Free Crochet Scrunchie Pattern for Beginners
A simple crochet-covered tube around a hair elastic — one of the fastest projects on the site.
In my classes, the scrunchie is the project I reach for when someone has never held a hook before and is already talking about the sweater they want to make someday. I hand them a hair elastic, a scrap of worsted-weight yarn, and ten minutes later they're holding something finished and usable. The best part is how forgiving it is — a little uneven stitching just gets lost in the gathering, so nobody's first attempt looks like a first attempt. I've taught dozens of people to make scrunchies over the years, and it's the one project I've never had a single person give up on.
Materials
- Small amount of worsted-weight yarn (about 10–15 yards per scrunchie)
- 5.0mm (US size H) crochet hook
- 1 standard hair elastic per scrunchie (1/4in / 6mm)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle, for weaving in ends
Abbreviations (US terms)
| Abbr. | Means |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| hdc | Half double crochet |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
See our abbreviations glossary for the full list including UK terms.
Gauge
Exact gauge isn't critical here — the goal is a snug, evenly covered tube around the elastic rather than a precise measurement.
Notes
- Written in US terms, worked directly onto the elastic in a continuous tube.
- Makes one scrunchie; repeat 2 more times for a set of three.
- This is a good project for using up small leftover amounts of yarn from other patterns.
Pattern (make 3)
Leaving a 4in / 10cm tail, make a slip knot and insert the hook through the centre of the hair elastic. Chain 1, then work hdc stitches directly over the elastic, covering it completely as you go around. Continue until the entire elastic is covered. (around 40–50 sts, depending on elastic size)
Once the elastic is fully covered, slip stitch into the first hdc of the round to join and close the tube.
Fasten off, leaving a 4in / 10cm tail. Weave both tails through several stitches to secure, then trim.
A beginner tutorial on crocheting a hair scrunchie, useful for seeing how the elastic band is covered with stitches.
Fuller & different sizes
The basic pattern makes a fairly slim scrunchie, which is great for fine hair but can look a little thin against a thick ponytail. For a fuller, puffier result, work a second round of hdc directly over the first before joining — this doubles the coverage without needing a larger elastic. A bulkier yarn weight has the same effect and only takes one round, though it will use more of the 10–15 yard budget per scrunchie (see our yarn weight guide for how weights compare).
Elastic size changes the finished circumference more than the yarn does: a standard 6mm elastic suits most adult hair, while a slightly larger elastic (or two thinner ones layered together) makes a bigger scrunchie for thick or long hair without changing the stitch pattern at all.
For gifting, a two-tone version is an easy upgrade with no extra skill required: cover about half the elastic in one colour, switch yarns without cutting either one, finish the round in the second colour, then weave in all four tails at the join. It reads as a deliberate design choice rather than a scrap-yarn shortcut, even though it's exactly that.
Common mistakes & fixes
Fix: relax your grip slightly and work stitches a touch looser so the finished scrunchie gathers naturally when released.
Fix: count stitches as you go to make sure the elastic is fully covered before joining, and nudge stitches closer together with a fingertip if any gaps appear.
Fix: join into the very first stitch of the round rather than skipping ahead, and weave the join's tail through a few extra stitches to help it blend in.
Our pick
Cotton worsted-weight yarn, 3-pack
Three coordinating colours means a matching or contrasting set of three scrunchies from one order, with plenty left over for other small projects.
View on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
What elastic works best for a crochet scrunchie?
A standard 1/4 inch (6mm) braided hair elastic, tied into a loop, works well and is easy to find at any craft or fabric store.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet scrunchie?
A single scrunchie uses about 10-15 yards of worsted-weight yarn, so a full skein makes several scrunchies with plenty to spare.
Can I make a crochet scrunchie without an elastic hair tie?
Yes, a length of elastic cord tied into a loop works as a substitute, though a pre-made hair elastic is usually easier to work with and holds its shape longer.
How do I make a fuller, puffier scrunchie?
Work an extra round of single crochet around the elastic before fastening off, or switch to a bulkier yarn weight, both of which add more coverage without changing the elastic size.
Can I use leftover scrap yarn for scrunchies?
Yes, a scrunchie only needs 10-15 yards, making it one of the best small projects for using up short leftover lengths from bigger projects.
How do I make a smaller scrunchie for kids or fine hair?
Use a smaller hair elastic and the same technique, or wrap the stitches a little more tightly around a thin elastic. A 4mm elastic makes a good child-size scrunchie, and you can adjust coverage by adding or removing a few stitches as you go.
Can I crochet a scrunchie in velvet or chenille yarn?
Yes, though velvet and chenille yarns are a bit harder to see your stitches in, so count as you go. They give a soft, plush look and only need slightly more yarn since the strands are bulkier.
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