Crochet Scrunchie Pattern

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying project, this crochet scrunchie pattern is a fun and versatile option. The scrunchies are perfect for gift giving, craft fairs, or adding a pop of color to your hair accessories. Each scrunchie takes only about an hour to make and uses basic crochet stitches, making them great for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity—just by switching up your color placement, you can get three different looks from one base design.

These scrunchies are also incredibly budget-friendly. Depending on the yarn you choose, each can cost under a dollar, especially if you use leftover yarn from other projects. I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, which holds its shape well and offers excellent stitch definition, but any similar-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn will do the trick. Cotton yarn tends to have just the right amount of structure and won’t stretch out over time like some acrylics might, which makes it ideal for accessories like this.

Use a quality hair tie that won’t snap or overstretch for best results. A 3.5mm hook worked well for me, but go with whatever size your yarn calls for. Whether you’re crocheting for fun, gifting, or selling, these scrunchies are a great way to use up scraps and be creative. They’re quick to make, inexpensive, and customizable, which makes them great for small handmade businesses or craft fairs and shows. Consider offering multipacks in coordinated colors for added value.

Tips for Success with this Crochet Scrunchie Pattern

• Use a snug but stretchy hair tie. Avoid using ones that are too loose or already stretched out—they won’t hold the yarn nicely and may not stay secure in your hair.
• Don’t shortchange the first round. Take your time covering the hair tie evenly with single crochets. This round sets the foundation for the rest of the scrunchie, so you want it to be smooth and consistent.
• Weave in your ends securely. Since scrunchies will be pulled and twisted, loose ends can quickly unravel. Use a tapestry needle to weave them in tightly and, if needed, knot discreetly before hiding the tail.
• Be mindful of yarn choice. Cotton yarn is ideal because it has less stretch and holds up better when worn and washed. Avoid overly fuzzy or slippery textures if you’re experimenting with other yarn types.
• Use stitch markers if needed. They’re not essential, but if you tend to lose track of rounds or get interrupted while working, a stitch marker can save you from counting or frogging back.
• Don’t overthink the color changes. These scrunchies look great, even if the color joins are visible. If you prefer a cleaner finish, use the invisible join method when switching colors or start each round in a different spot to stagger the seam. Either way, once the scrunchie is gathered in hair, most joins won’t be noticeable.

The Invisible Join

The invisible join technique creates a smooth, seamless finish when working in the round, perfect for color changes or final rounds when you don’t want a noticeable seam or bump. Here’s how to do it:

1. After completing your last stitch of the round, cut your yarn and pull the working loop all the way through with your hook—do not slip stitch to join.
2. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
3. Insert the needle under both loops of the first stitch of the round (not the chain). Pull the yarn through.
4. Then insert the needle back into the center of the last stitch you made, going down through the top.
5. Gently tighten to mimic the look of a regular stitch.

This creates a false “stitch” that visually completes the round without a bump or obvious seam. It’s especially handy for scrunchies, hats, and appliqués, where a polished edge matters.

Bonus tip: If you’re changing colors, do the invisible join in the old color and start the next round with a standing stitch in the new color.

You’ll start the next row with a standing stitch in your new yarn color (or the same yarn if you’re continuing with it).

To Start the Next Round After Cutting Your Yarn for the Invisible Join

Attach New Yarn with a Standing Stitch

A standing stitch is just a regular stitch made with a fresh strand of yarn.

• Standing Single Crochet (SC):
  Make a slip knot on your hook with the new yarn. Insert your hook into the first stitch of the new round, yarn over and pull up a loop, and then yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
• Standing Double Crochet (DC):
  Make a slip knot on your hook, yarn over, insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through two loops, yarn over, and pull through the remaining two.

This way, you can start the round cleanly without needing to chain up, which often makes the seam more visible.

If you’re alternating colors often, you’ll repeat this process each time you switch colors. It gives each round a neat look and keeps your joins from stacking in the same spot.

What Are The Best Yarns to Use?

