-inch elastic through the yarn needle and pass it through the centre of the scrunchie tube, working from one open end to the other. If you are using an additional length of elastic to allow for knotting rather than sewing, use approximately 10 inches so you have enough tail to tie a firm knot. Bring both ends of the elastic together, tie a tight knot, and trim the excess as close to the knot as possible. The knot will sit inside the tube and be hidden once the final end is sewn closed.

If you only have thin elastics available, bundle two or three together and thread them through as a group. Tie all strands in the same knot at once for the equivalent strength of a single thick elastic.

Step 5 — Close the ends and finish

Thread the long yarn tail left at the end of your work onto the yarn needle. Line up the two open ends of the scrunchie tube and sew them together securely, working stitch by stitch along the edge. The join does not need to be invisible — it will be hidden inside the gathered fabric once the elastic pulls everything together. Once the seam is closed, weave the yarn tail back through the surrounding stitches in several directions before trimming close to the fabric for a secure, neat finish.

Your finished crochet hair scrunchie is ready to wear. The mercerized cotton or similar yarn holds its shape well through regular use, and the back loop texture gives it a polished, hand-crafted look.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to make a crochet hair scrunchie?
You will need light weight yarn (mercerized cotton works well), a 3.5mm crochet hook, a yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, and an 8-inch piece of elastic or a strong hair elastic. If you only have thin elastics, double or triple them up to get the equivalent strength of one thick elastic.

How do I hide the seam on a crochet scrunchie?
Work the seam using single crochet stitches, inserting the hook through each row on both sides of the fabric and pulling the loops together as you go. Once the full seam is joined, pull a long yarn tail, tie a knot for security, then turn the scrunchie inside out so the seam is hidden on the interior and the textured back-loop side faces outward.

What should I do if I only have thin elastics for my crochet scrunchie?
Double or triple up two or three thin elastics to match the strength of a single thick elastic. Thread all of them through the scrunchie together and tie the knot with all strands at once. This maintains the durability and stretch of the finished scrunchie.

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