Got some scrap fabric you want to use up? Why not have a go at making your own DIY scrunchies. In today’s post, we see how to make two different designs!
Remember scrunchies from when you were young? Well, they have made a bit of a comeback in recent years, but did you know that making your own DIY scrunchies was easy to do? Not to mention cheap and a great way of using up bits of scrap fabric to really customise your designs!
In this post, I will show you how easy it is to make a basic scrunchie and then how to add a bit of a design twist by adding on a tie-on bow. Perfect for adding a bit of something extra to your DIY scrunchie.
DIY Scrunchies
As I said, these are really easy and simple to make yourself at home. All you need is scrap material, but you could actually make these out of any material. If you have some old clothing that you would like to repurpose, then you cut up these into the strips to make a DIY scrunchie.
Ideally, you want to use a sewing machine, to speed up the process of making these. However, you can sew these by hand too; so perfect for all sewing abilities and resources!
What you need:
- 1x piece of material measuring 45cm X 10cm
- Narrow elastic measuring 20cm
- Sewing Machine or Hand sewing needle.
- Coordinating thread
- Pins
- Safety pin
- Iron
Tip – If you don’t have the correct length of material, you can join different pieces to make a patchwork effect to you DIY scrunchie.
Step 1 – Iron and Sew your strip
When you have your strip of material measuring 45cm by 10cm, grab your iron and give it a quick press to iron out any creases. Then fold each end in approximately 1 cm, the wrong side to wrong side and press into place. This will help later down the line of making your scrunchie.
Then fold your strip of fabric in half lengthways right side to right side (patterned sides together) with the wrong side facing up. You can either use your pins to pin along the edges or use your iron to press a crease in the fabric to help it keep in place. This will be dependent on what material you are using, and how well it irons into place.
Before sewing, mark out a gap in the open edges. You will miss this part out when sewing togethr, so that you can turn your scrunchie right side out. Don’t forget to leave the gap!
Then, from one end, sew along the lengthways open edge, with approximately 1cm seam. You don’t want to sew right along the edge, but you also don’t want a wide seam either, as that will make it more difficult and a slimmer scrunchie.
Step 2 – Bring the two ends together
Once the open seam has been sewn, it is time to fold the scrunchie in so that the two ends meet. Use a safety pin and secure it to the end furthest away from the gap that was left. Make sure the safety pin is only attached to one side of the end. Then using the safety pin, bring this inside the scrunchie and use it to pull the material inside. You will have to pull and scrunch the material if that makes sense? Check out my video tutorial if you are unsure.
Once you have pulled the two ends to meet, ensure that the two seams line up. Then you want to sew these together in a circle. If you are using a sewing machine, you want to make sure the foot of the machine is inside the ‘tube’ so that you can sew all the way around. When you are happy that the two ends are secured together, turn the scrunchie right side out, using the little gap you left to do so. You will see that you have an infinity loop for your scrunchie now.
Step 3 – Add in elastic
Now, it is time to grab your 20cm of narrow elastic. Grab the safety pin again and secure it to one end of the elastic. Through the gap in the scrunchie (that you just used to turn the scrunchie right side out), begin threading the elastic through. Make sure you don’t lose the loose end of the elastic. To stop you loosing this, you can pin the end of the elastic on to the opening of the scrunchie. Keep threading the elastic until you can pull it out of the gap.
Then you want to secure the two ends of elastic together. You can sew this together, using a zig-zag stitch; or you can tie it together in a tight knot. make sure the elastic is scurely together, as you don’t want it undoing once it is inside the scrunchie.
Step 4 – Sew up the opening
To finish the DIY scrunchies you need to close up the opening. You can either do this by hand using a ladder stitch or invisible stitch, or you can do it on your sewing machine with a top stitch. You will see the top stitch, so I guess it depends on how you want the scrunchie to look at the end. I opted to do the top stitch, as I thought this would secure the DIY scrunchies better than hand stitching.
Then you have your own DIY scrunchies!
DIY Scrunchies with a Bow:
If you want to add something extra to your DIY scrunchies, then you can add a tie on a bow. These are just as easy to make as the scrunchies. Now, you can use a template, but I went ahead a freehand sewed it, which is what i will show in this tutorial.
What you will need:
- Strip of fabric measuring 10cm X 22cm
- Iron
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
- Coordinating thread
Step1 – Cut fabric and iron
Similarly to the scrunchie piece of material, you want to cut this to 10cm by 22cm. Then grab your iron, and press out any creases that may be in your material.