For crochet scrunchies, the best yarns balance structure, softness, and durability, especially since scrunchies need to hold their shape and handle repeated wear. Here are the top types of yarn to consider:

Cotton Yarn (Best Overall)

• Why it works: Cotton yarn has excellent stitch definition, holds its shape, and doesn’t stretch out over time. It’s also breathable and washable, ideal for something that gets a lot of use.
• Try:
  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – smooth, sturdy, and a beautiful sheen
  • Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK – soft with great color options
  • Dishie by Knit Picks – affordable and durable

Cotton Blends

• Why it works: Blends like cotton/acrylic or cotton/bamboo give you some added softness without sacrificing too much structure.
• Try:
  • Comfy Cotton Blend by Lion Brand
  • Cotton Fair by Premier Yarns – light and drapey

DK or Light Worsted Weight Yarns

• Why it works: These weights give you enough coverage and volume without being bulky. They help keep the scrunchie flexible but not floppy.

Smooth-Textured Yarns

• Why it works: Smooth yarns let the color blocking and stitch work shine. Textured or fuzzy yarns tend to get caught in hair or lose definition.

Tip: Choose yarns that don’t pill easily or shed fibers. Since scrunchies are meant to be used repeatedly, you want something that holds up well to handling and washing.

Materials Needed for Crochet Scrunchies

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• Two colors of yarn. I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
• Crochet hook. Whatever size is recommended for your yarn is ok, I used a 3.5mm
• Hair ties
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Our Free Crochet Scrunchie Pattern is available in this post below and as a PDF for subscribers. You can find the pattern in the Library (your super secret password is included at the bottom of every Monday’s Newsletter email) or email me, and I’ll send it to you. Not a subscriber? C’mon—we’d love to have you. A subscription costs nothing and gives you access to all our printables and pattern PDFs. Click here to subscribe and have the pattern PDF emailed to you.

Crochet Scrunchie Pattern Instructions

This simple crochet pattern creates three different scrunchie looks by changing the color blocking. Each scrunchie is quick and easy to make, taking about an hour to complete and using only basic stitches, making it a perfect project for leftover yarn. While you can use stitch markers to track rounds, they aren’t required.
 

Alternating Color Scrunchie

• R1: Work around the hair tie doing single crochets until it is fully covered in COLOR A. For me, it was 55 SC. Join and bind off.
• R2: Change to COLOR B. Ch 1, SC BLO in first stitch and SC BLO on every stitch around. Join and bind off.
• R3: Change to COLOR A. Ch 2, make 1 DC BLO in the first stitch, and 2 DC BLO in each stitch around. Join and bind off. 
• R4: Change to COLOR B. Ch 2, make 2 DC BLO in the first stitch, and 3 DC BLO in each stitch around. Join and bind off. 
• R5: Change to COLOR A. Ch 1, SC BLO crochet in first stitch, SC BLO in each stitch around. Join and bind off. Weave any loose ends. 

Solid Scrunchie

• R1: Work around the hair tie, doing single crochets until fully covered. For me, it was 55 SC. Join. 
• R2: Ch 1, SC BLO in first stitch and SC BLO on every stitch around. Join. 
• R3: Ch 2, make 1 DC BLO in the first stitch, and 2 DC BLO in each stitch around. Join. 
• R4: Ch 2, make 2 DC BLO in the first stitch, and 3 DC BLO in each stitch around. Join.
• R5: Ch 1, SC BLO crochet in first stitch, SC BLO in each stitch around. Join and bind off. Weave any loose ends.

Colored Trim

• Repeat R1 to R4  as in the solid pattern above.
• R5: Change to the trim color of choice. Ch 1, SC BLO crochet in first stitch, SC BLO in each stitch around. Join and bind off. Weave any loose ends.

More Crochet Patterns

• Thermal Stitch Crochet Potholder
• Crochet Easter Basket
• Crochet Market Bag
• Crochet Sunburst Washcloth
• Crochet Bookmarks

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