How to Make a DIY Scrunchie with the Eco DIY Scrunchie Kit: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Making your own hair scrunchie is not only fun but also a great way to reduce waste and express your personal style. With the Eco DIY Scrunchie Kit, you can create a beautiful, reusable scrunchie in just a few minutes—no sewing experience required. This kit includes everything you need: fabric, elastic, thread, and a needle. Plus, the materials are eco-friendly, so you can feel good about your craft.

In this tutorial, we'll walk you through each step, from preparing the fabric to stitching the final seam. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, you'll have a custom scrunchie ready to wear or gift. Let's get started!

What’s in the Eco DIY Scrunchie Kit?

Before you begin, unpack your Eco DIY Scrunchie Kit and check that you have all the components. The kit typically includes a piece of fabric (often in a fun print like those found in the Threads - Prints + Patterns line), a length of elastic, a needle, and thread that matches the fabric. Some kits may also include a safety pin to help thread the elastic. The fabric is pre-cut to the right size, so you don't need to measure or cut anything.

If you're using a kit from Dona Bela, you'll notice the fabric is soft and durable—perfect for everyday wear. The elastic is gentle on hair, reducing breakage compared to regular hair ties. This kit is designed to be beginner-friendly, so even if you've never sewn before, you'll find it easy to follow.

• Pre-cut fabric rectangle (about 22 x 4 inches)
• Elastic strip (about 8 inches long)
• Needle and coordinating thread
• Optional: safety pin for threading elastic

Step 1: Fold and Pin the Fabric

Start by laying your fabric flat with the printed side facing down (the wrong side up). Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, matching the long edges. The right sides (the pretty printed side) should be facing each other. Pin the long edge together to keep it from shifting. If your kit includes a printed fabric like the Threads - Game Day, make sure the pattern is aligned the way you want it.

Now, fold one short end of the fabric over by about 1/4 inch and pin it. This will create a clean edge for the opening where you'll insert the elastic. Repeat on the other short end. This step ensures your scrunchie looks neat and professional.

• Use pins to hold the fabric in place; they prevent slipping while sewing.

Step 2: Sew the Long Edge

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Starting at one of the pinned short ends, sew a running stitch along the long edge, about 1/4 inch from the fold. Keep your stitches small and even—about 1/8 inch apart. Remove pins as you go. When you reach the other short end, tie a knot and cut the thread. You've now created a tube of fabric.

Turn the tube right side out by pushing the fabric through itself. Use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners gently. The printed side should now be on the outside. Press the tube with a warm iron if you want a crisp look.

• A running stitch is simply going in and out of the fabric; it's the easiest stitch for beginners.

Step 3: Insert the Elastic

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic. Insert the safety pin into one of the short-end openings of the fabric tube. Work the safety pin through the tube, bunching the fabric as you go, until it comes out the other end. Make sure the elastic doesn't twist inside. Once both ends of the elastic are out, remove the safety pin.

Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about 1 inch and sew them together securely with a few stitches. Use a square knot or a few back-and-forth stitches to ensure it won't come undone. Let the elastic retract inside the tube. The fabric will gather naturally around the elastic.

• If you don't have a safety pin, you can use a bobby pin or simply push the elastic through with your fingers.

Step 4: Close the Opening

Now you have a gathered tube with two open ends. Tuck the raw edges of one opening inside the other opening, so they overlap by about 1/2 inch. This hides the raw edges and creates a smooth join. Pin the overlap in place.

Using a ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch), sew the opening closed. This stitch is worked by taking small bites from each side of the fold, pulling tight to close the gap. Tie off with a knot and hide the thread tail inside the scrunchie. Your DIY scrunchie is complete! For a matching set, consider pairing it with a Margot - Geo hair clip for a coordinated look.

• Practice the ladder stitch on a scrap piece of fabric first if you're unsure.

Congratulations! You've just made your own sustainable scrunchie with the Eco DIY Scrunchie Kit. Not only is it a fun project, but you also have a unique accessory that's gentle on your hair and the planet. Experiment with different fabrics like the Threads - Essential line to create scrunchies for every outfit. Share your creations with friends and encourage them to try a homemade hair scrunchie too!