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Ribbed Half Double Crochet Scrunchies with Elastic Core

Textured worsted-weight scrunchies worked flat with a secure elastic cord woven inside for everyday hold and comfort.

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Difficulty
🔴 Advanced
Time
⏱️ 1-2 hours per scrunchie
Hook
🪡 H / 5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 30-40 yards total (6-8 yards per scrunchie)
Est. Cost
💰 $4–$5
Finished Size
📏 1.75 inches wide x 3.5 inches circumference when seamed around elastic
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Ribbed Half Double Crochet Scrunchies with Elastic Core is a free Advanced-level wearable pattern using Worsted weight yarn with a H / 5mm hook . Estimated time: 1-2 hours per scrunchie. Finished size: 1.75 inches wide x 3.5 inches circumference when seamed around elastic. You'll need approximately approximately 30-40 yards total (6-8 yards per scrunchie) of yarn.

7 steps across 3 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Use a loose tension on your foundation chain to avoid puckering when you seam later.
  1. Row 1
    With worsted weight acrylic yarn and H hook, ch 9. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Keep tension consistent and yarn tension moderate so the ribbed fabric stretches slightly when wrapped around the elastic. Count your rows as you go.
  1. Row 2
    Ch 2 (counts as hdc), turn. Hdc in BLO in each st across. (7 sts)
  2. Row 3
    Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across (working into front loops and stitch tops normally). (7 sts)
  3. Rows 4-13
    Repeat Rows 2-3 five more times, alternating BLO rows and full-stitch rows to create vertical ribbed texture. (7 sts) [This completes 12 working rows total (Rows 2-13) after the foundation chain.]
Row counter:
  1. Step 1: Seam
    Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail into tapestry needle. Use mattress stitch (vertical seaming) to join Row 1 and Row 13 (the short ends), creating a tube. Weave in this tail securely. (7 sts, now in a tube)
  2. Step 2: Insert Elastic
    Cut one piece of 0.5-inch elastic cord to 3.5 inches. Fold the elastic in half to locate its center. Insert a tapestry needle through the center of the crocheted tube lengthwise, working the needle through the hollow interior space created by the seaming. Carefully thread the elastic cord onto the needle by placing the folded center of the elastic over the needle eye, then gently pull the needle and elastic through the tube. Once threaded, remove the needle. Overlap the elastic ends by 0.5 inch inside the tube and stitch them together securely using thread and needle (not yarn). The elastic should now form a closed loop inside the crochet tube.
  3. Step 3: Final Weave
    Weave any remaining yarn tails into the seam or through the ribbed texture using tapestry needle. Trim excess yarn close to fabric. Gently stretch the scrunchie to even out the texture and ensure the elastic sits centered inside the tube.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Secure the seam with a strong mattress stitch for longevity. Once elastic is inserted and stitched closed, gently work the crocheted tube around the elastic loop to distribute it evenly. The ribbed texture should have a subtle lengthwise pattern. Weave all yarn ends into the seam or through several rows to prevent unraveling, especially where the elastic creates tension. Block gently by hand under warm (not hot) water, then lay flat to dry to help the ribbing set its shape.

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight acrylic yarn
30-40 yards total, acrylic (durable, easy-care for frequent hair tie washing), any solid color
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Hair tie elastic cord
One 0.5-inch wide elastic cord per scrunchie, approximately 3.5 inches long, pre-cut or bulk roll
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Tapestry needle
Size 16-18, for seaming and weaving in ends
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
ch — chain → hdc — half double crochet → sl st — slip stitch → st(s) — stitch(es) → inc — increase → BLO — back loop only →

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📌 Before You Begin

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This pattern makes one scrunchie; repeat for multiple scrunchies.

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Ribbed texture is created by working into the back loop only on alternating rows.

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Elastic cord is woven through the finished tube after seaming; do not crochet over it initially.

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Advanced crocheters should be comfortable with invisible seaming (mattress stitch) and weaving in tails neatly.

🎁 Ways to Use This

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Make a set of six in coordinating colors for everyday use, school, or the gym—sturdy enough to hold thicker hair without snapping.

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Gift a personalized scrunchie bundle to hair-conscious friends or family members who appreciate handmade, custom-color accessories.

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Wear one while crocheting to keep hair out of your face and showcase your work—instant conversation starter about the hobby.

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Create in variegated or ombre worsted yarns for a more eye-catching design while maintaining the functional ribbed structure.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with gentle soap; do not use bleach. Lay flat or hang to dry. The acrylic yarn is durable enough for frequent hair washing but avoid excessive heat. If the scrunchie begins to pill, gently remove pills with a fabric comb. Elastic will eventually lose tension over time with regular use—replace the elastic cord by carefully unraveling the seam, removing old elastic, inserting new, and re-seaming if needed.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 30-40 yards total (6-8 yards per scrunchie), so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This pattern uses techniques that require precision and experience. Expect stitches like ch, hdc, sl st, st(s) and potentially complex shaping. If you're newer to crochet, try a few intermediate patterns first to build confidence with stitch counts and tension before tackling this one.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "16 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with gentle soap; do not use bleach. Lay flat or hang to dry. The acrylic yarn is durable enough for frequent hair washing but avoid excessive heat. If the scrunchie begins to pill, gently remove pills with a fabric comb. Elastic will eventually lose tension over time with regular use—replace the elastic cord by carefully unraveling the seam, removing old elastic, inserting new, and re-seaming if needed. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.