Tutorial - Jumbo Scrunchie

Easy to make in just a few minutes

This tutorial can be adjusted to make scrunchies in any size. For example, for a small regular sized scrunchie you would half the required measurements.

I have tried many methods to make scrunchies. Some from making a tube, some from using the burrito method. Since I make hundreds of scrunchies, often 50 or more at a time, and I have arthritis, I needed to figure out an easier way to produce them without a lot of fuss and time.

This method is very easy to do, eliminates many steps, and if you get fast enough, you can make one in about 4 minutes (I timed myself and it took 3: 48 minutes of sewing time). They look cute and I think it gives it a bit of a flower look.

The sewn edges are different from how standard scrunchies look. The fluffier part is in the center, rather than on the edge. However, this is what gives it its unique look. This jumbo scrunchie is great for making a “messy up-do”. It will easily wrap around twice depending on the hair thickness.

For one jumbo scrunchie you will need:

• 6 inches (15.2 cm) by W.O.F (width of fabric - about 42 inches (106.6 cm). You can use whatever fabric you like, however I recommend you steer away from fabrics that fray a lot. My own preference is 100% cotton, batik and alike.
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Sewing machine, thread, scissors
• ¼ inch (0.63 cm) elastic, cut at 12 inches (30.4 cm) long

Cut your elastic to length, and tie in an overhand loop knot to join it into a circle. Try to keep the knot nearer to the ends without letting it slip undone. Lay out your fabric and cut through the two layers.

You can optionally fold and cut through four layers if space is an issue. It is optional as to whether you want to keep the selvedge edges or not. If they are in the way, show through, or too large, then remove them. If not, it is fine to leave them on.

Sewing:

Place your fabric ends with right sides together and sew with a regular straight stitch, making a seam of about ⅜ inch (0.95 cm). Secure the start and finish by back stitching. If you are adding your own label, now will be the time. When done, open the seam and either iron or finger press to hold it open.

Optional ironing: I do not iron the edges around the circumference of the scrunchie as I use cotton and it tends to behave for me. Depending on what type of fabric you prefer to use, it is up to you whether you wish to iron or not.

Putting it together: Take your elastic circle, and hold it in the center of the fabric. Feed one pressed fabric edge through the center of the elastic to meet the fabric’s edge on the other side. Place together, pin or clip to hold in place while you begin encasing the elastic inside the fabric.

If your sewing machine has a needle positioning feature, set it to the right. If not, it is not a problem, you can work with it in the center just as easily. Begin sewing just before where the seam meets to avoid starting in a bulky area. Position your needle so that you will be making a ⅛ inch (0.31 cm) seam.

Sew completely around, keeping the area you are sewing slightly taut. Check that your edges are falling into place, turning under and meeting together nicely as you go. Sew about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 - 10.1 cm) at a time. Tugging or trying to sew for a longer distance can cause misalignment and other problems, so slow and steady is best.

Important! Always place your needle in the down position while you move on to the next section. If you do not do this, there is a chance that the fabric and/or elastic can slip out of place.

Sidenote: When you come near to the end, the odd time you may have a bit of puckering on the top layer. Not to worry, simply make a little pleat or two if need be, and keep on going. Afterall, it is a scrunchie and it is meant to scrunch up.

Trim up your thread ends, give it a little stretch to even out the scrunchiness, and you are finished! Good work!

Photos and written content are copyright Judy McLean.

If you would like a printable PDF copy of this tutorial, it is available as a digital download for just $2.50 here.