Making a scrunchie is the perfect project to get started… or to treat yourself to your prettiest fabrics. Quick to sew, accessible, and satisfying from start to finish, it also lets you explore different options: a classic version, two colors, patchwork, or even with piping for a more refined finish. In this tutorial, discover the burrito method, a simple technique that gives a neat, polished result, even for beginners.

TUTORIAL – SCRUNCHIE (burrito method)

MATERIALS

• 1 piece of fabric: 56 cm x 11 cm
• 1 elastic: 20 cm
• Safety pin
• Pins or clips
• Sewing machine

Seam allowance: 1 cm

STEPS

STEP 1 – FORM THE LOOP

Fold the rectangle right sides together by joining the short sides (11 cm). Sew 1 cm in to form a loop. 

STEP 2 – POSITION

Reopen the seam allowances on either side of the seam.

STEP 3 – CREATE THE “BURRITO”

Place the seam in the center, underneath, with the fabric flattened, one layer in front and one behind. Take the top layer and roll it toward the center onto itself. Then bring the bottom layer up and over to enclose the roll inside.

STEP 4 – ALIGN

Align the two free long edges, making sure the rolled fabric inside is not caught in the seam.

STEP 5 – SEW THE SCRUNCHIE

First make sure the long edges are aligned and that the rolled fabric inside is not in the way.
Sew along the edge at 1 cm, being careful not to stitch through the fabric in the center.
When you get near the end, stop sewing without removing the scrunchie from the machine. Slip two fingers inside and grab the rolled fabric, then gently pull a section of it outward.

Tip: keep the needle and presser foot down to hold the seam in place while you adjust the fabric.

Then realign the edges and continue sewing.
Make sure to leave an opening of 3 to 4 cm.

STEP 6 – TURN RIGHT SIDE OUT

Reach through the opening and turn the scrunchie right side out.

STEP 7 – INSERT THE ELASTIC

Thread the elastic (20 cm) through using a safety pin, then tie the ends together securely.

STEP 8 – CLOSE

Close the opening by machine or by hand.

VARIATION – TWO-COLOR SCRUNCHIE

MATERIALS

• 2 pieces of fabric: 29 cm x 11 cm each
• 1 elastic: 20 cm

STEPS

First join the two rectangles right sides together by sewing the short sides (11 cm) to form a loop made of two fabrics.

Then place the two seams facing each other in the center to balance the colors.

👉 Then follow exactly steps 2 to 8 of the classic version.

VARIATION – 4-COLOR SCRUNCHIE

MATERIALS

• 4 pieces of fabric: 15,5 cm x 11 cm each
• 1 elastic: 20 cm

STEPS

Join the 4 rectangles one after the other (right sides together) to form a strip.

Then sew the ends together to create a loop.

👉 Then follow exactly steps 2 to 8 of the classic version.

VARIATION – SCRUNCHIE WITH INSERTION

MATERIALS

• 1 piece of fabric: 56 cm x 11 cm
• 1 piece of fabric (insertion): 56 cm x 4 cm
• 1 elastic: 20 cm

STEPS

Fold the insertion fabric lengthwise and press. 

Before forming the loop, place the insertion along one of the long sides, right sides together. Sew 0,5 cm to secure it.

Then form the loop by sewing the short sides together.

👉 Then follow exactly steps 2 to 8 of the classic version.