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DIY Scrunchie Tutorial for Beginner

(Cute, Easy & Perfect for Fabric Scraps!)

If you’ve been wanting to start sewing but didn’t know where to begin, scrunchies are honestly one of the BEST beginner sewing projects. They’re easy, affordable, fast to make, and you end up with something cute you can actually use. Plus, once you make one, you suddenly want to make twenty more in every color and fabric pattern imaginable.

This tutorial is beginner friendly, requires only basic straight stitches, and is also a great project for:

  • gifts

  • craft fairs

  • small businesses

  • using fabric scraps

  • matching outfits

  • learning how to use a sewing machine

What You’ll Need

Supplies:

  • Cotton fabric, satin, velvet, or linen

  • Matching thread

  • 1/4-inch elastic

  • Safety pin or bodkin

  • Sewing machine

  • Scissors or rotary cutter

  • Iron

Fabric & Elastic Measurements

For one scrunchie:

  • Fabric strip: 4 inches wide × 20–22 inches long

  • Elastic: 7–8 inches long

Tip: Longer fabric strips create puffier scrunchies!

Step-by-Step DIY Scrunchie Tutorial

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut one strip of fabric measuring: 4 inches wide × 20–22 inches long.

If you want oversized fluffy scrunchies, go slightly longer.

Step 2: Fold the Fabric

Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise with the RIGHT sides facing together.

Your fabric should now look like a long folded strip.

Pin or clip it in place.

Step 3: Sew the Long Edge

Using about a 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew down the entire long edge of the fabric strip.

This creates a fabric tube.

Backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 4: Turn the Tube Right Side Out

Attach a safety pin to one end of the tube.

Carefully feed it through the tube until the fabric turns right side out.

This is usually the part where people realize they’re actually making something cute.

Step 5: Press the Fabric Flat

Use an iron to flatten the tube slightly.

This helps the scrunchie look cleaner and more professional.

Do not skip this step — ironing honestly makes sewing projects look SO much better.

Step 6: Add the Elastic

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic.

Thread the elastic all the way through the fabric tube.

IMPORTANT: Hold onto the other end of the elastic so it doesn’t disappear inside the tube. We’ve all done it at least once.

Step 7: Sew the Elastic Together

Overlap the elastic ends by about 1/2–1 inch.

Sew them together securely using either:

  • a zigzag stitch

    or

  • several straight stitches

Give it a little stretch test before moving on.

Step 8: Distribute the Fabric

Pull the elastic back into the tube and spread the fabric gathers evenly around the scrunchie.

At this point it finally starts looking like a real scrunchie!

Step 9: Sew the Ends Closed

Fold the raw fabric edges inward.

Tuck one end slightly inside the other end.

Sew across the opening using a straight stitch.

Backstitch to secure.

Done!

Best Fabrics for Scrunchies

Cotton: Best for beginners and everyday wear.

Satin: Great for reducing hair breakage and frizz.

Velvet: Perfect for trendy oversized scrunchies.

Linen: Soft, lightweight, and beautiful for neutral aesthetics.

Beginner Sewing Tips

💕 Start with cotton fabric first💕 Use clips if pins frustrate you💕 Take your time sewing straight lines💕 Practice on scrap fabric first if nervous💕 Don’t stress about perfection

Honestly, even the “imperfect” handmade scrunchies usually end up being the cutest ones.

Why Scrunchies Are Such a Great Beginner Project

  • Quick to make

  • Affordable

  • Beginner friendly

  • Easy to customize

  • Makes adorable gifts

  • Great for selling online or at craft fairs

  • Helps you practice sewing basics without feeling overwhelming

And the best part? Once you learn the basic method, you can create endless styles, colors, and sizes.

Products & Supplies I Recommend


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

 
 
 

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