This pattern lends itself to the exploration of both machine and hand stitching. Additionally, scrunchie creation leans into student choice regarding fabric type and length of elastic. Scrunchies can be adapted to various sizes for children of all ages, so this pattern also lends itself to practical applications of mathematics should students want to recreate this pattern for a younger sibling. Finally, exploration of different fabric materials can extend students’ learning of the various properties of specific fibers.

Degree of difficulty:  Simple 

Skills Demonstrated 

As students complete this project, they are demonstrating their abilities to

• Watch/listen and follow directions
• Measure fabric
• Cut fabric and elastic
• Measure and mark seam allowances
• Turn fabric
• Creation of box stitch
• Hand sew
• Problem solve
• Think critically

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Scrunchie

• Cut a piece of fabric into a rectangle: 18 ” by 4″
• Fold in half with the right sides facing each other.
• Sew the ends together using 5/8″ seam allowance. This will make one long circle. Backtack at the beginning and the end.
• Press the seam open.
• Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other. Stitch along the edge of the fabric, ensuring the folded fabric is not stitched. Use a 3/8″ seam allowance but leave a 3″ opening to allow space to turn the fabric inside out. Backtack at the beginning and the end.
• Turn the fabric so that the inside is now outside. You should see the right side of the fabric.
• Insert elastic into the tube. Use a safety pin to help push the elastic through the opening. Use as much as elastic as needed to get the desired size for the scrunchie.
• Ensure that the elastic is not twisted. Using a box sewing technique, sew the ends of the elastic together to secure them in place.
• Close the opening of the scrunchie with with hand stitching style of your choice.

References

Deaton, S. (2025). Teaching Apparel Production. Presentation.