Fold the strip into half, right side to right side, so that the wrong side is on the outside. Then iron to press it into place. Again, your fabric may require pins if the fabric won’t stay in place from pressing. Mark a gap in the open seam end, where you don’t want to sew. This is so you can turn the bow right side out later.
Step 2 – Sew the open edges
You want to start in one of the corners of the strip, sewing diagonally down towards the open edge, creating a curve. Then sew along the open edge, leaving approximately 1cm seam, missing the gap you have marked out. When you get nearer to the other side curve this up towards the opposit corner. If you can get them exact on each side, then you are a better sewer than me!
Sew 3 – Turn right side out and close
When you are happy with the curves of the bow, it is time to turn it right soid out. Pull one corner of the bow through the opening, followed by the other. You may need to use a pen with the lid on to poke the corner out fully.
Grab your iron again and give the bow a press. Make sure you line up the gap opening together, as pressing will make it easier to close this gap.
Again, you can do this by a ladder stitch if completing by hand, or a top stitch on the sewing machine.
Once this is closed, you can add it to your newly made DIY scrunchies. I like to place it where the joining seam of the scrunchies are to hide this a little. Tie the two ends of the bow together in the middle and there you have you DIY scrunchies with a bow!
What do you think of these DIY scrunchies? Let me know in the comments below!
DIY Scrunchies Video
Check out the video tutorial to make these DIY scrunchies below:
DIY Scrunchies Pin it:
If you enjoyed this post, why not share the love and pin it!
These look so fun! I’ve actually been playing around with a scrunchie pattern myself at the moment – so great to finally have time to get out the sewing machine 🙂
I found a few different ways to do them, one like this way and the other was to make the ‘tube’ and then sew the seams together when it was right side out. If that makes sense! I preferred this way of making the infinity loop best though.
Oh, it is so nice to just have a run about on the machine, isn’t it? I like to have a go at simple projects before tackling more complex ones when I haven’t sewn in a while.
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
I love the idea of repurposes scraps of old fabric and making them into some practical like a scrunchie! I’ve had short hair for so long now but been trying to grow it long again so think I will definitely be returning to this when the time comes for me to try and make my own!
It such a good way of recycling isn’t it? It gets your scrap pile down as well, mine is starting to overflow!
Oh, hopefully, you will have fun making these when your hair is longer. Would love to see how they turn out if you do make them!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a cute project and a great way to use up scrap fabric! My sister is really into sewing so will certainly forward this post onto her for ideas and inspiration. My favourite is the polka dot design and the little bows are so adorable. Thanks for sharing the tutorial Aimsy, such a creative and fun idea! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Oh, hopefully, it will give her some sewing inspiration! I think the polka dot one is my favourite too, especially with the added bow.
Thanks for commenting and glad you liked the post!
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a fun DIY!! Those scrunchies look so cute! I love the color and the pattern to them!
They are so cute, aren’t they? Will definitely be making more out of my scrap fabric!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I loved scrunchies way back in the day!! These are so pretty!
I know, they went out of fashion for a bit; but now they are back! Much better now that you can customise them yourself!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Awh I love this idea! You could get so creative with the type of fabric you use for these and they’d make brilliant gifts for goodie bags and things! xxx
Oh, you could definitely get so creative! That is a great idea for the goodie bags too!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Great step-by-step instructions! I might have to give this a go. All my hairbands are so plain.
Glad you liked it. It’s a great way to add a bit of colour or pattern to your hairstyle, isn’t it?! You can be totally creative wth it.
Aimsy xoxo
I love this tutorial. I started using scrunchies again and it has been better for my hair! It is great that it is so easy to make and customize. Big plus when you have some super cute fabric to use as well. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Glad you liked the tutorial! They don’t seem to pull your hair as much as the tight hairbands do they? A perfect project to use up some cute material!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is a gloriously simple way to make scrunchies and use all those weird, narrow strips of cloth I have saved up . . . though mine were not as colorful as yours I busted out my sewing machine and made two. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this!
It’s a great way to use up all the old scraps isn’t it? I am sure your scrunchies turned out great too!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I love this tutorial Aimsy! Such a great idea! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Glad you liked it, a fab way to use up bits of fabric or recycling old clothes!
