Crochet Scrunchie Tutorial for Beginners

Crochet scrunchies are one of the sweetest beginner-friendly accessories you can make with just a little yarn and a simple hair elastic. They work up quickly, look soft and playful, and make lovely handmade gifts, craft fair items, or everyday hair accessories. The shared tutorial notes describe this as a good beginner project that can be made with almost any yarn, with thicker yarn working up faster and thinner yarn taking longer.

This version has a pretty ruffled look with a soft pink main body and a white outer edge. The crochet stitches are worked directly around the hair elastic, so the scrunchie stays stretchy while the yarn creates full, fluffy waves around it.

Description

This crochet scrunchie is made around a regular hair elastic and built up with packed single crochet stitches, double crochet increases, and a neat single crochet edging in a second color. The finished scrunchie has a full ruffled shape, soft gathered texture, and a cute two-tone look. The pink center gives it a sweet feminine style, while the white edge adds a clean, fluffy finish. It can be worn in a ponytail, around a bun, or on the wrist like a soft handmade accessory.

Materials

• Pink medium weight yarn
• White medium weight yarn for the outer edge
• Crochet hook that matches your yarn
• Hair elastic
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rep = repeat

Pattern Notes

• This pattern is worked directly around a hair elastic.
• The more single crochet stitches you pack around the elastic, the fuller and more ruffled the scrunchie will be.
• Round 1 covers the elastic with single crochet.
• Round 2 creates the main ruffle by working 3 double crochet stitches into each stitch.
• Round 3 adds height and fullness by working double crochet into the larger spaces.
• The final white round adds a clean contrast edge.
• You can use one color only, but the two-color version gives the scrunchie a soft boutique-style finish.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first and last stitch of each round.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Round 1: Cover the Hair Elastic

Make a slip knot with pink yarn.

Insert your hook through the center of the hair elastic.

Yarn over and pull the yarn through the elastic.

Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook.

This makes your first single crochet around the elastic.

Place a stitch marker in this first stitch.

Continue working single crochet stitches around the elastic:

Insert hook through the elastic, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops.

Repeat until the entire elastic is covered.

Push the stitches close together as you work so the elastic is hidden. Keep adding single crochet stitches until there is no visible gap.

When the elastic is fully covered, place a stitch marker in the last stitch.

Slip stitch into the first single crochet to close the round.

Round 2: Create the Main Ruffle

Ch 3.

Work 3 dc into the same stitch where you joined.

Place a stitch marker in the first double crochet of the round.

Work 3 dc into the next stitch.

Continue working 3 dc into each stitch around.

This round creates the ruffled shape. The stitches will start to wave and gather because you are increasing heavily in every stitch.

When you reach the last marked stitch, remove the marker and work 3 dc into that stitch.

Slip stitch into the first double crochet of the round to join.

Round 3: Add More Fullness

Ch 3.

For this round, work into the larger spaces between the double crochet groups instead of the small top stitches.

Dc into the first large space.

Place a stitch marker in your first stitch.

Dc into the next large space.

Continue working 1 dc into each large space around the scrunchie.

This round adds height and makes the ruffles fuller without increasing as much as the previous round.

When you reach the end, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to join.

Ch 1.

Fasten off the pink yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Round 4: White Outer Edge

Join white yarn to the first stitch of the outer round.

Ch 1.

Work 1 sc into the top of each stitch around.

For this round, work into the small top stitch, not the large space.

Continue making single crochet stitches around the entire scrunchie.

When you reach the end, if you see a small pink gap near the join, make one extra sc into the first stitch to close the space neatly.

Slip stitch into the first single crochet to join.

Ch 1.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Weave in the Ends

Thread one yarn tail onto your yarn needle.

Weave the tail through the matching color section so it disappears inside the stitches.

For extra security, tie matching yarn tails together gently before weaving them in.

Do the same with the pink yarn tails, hiding them inside the pink part of the scrunchie.

Trim any excess yarn.

Finishing

Fluff the ruffles with your fingers.

Stretch the scrunchie gently around your hand to check that the elastic still moves freely.

Arrange the pink and white sections so the white edge sits nicely around the outside.

Your crochet scrunchie is ready to wear.

Tips & Variations

Use thicker yarn if you want a chunkier scrunchie that works up faster.

Use thinner yarn for a smaller, more delicate scrunchie, but expect it to take longer.

For extra ruffles, pack more single crochet stitches around the elastic in Round 1.

For a softer ruffle, use fewer single crochet stitches around the elastic.

Try pink and white for the same sweet style as the sample.

Other pretty color combinations include lavender and cream, beige and white, sage and ivory, red and pink, or blue and white.

Use cotton yarn for a cleaner stitch look.

Use acrylic yarn for a softer, fluffier scrunchie.

Make several in different colors for gifts, hair accessory sets, or market displays.

FAQ

Is this crochet scrunchie beginner-friendly?

Yes. This is a good beginner crochet accessory because it uses simple stitches and works directly around a hair elastic.

Can I make this scrunchie with one color?

Yes. You can skip the white edging and make the whole scrunchie in one yarn color.

Why is my scrunchie not very ruffled?

You may not have enough stitches around the elastic. Add more single crochet stitches in Round 1, or make sure you are working 3 double crochet stitches into every stitch in Round 2.

What yarn is best for crochet scrunchies?

Medium weight acrylic or cotton yarn works well. Acrylic gives a soft fluffy look, while cotton gives a neater stitch definition.

Conclusion

This crochet scrunchie is a quick, cute, and beginner-friendly project that turns a simple hair elastic into a soft ruffled accessory. The pink body and white edge make it look sweet and handmade, while the stretchy center keeps it practical for everyday use.

Make one for yourself, then try a few more in your favorite colors for gifts, market sets, or matching handmade accessories.