Crochet Scrunchie Tutorial for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re looking for a fun, beginner-friendly crochet project that you can finish in one sitting, you’re going to love this one. Today, we’re making a crochet scrunchie a soft, stretchy, and stylish accessory that’s perfect for everyday wear or gifting.

If you’re still new to crochet, don’t worry at all. This project is designed with beginners in mind. You’ll practice stitches you may already know, like the single crochet, and you’ll also learn an important new stitch: the double crochet. These stitches form the foundation of many crochet patterns, so mastering them here will open the door to countless future projects.

You should see this: crochet stitches 101

Crochet scrunchies are great because they’re quick, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying to make. Even if your tension isn’t perfect, your scrunchie will still turn out cute and functional. So grab your yarn, your hook, and a simple hair tie, and let’s crochet something beautiful together.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we begin, gather the following supplies:

• Medium-weight yarn (Category 4 works well)
• Crochet hook (size 4.5 mm–5.5 mm is ideal)
• A regular elastic hair band
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)

Tip for beginners: Lighter or solid-colored yarn makes it easier to see your stitches, especially when learning new techniques.

Step 1: Prepare the Hair Band

Start by taking your hair tie and tying your yarn securely around it using a small knot. This anchors the yarn and keeps it from slipping while you crochet.

Hold the hair tie between your thumb and little finger, and position the yarn the same way you normally would when crocheting. Keeping a steady grip here makes the rest of the project much easier.

Step 2: Anchor the Yarn with a Chain Stitch

Before we begin crocheting around the hair tie, make one chain stitch to secure the yarn.

Insert your crochet hook through the center of the hair tie. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the elastic so you have a loop on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through that loop. This creates your first anchored stitch.

Step 3: Single Crochet Around the Hair Tie

Now we’ll cover the hair tie using single crochet stitches.

Here’s how to make one single crochet around the hair tie:

1. Insert your hook through the center of the hair tie
2. Yarn over and pull through (two loops on hook)
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops

That’s one single crochet.

Continue making single crochet stitches all the way around the hair tie. At first, the stitches may feel loose and the elastic may still be visible. That’s completely normal. As you add more stitches, gently slide them closer together using your fingers.

Your goal is to fully cover the hair tie, so keep crocheting until no elastic shows through. Take your time—this step sets the foundation for the rest of the scrunchie.

Step 4: Close the First Round

Once the hair tie is completely covered, it’s time to close the round neatly.

Look for the first V-shaped stitch you made at the beginning of the round. Insert your hook into the space just below that V. Yarn over and pull through the stitch, then pull straight through the loop on your hook to make a slip stitch.

This closes the round cleanly and prepares us for the next step.

Step 5: Begin the Double Crochet Round

Now comes the fun part adding volume and texture to your scrunchie using double crochet stitches.

Start by chaining two stitches. These count as your first double crochet.

In this round, you’ll work three double crochets into each stitch from the previous round. This is what creates the soft, ruffled look of the scrunchie.

see more; How to read a crochet abbreviation beginner friendly

Step 6: How to Make a Double Crochet Stitch

Here’s a quick breakdown of the double crochet:

1. Yarn over before inserting the hook
2. Insert hook into the stitch
3. Yarn over and pull through (three loops on hook)
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops
5. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops

That’s one double crochet.

In the first stitch, you already have one double crochet from the chain two, so add two more double crochets into that same stitch.

From here on, work three double crochets into every stitch around the scrunchie.

As you continue, you’ll notice the fabric starting to ripple and puff up. This is exactly what we want—it gives the scrunchie its fullness and stretch.

Step 7: Complete the Double Crochet Round

Continue crocheting three double crochets into each stitch all the way around. As you approach the end, work the final stitches the same way.

To close the round, find the second chain from the beginning and insert your hook into it. Yarn over, pull through, and then pull straight through the loop on your hook to create a slip stitch.

Gently pull the yarn to lengthen the loop, cut the yarn with scissors, and weave in the yarn tail using a yarn needle.

At this point, your scrunchie is already wearable but we’re adding one more decorative round for extra charm.

Step 8: Round Three: Decorative Chain Loops

For this final round, we’ll create a light, decorative edge using chain stitches and slip stitches.

Attach a contrasting yarn if you’d like a pop of color, or continue with the same yarn.

Insert your hook into any stitch and pull the yarn through. Hold the yarn tail and scrunchie fabric gently with your thumb and middle finger.

The Pattern:

• Chain three
• Slip stitch into the next stitch

Repeat this pattern all the way around the scrunchie.

Each chain-three loop adds a soft, airy detail that finishes the scrunchie beautifully.

When you reach the end of the round, make your final chain three, pull the yarn to lengthen the loop, cut the yarn, and weave in the tail securely.

Final Finishing Touches

Trim away any excess yarn and weave in the remaining yarn tail so everything is neat and secure. Make sure all ends are hidden inside the stitches for a clean, professional finish.

And just like that—your crochet scrunchie is complete!

Styling & Gift Ideas

Your handmade scrunchie is perfect for:

• Everyday hairstyles
• Thoughtful handmade gifts
• Matching sets in different colors
• Selling at craft fairs or online shops

Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to make more. They’re quick, addictive, and a great way to practice your crochet skills.

Final Thoughts

This crochet scrunchie tutorial is proof that you don’t need complicated patterns to create something beautiful. With just a few basic stitches and a little patience, you’ve made a functional, stylish accessory entirely by hand.

Be proud of your progress every project builds confidence, and you’re well on your way in your crochet journey.

for more tutorials see: Crochet flower tutorials