How to Crochet a Ruffle Scrunchie

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Prepare and attach the yarn to the elastic

Begin with a slip knot on your hook. Insert the hook into the centre of the hair elastic, wrap the yarn around the hook, and pull a loop through the elastic to anchor the yarn. Yarn over with both the working yarn and the short tail together, and pull that through the loop on the hook to secure the join firmly. Drop the tail — it will be woven in later. Chain 2, chain 1, chain 2 to create the starting height for your first round of double crochets.

This method attaches the yarn directly to the elastic without knots or sewing, and the double chain start means your first double crochet round will sit evenly around the band. A sturdy hair elastic works best here — if you only have thin ones, double or triple them before starting.

Step 2 — Cover the elastic with double crochet

For round 1, yarn over, insert the hook underneath the entire elastic band, yarn over again, and pull up a loop around the elastic. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops — this completes one double crochet worked around the elastic. Continue working double crochets in this way, encasing the full circumference of the elastic until it is completely covered.

Work at an even, consistent pace around the band — too few stitches and the elastic will show through; too many and the fabric will begin to ruffle before you intend it to. Once you reach the end of the round, join with a slip stitch into the top of the chain-2 from the start of the round to close it.

Step 3 — Build the ruffle

For round 2, chain 2, chain 1, chain 2 to start. Work two double crochets into each space between the double crochets from round 1, all the way around. This doubling of stitches causes the fabric to gather and flare outward, creating the characteristic ruffle. At the end of round 2, join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain-2.

The ruffle will already be clearly visible at this point. If you want a lighter, more subtle frill, you can stop here, weave in your ends, and the scrunchie is complete. For a fuller, more dramatic ruffle, continue to step 4.

Step 4 — Increase for a fuller ruffle and finish

For round 3, chain 2 to start, then work two double crochets into each increase space around the round. This continues to expand the scrunchie at a steady rate without the ruffle becoming too extreme or stiff. Join with a slip stitch at the end of the round. Repeat this same increase pattern for round 4 if you want additional fullness, joining at the end of each round in the same way.

Once you have reached your desired size and ruffle depth, fasten off and leave a tail of a few inches. Thread the tail onto the yarn needle and weave it securely through the surrounding stitches in at least two directions before trimming close to the fabric. Weave in the short starting tail the same way. Your finished ruffle scrunchie is ready to wear.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to make a crochet ruffle scrunchie?
You will need approximately 200 yards of light weight yarn (Caron Pantone Beautiful Bamboo or a similar weight yarn works well), a 3.5mm crochet hook, a sturdy hair elastic, scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. Thick elastics can be doubled up for extra support if needed.

How do I create the ruffle on a crochet scrunchie?
The ruffle is built in round 2 by working two double crochets into each space between the double crochets from round 1. This doubling of stitches causes the fabric to gather and flare outward, creating the ruffled effect. Additional rounds of increases continue to build the ruffle to your desired fullness.

How do I make the crochet ruffle scrunchie larger while keeping the ruffled effect?
From round 3 onward, work two double crochets into each increase space to continue expanding the scrunchie without the ruffle becoming too extreme. Repeating this increase pattern across rounds 3 and 4 gradually grows the scrunchie while maintaining a consistent, even ruffle throughout.

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