Aimsy xoxo
They’re so cute, I love the one with the bow on! This i a great way to use scrap fabric or repurpose older clothing. I was joking around with my mum earlier about how she’s going to handle not being able to get her haircut during lockdown (she goes every 4 weeks and was due yesterday). I might try and make her one while she’s waiting x
Sophie
Haha, I think a lot of people are going to end up needing something to tie their hair up with. Doesn’t look like lockdown is clearing anytime soon, does it?
I think the bow ones are my favourites too, they just make them extra cute don’t they?!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Okay, yes yes yes please! I’m loving this DIY, it looks super easy *AND* I wear scrunchies all the time so would actually use this xx
Glad you like it! It is so easy to do once you get going, only the odd fiddly bit to it.
Happy scrunchie making!
Aimsy xoxo
This is so useful! I love scrunchies and am trying to learn some DIYs during this period of isolation so will be sure to give this a go!
It’s a perfect time to learn some DIYs isn’t it…it can be quite therapeutic too. Would love to see how they turn out if you do have a go!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Those look great and yet so simple to make! A perfect little DIY for those who have scrap fabric laying around and a little extra time with everything going on. I’m going to have to dig through my craft closet and see what I have left for fabric scraps!
A fab DIY to use up some scrap pieces! Ooo, hope you find some lovely scraps to have a go at this. Would love to see how your scrunchies turn out if you do give them a go!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
These look so much fun, Aimsy, and relatively easy to do as well – I might have to dig out my old sewing machine and see what I can do, I know Flora would LOVE some of these. Thank you for sharing such a helpful step-by-step too! x
So easy, just a little fiddly bit with fastening the two ends together, but once you have made one, the next one is so much easier to get done!
Oh, she would love these, I’m planning on making a few more for my niece!
Glad you enjoyed the post, and thank you for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I’m totally going to try this! I really want to be more creative like this!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Would love to see how yours turn out if you do! It’s a great way to distract yourself from what is going on, well it does for me anyway!
Happy crafting!
Aimsy xoxo
Oh wow, I didn’t know scrunchies were so easy to make! I’ll have to give it a try. They look so cute.
I didn’t until I gave them a go and they deffo turn out really cute, don’t they?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a great idea! Great to repurpose material and what a creative activity to keep you busy x
Definitely a great way to keep you busy, and take your mind off what is happening!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I really love this idea. So simple and easy to do. It’s even something you can do with your family or friends. Love it.
Glad you liked it! Yes, would be a great group activity to have a go at, perfect for all ages!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I’ve never made scrunchies. These are so cute and look so easy to make. I am going to have to try this.
They are easier than you think to make, aren’t they? Happy crafting!
Aimsy xoxo
Ooh I love a good scrunchie! Great idea, thanks for sharing how to make them! X
Glad you liked it, you can’t beat a scrunchie!
Aimsy xoxo
I love this!!! Now I can save money on buying too much bunny scrunchies! xx
Thanks for including a video as well 🙂
Mari | https://i–am–mari.blogspot.com/
Glad you liked it! Yes, definitely will save you some money.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I made a post making my own a while ago, but yours came out so much cuter!! I’ll need to try them again but with your tutorial haha
Oh, I will have to check out yours…I bet they are lovely!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Super cool idea – then you can make unique ones to go with particular outfits. Fun!!
Glad you like it! definitely can make them unique as you like.
thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Oh, my! This is the most wonderful idea! 🙂 Thank you so much for your blog post.
I have been complaining that I have not been able ti find the perfect bow hair tie, never thinking I could make it myself 🙂
Just shows how narrow minded I am.
Thank you 🙂
https://www.ecoislogical.com/
Nathalie
Glad you liked it! Oh, definitely best to make your own, then you can have it however you like!
Have fun crafting!
Aimsy xoxo
I adore scrunchies! One of the things I miss about having long hair is being able to throw it up with a cute colourful scrunchie, they are the icing on the cake when it comes to cute up-dos.
If I ever get into making them I’ll definitely come here! Thanks for the sweet tutorial Aimsy. x
Oh, they are great, aren’t they? Perfect for adding a pop of colour to your hairstyle!
Glad you liked!
Aimsy xoxo
These look so cute! Thank you for sharing this fun DIY. I am in love with scrunchies atm so I think it’ll be a cool idea to use up my favourite tops that don’t fit anymore. This is great!
Em x
Glad you like it. Oh, this is perfect for you then, if you are loving scrunchies. Using old tops is a perfect way to recycle them!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo