How to Make Scrunchies

Explore our adorable scrunchies, chic hair clips, and stylish barrettes today!

Scrunchies are back in style, and we're thrilled! These cute hair accessories are not only fashionable but also super easy to make at home. With just a few simple supplies and some basic sewing skills, you can create custom scrunchies to match any outfit.

We love how versatile scrunchies are - they work for casual days, workouts, or even dressing up. Plus, making your own allows you to choose fabrics and colors that perfectly suit your personal style. It's a fun DIY project that lets you expand your accessories collection without breaking the bank.

Ready to jazz up your hair game? Let's dive into the world of DIY scrunchies and unleash our creativity. We'll show you everything you need to know to start crafting these adorable hair ties in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Creating custom scrunchies is an easy and affordable DIY project
• Basic sewing skills and a few simple supplies are all you need to get started
• Scrunchies can be customized to match any style or outfit

Gathering Your Supplies

Making scrunchies is a fun and easy DIY project. Before we dive in, let's gather everything we'll need to create these cute hair accessories.

Selecting Fabrics

We love choosing fabrics for our scrunchies! Lightweight materials like cotton, silk, or satin work best. They're comfy on our hair and come in endless patterns. We usually pick 1/4 yard of fabric per scrunchie. It's more than enough!

Pro tip: Grab a few different prints to mix and match. Florals, polka dots, and solid colors are always in style. Don't forget to consider the season – pastels for spring, bright colors for summer.

Remember, the fabric's wrong side will be hidden, so we can go wild with bold designs on the right side.

Choosing Elastic

The elastic is what gives our scrunchies that perfect scrunch. We typically use 1/4 inch wide elastic for a comfy fit. Aim for about 7-9 inches per scrunchie, depending on how tight we want it.

Look for soft, braided elastic that's gentle on our hair. White or black works well – it'll be hidden inside anyway. We always buy a bit extra, just in case.

Fun fact: Some crafters use clear elastic for a different look. It's worth experimenting with!

Essential Sewing Tools

Let's round up our sewing kit! Here's what we'll need:

• Sewing machine (or needle for hand-sewing)
• Matching thread
• Scissors (fabric and regular)
• Pins
• Safety pin
• Iron and ironing board

Don't forget a ruler or measuring tape to get our cuts just right. If we're using a sewing machine, we'll want a regular straight stitch needle.

Got a rotary cutter and mat? They're great for cutting fabric strips quickly. But scissors work perfectly fine too!

Prepping Your Fabric

Getting your fabric ready is crucial for creating perfect scrunchies. We'll guide you through cutting strips and ironing them for the best results.

Cutting Fabric Strips

Let's start by cutting our fabric into strips. We recommend using lightweight, stretchy fabrics like cotton jersey or silk for comfy scrunchies. Grab your fabric and lay it flat on a cutting mat. Measure and mark 4-inch wide strips along the fabric's length.

Use sharp fabric scissors to cut along these lines. Don't stress if they're not perfectly straight - we'll fix that later! For each scrunchie, we typically need a strip about 22 inches long. But feel free to go longer for extra volume.

Pro tip: Rotary cutters can make this step a breeze if you have one handy!

Ironing for Precision

Now, let's make those strips picture-perfect with some ironing. Heat up your iron to the appropriate setting for your fabric type. We always check the care label to be safe!

Lay each strip on your ironing board. Gently press out any wrinkles, moving the iron slowly from one end to the other. For extra crisp edges, fold the long sides in about 1/4 inch and press. This creates a clean finish when we sew.

Remember to use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics to avoid shine marks. A quick spritz of water can help stubborn wrinkles disappear like magic!

Crafting the Scrunchie

Let's dive into the fun part - making our very own scrunchie! We'll guide you through the process step-by-step, from sewing the main seam to adding that all-important elastic and finishing it off perfectly.

Sewing the Main Seam

First things first, we need to create the tube that'll form our scrunchie. We'll start by folding our fabric in half, right sides together. Pin along the long edge, leaving a small gap at one end - this'll be crucial later!

Now, it's sewing time! We're going to stitch along that pinned edge, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Remember to backstitch at both ends for extra strength.

Once we've sewn our seam, we'll turn the tube right side out. A safety pin can be super helpful here - just attach it to one end and use it to guide the fabric through. Smooth it out, and voila! We've got our scrunchie tube.

Attaching the Elastic

Now for the secret ingredient that gives our scrunchie its scrunch - the elastic! We'll cut a piece of elastic about 7-8 inches long. This might seem short, but trust us, it'll stretch!

We're going to use a safety pin again here. Attach it to one end of the elastic and thread it through our fabric tube. Be careful not to let the other end disappear inside!

Once we've threaded it all the way through, we'll overlap the ends of the elastic by about an inch. Sew these together securely - we don't want our scrunchie falling apart mid-wear!

Finishing the Ends

We're in the home stretch now! We need to close up that gap we left earlier. First, we'll tuck the elastic inside the tube. Then, we'll fold the raw edges of the fabric inward.

Pin these folded edges together, making sure everything's neat and tidy. We can hand-sew this closed for an invisible finish, or machine stitch if we're in a hurry.

