DIY - How to make scrunchies

UPDATED JUNE 22, 2026

DIY Scrunchies for Cozy Reading Days!
I am super excited about sharing HOW TO MAKE SCRUNCHIES! This is a quick and easy upcycle project for all that leftover fabric. It has been my go-to DIY project for what to do with ripped or stained clothing. Bonus: it makes an easy sewing project for kids, and it's an easy and inexpensive birthday gift kids can make themselves. Here is how I make them!!
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Supplies:

Fabric (old clothes, etc)

Elastic hair tie
Measuring tape

Scissors

Pins
Sewing machine and/or needle/thread

How to make a scrunchie!

STEP ONE is measure the fabric. 

I like to do 6" wide and 16" down. It's always easier to cut if it's too much!

STEP TWO is put the fabric through the hairband.

How to do this is shown below. Make sure the BACK of the fabric is facing out for sewing.

STEP THREE is pin the fabric and sew!

Not everyone likes to pin the fabric, so I combined two steps into one. I find it a lot easier to sew if you pin first. You can either sew by hand or with a sewing machine. 

*Remember not to sew the scrunchie closed yet, because you'll need to flip the fabric since you're looking at the back of the fabric. That's the next step!

STEP FOUR is flip the fabric to the front!

See how the front of the fabric (the shiny part) is being pulled over the back of the fabric?

You're almost done!

STEP FIVE is sew the final seam.

I prefer to do this by hand so I can try and hide the stitches as much as possible, but some people use a sewing machine to sew one straight seam down the fabric. It's really your preference! I think both look fine, and you don't see it when worn.

STEP SIX is enjoy your scrunchie and show your friends!

Scrunchies make great homemade birthday gifts! 

They can also be an easy no-sew project if you make a no-sew scrunchie by using hot glue.

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