Crochet Scrunchie: A 20-Minute Free Pattern

The pattern

Round 1: covering the elastic

1. Step 1: Make a slip knot and hold the elastic in your left hand.
2. Step 2: Insert the hook through the middle of the elastic, yarn over and pull a loop back through, then yarn over and pull through both loops. (1 sc made over the elastic)
3. Step 3: Keep working single crochet over the elastic, pushing the stitches together as you go, until it is completely covered.
4. Step 4: You should have about 70–80 stitches. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (70–80)

Round 2: the ruffle

1. Rnd 2: Ch 1, then work 3 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st. (210–240)

Tripling every stitch is what creates the gather. It will look absurdly frilly flat on the table and exactly right on a wrist.

Fasten off, leaving a 6 in tail. Weave it along the inside of the first round so it disappears, and trim.

Make it your own

• Extra full: work 4 sc in each stitch on Round 2 instead of 3.
• Shell edge: replace Round 2 with *skip 1, 5 dc in the next st, skip 1, sl st* for a scalloped scrunchie.
• With a bow: sew on our mini crochet bow.
• Velvet: a velvet or chenille yarn makes a plush version — go up to a 4 mm hook.

Common questions

Why is my scrunchie flat and sad?

Not enough stitches. Round 1 needs 70–80 single crochets packed tightly around the elastic, and Round 2 must triple every one of them.

What yarn is best for scrunchies?

DK cotton holds its shape and washes well. Velvet yarn is softer and more luxurious but sheds a little at first.

Can I use worsted yarn?

Yes — use a 4 mm hook and expect about 60 stitches in Round 1. The result is chunkier and a little less bouncy.

Will it damage my hair?

No more than a fabric scrunchie. Cotton is gentler than a bare elastic, which is half the reason scrunchies exist.

Make five. Give four away. Keep the best one. 🎀