And there we have it - our very own handmade scrunchie! Give it a little stretch to distribute the gathers evenly. Now it's ready to jazz up our ponytails or add a pop of color to our wrists.

Customization Ideas

Scrunchies are incredibly versatile accessories. Let's explore some fun ways to personalize them and make them uniquely yours.

Adding Embellishments

We love jazzing up our scrunchies with eye-catching embellishments. Sew on colorful beads for a boho vibe, or attach tiny sequins for some sparkle. Rhinestones can add a touch of glam, perfect for a night out. For a cute twist, try sewing on small fabric flowers or bows.

Don't forget about patches! Iron-on patches are super easy to apply and come in endless designs. We've even seen scrunchies with tiny charms attached - so adorable! Just make sure any add-ons are securely fastened so they don't fall off while you're wearing your creation.

Mixing Patterns

Why settle for one fabric when you can mix and match? We're obsessed with combining different patterns to create unique scrunchies. Try pairing a floral print with polka dots for a playful look. Stripes and animal prints can make a bold statement when used together.

For a subtler approach, mix textures instead of patterns. Velvet and satin feel luxurious together, while denim and lace offer an interesting contrast. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations - that's half the fun!

Remember to consider color schemes when mixing patterns. Sticking to a cohesive palette can help tie different prints together beautifully.

Creating Bow Scrunchies

Bow scrunchies are all the rage, and they're surprisingly easy to make. Start by creating a regular scrunchie, then add a bow made from the same or contrasting fabric. We like to use wire-edged ribbon for bows that hold their shape well.

For a daintier look, try a small bow attached to one side of the scrunchie. If you're feeling bold, go for an oversized bow that makes a real statement. You can even create double-bow scrunchies by attaching two bows on opposite sides.

Experiment with different bow styles too. Classic loops, sailor bows, and floppy bows all offer unique looks. Just be sure to secure your bows tightly so they stay put all day long.

Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your scrunchies ensures they stay looking fresh and last longer. With a few simple steps, you can keep your hair accessories in great shape.

Cleaning Scrunchies

We love how scrunchies add a fun pop to any hairstyle, but they can get grimy fast. No worries! Most fabric scrunchies are machine washable. Toss them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. For delicate materials like silk or velvet, hand washing is best. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and mild soap, then gently swish the scrunchies around. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.

Air-drying is the way to go. Lay scrunchies flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight. Avoid the dryer, as heat can damage elastic. For stubborn stains, try spot-cleaning with a soft brush and gentle detergent before washing. Remember, clean scrunchies = happy hair!

Storing Scrunchies

Let's face it, scrunchies have a tendency to disappear into the void. But with a smart storage system, you'll always have your favorites on hand. A cute wall-mounted organizer keeps scrunchies visible and easy to grab. We love using shower curtain rings on a hanger - it's budget-friendly and perfect for small spaces.

For travel, a small mesh bag or zippered pouch works wonders. It keeps scrunchies together and prevents snags. At home, dedicate a pretty bowl or basket for your collection. Avoid cramming too many in one spot, as this can stretch out the elastic. Rotate your scrunchies regularly to distribute wear evenly.

Pro tip: Store silk or velvet scrunchies in a soft cloth bag to protect their delicate fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've gathered some common queries about making scrunchies to help you create these fun hair accessories with ease. Let's dive into the details!

What's the easiest method to create my own scrunchies at home?

The simplest way to make scrunchies is using a sewing machine. We start by cutting a rectangular piece of fabric, folding it in half lengthwise, and sewing along the edge. Then we turn it inside out, thread an elastic through, and stitch the ends together. It's quick and gives great results!

Can I craft a scrunchie without a sewing machine, and if so, how?

Absolutely! We love hand-sewing scrunchies too. Just follow the same steps as machine sewing, but use a needle and thread instead. It takes a bit longer, but it's perfect for a relaxing crafting session. Plus, it's super portable – you can make scrunchies anywhere!

What type of fabric do I need for DIY scrunchies, and how much?

We recommend soft, lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, or satin for comfy scrunchies. For each scrunchie, you'll need a rectangle about 4 inches wide and 22 inches long. It's fun to mix and match patterns, so grab a few different fabrics to create a variety!

Are there any tricks to making scrunchies using just hair ties or rubber bands?

Yes! We've got a neat hack for this. Take a strip of fabric, wrap it around a hair tie, and secure it with fabric glue. Keep wrapping until the tie is fully covered. It's a quick no-sew option that's perfect for beginners or last-minute accessories.

What's the secret to hand-sewing durable scrunchies that last?

The key is using a strong thread and small, tight stitches. We double up our thread and make sure to reinforce the seams. It's also crucial to knot the thread securely at the beginning and end of each seam. These little steps make a big difference in longevity!

Which elastic is the best choice for making scrunchies that won't damage hair?

We swear by braided elastic for our scrunchies. It's gentle on hair and maintains its stretch over time. Look for 1/4 inch wide elastic – it's the perfect size for most scrunchies. Avoid rubber bands or thin elastics that can snag or break hair strands.