How to Crochet a Scrunchie (Quick Beginner Project)

1. 1

   Step 1: Gather Your Yarn, Hook, and Hair Tie

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   You only need a few things for this project. Grab a skein of worsted-weight yarn in whatever color you love, a 4.5mm crochet hook, a pair of scissors, and a plain elastic hair tie. That's the whole supply list.

   Any medium-weight yarn works here, so this is a great way to use up leftovers from bigger projects. A thicker yarn gives you a fuller, poofier scrunchie, while a thinner yarn makes a daintier one.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Pick a hair tie that already matches your yarn if you can. The band peeks through a little on the first round, so a close color keeps things looking clean.

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   Used in this stepLion Brand worsted-weight yarnClover Amour 4.5mm crochet hook

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2. 2

   Step 2: Make a Slip Knot on Your Hook

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   Start with a slip knot. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to make a loop, then pull the working yarn through and slide the loop onto your hook. Snug it up so it sits on the shaft without choking the hook.

   If you crochet a lot, use whatever slip knot method you already like. The goal is just a secure starting loop you can build your first stitches from.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Keep the slip knot a touch loose. You'll want a little wiggle room when you make that first stitch into the hair tie.

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   Used in this stepergonomic crochet hook setsmall craft scissors

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3. 3

   Step 3: Attach the Yarn to the Hair Tie

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   Hold the yarn tail flat against the hair tie with the same hand that holds your hook. Insert the hook into the middle of the elastic, catch the working yarn, and pull it through. Yarn over and pull through both loops to lock in your first single crochet.

   This first stitch is the fiddly one. Once it's anchored to the band, everything after it gets easier.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Work over the tail as you go so you don't have to weave it in later. Just lay it along the top of the hair tie and crochet around it.

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   Used in this stepelastic hair ties (no-metal)worsted-weight cotton yarn

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4. 4

   Step 4: Single Crochet Around the Whole Band

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   Keep working single crochet into the center of the hair tie all the way around. Aim for 40 to 50 stitches. More stitches give you tighter, fuller ruffles later, and fewer stitches make a looser, softer scrunchie.

   As you stitch, push the loops together every so often so there are no gaps. You want the elastic completely wrapped by the time you get back to the start.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Don't stress about hitting an exact stitch count. Just cover the band fully and keep your tension even so the ruffle sits nicely in the next round.

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   Used in this stepstitch markersworsted-weight yarn skein

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5. 5

   Step 5: Build the Ruffle with Triple Crochet

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   Close the foundation round with a slip stitch into your first single crochet, then chain three to start the ruffle. Now work three triple crochet into each single crochet all the way around. Yarn over twice, insert the hook, and pull through in pairs until one loop is left.

   Packing three tall stitches into every base stitch is what forces the fabric to gather and ruffle. This is where the scrunchie starts to look like a scrunchie.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Triple crochet is just a taller stitch. If it feels like a lot, remember it's the same yarn-over-and-pull-through-two move, you just repeat it three times per stitch.

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   Used in this stepaluminum crochet hook 4.5mmsoft acrylic yarn

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6. 6

   Step 6: Keep Going Until the Ruffle Fills In

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   Continue those three triple crochet clusters into every stitch around the band. About halfway through you'll see the ruffle really take shape, curling and gathering into that full, wavy edge.

   Keep your tension relaxed. If you crochet the ruffle round too tightly it can curl in on itself instead of flaring out the way you want.

   Tip:

   Watch this step Want a bigger, poofier scrunchie? Add a second ruffle round of two triple crochet into each stitch before you finish. Kendall shows this larger version in the video.

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   Used in this stepchunky worsted yarnyarn bowl

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7. 7

   Step 7: Fasten Off and Weave in the Ends

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   When you reach the end of the ruffle round, slip stitch into the third chain from the start to close it up. Chain one, cut the yarn, and pull the tail through the loop to lock it. Then feed the tail back through the bottom of a few stitches with your hook to hide it.

   Snip the extra tail close, fluff and arrange the ruffles with your fingers, and your scrunchie is done.

   Tip:

   Watch this step A yarn needle makes weaving in the end cleaner than the hook if you have one handy. Run the tail through in two directions so it never works loose.

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   Used in this stepbent-tip yarn needlessharp embroidery scissors

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8. 8

   Step 8: Make a Whole Colorful Set

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   Once you've got the basic scrunchie down, the fun part is repeating it in every color you own. Swap yarns between rounds to make striped or two-tone versions, or change your stitch heights to get bigger and smaller ruffles.

   Each one only takes a few minutes, so a rainy afternoon can turn into a full basket of handmade scrunchies. They wear great in your hair, stack as bracelets, and make quick gifts.

   Tip:

   Watch this step To add a color, join the new yarn on the last pull-through of your final stitch in a round, then carry on. Kendall's description lists the exact stitch counts for two- and three-color versions.

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   Used in this stepassorted color yarn setgift boxes for handmade crafts

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Keep going

How to Choose Yarn for Amigurumi

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Tools we recommend

• Clover

  Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set (10 sizes)

  Soft, easy-grip handles that warm to the touch and a full size range in one case. The set most crocheters upgrade to and never look back.

• Lion Brand

  Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn

  Mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition and a subtle sheen. Machine washable, and the go-to for amigurumi, bags, and dishcloths.

• Clover

  Clover Locking Stitch Markers (20-pack)

  Lock onto stitches so they never slip while you mark rounds, increases, and repeats. A dollar-store fix that actually holds.

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