How to Sew a Scrunchie Fast

For the longest time it seemed like scrunchies were meant to stay back in the 20th century but over the last several years they have made a very stylish comeback. At first I wasn’t sold but once my hair stylist told me that my elastic ponytails were damaging my hair it made me reconsider. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to sew a scrunchie and give you a free pattern too!

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Sewing a scrunch seems pretty easy especially for an experienced sewist or crafter. It generally really is pretty easy but there are a few different methods to choose from. In this tutorial we are going to show you how to sew up a scrunchie fast using the burrito method.

The burrito method of sewing a scrunch may not be for everyone but I love it because it is like sewing magic. Plus I need as many quick sewing hacks as I can get since I’m usually getting my sewing in with my two littles by my side. Once you get a hang of this method (which won’t take long) you won’t want to sew a scrunch any other way. Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed to Sew a Scrunchie:

Fabric of your choice
1/4” or 3/8” wide elastic (8” in length)

Safety pin or bodkin
Ruler
Matching thread

Cut Your Fabric

Cut your fabric to about 28” x 4”. This width is perfect for your traditional size scrunchie. If you want a smaller scrunched feel free to cut the length to 18”. For a larger scrunchie, 40” x 6” would be ideal. For a mini scrunchie you would cut an 18″ x 3″ size.

If you would like a guide, use my free Scrunchie Pattern below. It includes Large, Traditional, Traditional – less scrunch, and mini.

Free Scrunchie Pattern | At First Blush Patterns Download

Sew Scrunchies Fast with the Burrito Method

Step 1: Sandwich the two short sides of your fabric together with right sides facing each other. Sew across the width using a 3/8” seam allowance.

Step 2: To keep this project quick you will press open the seam using your finger.

Step 3: Lay your sewn piece on a flat work surface with the pressed seam allowance flat on the work surface. Take the top layer of the loop and fold multiple times allowing as much fabric from the lower layer to be seen.

Step 4: Fold the lower layer of the loop in half over the folded fabric matching fabric edges with right sides together. Pin your fold together at the sewn seam.

Step 5: Backstitch starting about an inch before your sewn seam. Then begin sewing your two layers of fabric with a 3/8” seam allowance make sure not to sew any of the interior folded fabric.

Step 6: Once you begin to reach the end of that portion stop sewing with your needle lowered to hold your fabric. Then pull the fabric that is folded within out and line up the edges. Continue sewing and pulling fabric until you are about 2 inches away from where you started. Stop here and backstitch.

Step 7: Pull the scrunch right side out from the small opening.

Step 8: Cut your elastic to about 8”. Using a bodkin or safety pin insert the elastic. If using a safety pin, pin one end of the elastic on the safety pin. Next, insert the pin into the scrunchie (being careful not to twist the elastic) and move it all the way through the channel to meet the other end of the elastic at the opening. You can also pin the other side of the elastic to the opening of the scrunchie so you won’t lose the elastic while inserting the other side. Remove the safety pin and tie the two ends of the elastic together tightly. You can also backstitch if you desire.