Remember the vibrant, fun fashion of the 90s? Scrunchies were an absolute must-have, whether adorning ponytails, messy buns, or even wrists as a stylish accessory. If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgic flair to your look or simply want a practical yet playful hair tie, making your own scrunchie is a simple and rewarding craft. It’s a fantastic way to personalize your style, use up fabric scraps, and recreate that iconic 90s vibe right at home.
What You’ll Need
- Fabric: 1 piece, approximately 18 x 4 inches (e.g., cotton, flannel, satin, velvet in a fun 90s print)
- Elastic Band: 1 piece, 7-8 inches long, 1/4 inch wide
- Thread: Matching your fabric
Tools
- Sewing Machine (or hand-sewing needle)
- Scissors
- Safety Pin
- Fabric Pins
- Iron (optional, but helpful for crisp seams)
Why This DIY Can Be Useful
Making your own scrunchie offers a personalized touch that store-bought options can’t match. You get to choose the exact fabric, color, or pattern that speaks to you, making it a unique accessory. It’s also an excellent beginner-friendly sewing project, helping you practice basic stitches and techniques. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to upcycle fabric scraps that might otherwise go to waste, transforming them into a functional and stylish item for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
How to Make It
- Prepare Your Fabric: Take your 18×4-inch piece of fabric. If your fabric is prone to fraying, you might want to iron it first to make it easier to handle.
- Fold and Pin: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, so it measures approximately 18 x 2 inches. Pin along the raw edge, leaving about a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- Sew the Tube: Using your sewing machine (or hand-sewing with a backstitch), sew along the pinned edge. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure it. You’ll now have a long tube of fabric.
- Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the fabric tube right side out. An easy way to do this is to attach a safety pin to one end of the tube, then feed it through the tube until it comes out the other end, pulling the fabric along with it.
- Prepare the Elastic: Attach a small safety pin to one end of your 7-8 inch elastic band.
- Insert Elastic: Thread the elastic through the fabric tube using the safety pin. Hold onto the other end of the elastic securely so it doesn’t get lost inside the tube. Once the safety pin emerges from the other end of the fabric tube, remove it.
- Secure the Elastic: Tie the two ends of the elastic band together in a secure double knot. Trim any excess elastic close to the knot.
- Close the Scrunchie: Now, you need to close the open ends of your fabric tube. Fold in about 1/4 inch of one raw edge towards the inside. Then, insert the other raw end of the fabric tube into this folded opening. Pin it in place.
- Final Stitch: Hand-sew a small, invisible stitch (like a ladder stitch) to close the opening, or use your sewing machine to stitch a very neat seam around the edge. Backstitch to secure.
How to Use It
Your homemade scrunchie is ready to wear! Use it just like any other hair tie to secure ponytails, buns, or braids. The fabric will provide a softer hold than traditional elastic bands, which can be gentler on your hair. You can also wear it on your wrist as a cute and colorful bracelet, embracing that classic 90s accessory trend.
What to Expect
You can expect a soft, comfortable hair accessory that holds your hair without pulling or causing excessive creasing. The fabric adds a voluminous, playful look. With practice, your scrunchies will become neater and more professional-looking. The finished size and stretch will depend slightly on your fabric choice and the elastic length you selected, allowing for a custom fit.
Helpful Tips
- Fabric Choices: Experiment with different fabrics like cotton for everyday wear, velvet for a touch of luxury, or satin to reduce hair friction. Bold prints and bright colors are perfect for a true 90s aesthetic.
- Elastic Length: Adjust the elastic length based on your hair thickness and preferred scrunchie tightness. Shorter elastic makes a tighter scrunchie; longer makes it looser.
- Seam Allowance: A 1/2-inch seam allowance is generally good for this project, but consistency is key for a neat finish.
- Ironing is Your Friend: Pressing your fabric and seams with an iron at each step will make your scrunchie look much more polished and make sewing easier.
Important Notes / Safety
- Always use sharp scissors for cutting fabric to ensure clean edges.
- Be careful when using sewing needles and safety pins to avoid pricking yourself.
- If using a sewing machine, ensure your fingers are clear of the needle when operating.
- For children’s scrunchies, ensure the elastic is securely knotted and stitched to prevent any small parts from becoming loose.
- Ensure any fabric used is clean and free of irritants, especially if it will be in contact with skin or hair for extended periods.
