KnitPurl Scrunchie

KnitPurl Scrunchie by Anab Naiyer

What is Being Made

The KnitPurl Scrunchie is a simple knitted hair accessory designed by Anab Naiyer of oonybyanab. This beginner-friendly project creates a soft, textured scrunchie by knitting a flat rectangular piece and assembling it around a rubber band. The finished scrunchie combines comfort with a handmade aesthetic, making it an ideal first project for new knitters.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction method alternates rows of knit and purl stitches to create stockinette stitch, which produces a smooth, classic fabric appearance. Once the knitted piece is completed, it is assembled together around a rubber band using basic whip stitch, a simple seaming technique that joins the edges invisibly. This two-step process—knitting the flat piece followed by assembly—makes the project accessible to those new to knitting while still producing a polished, wearable result.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch: The fundamental stitch that forms the foundation of this pattern
• Purl Stitch: Used in alternating rows to create stockinette stitch texture
• Stockinette Stitch: Created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing the characteristic smooth fabric with a V-pattern on the right side
• Whip Stitch: A basic seaming technique used to join the knitted piece together around the rubber band
• Cast On and Cast Off: Essential edge techniques required to begin and finish the knitted piece

Required Skills

Knitters should be comfortable with casting on, casting off, executing the knit stitch, executing the purl stitch, and performing a basic whip stitch for assembly. These foundational skills make this pattern ideal for beginners who have completed basic knitting instruction.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for PaintBox Cotton DK 8 ply yarn, with the sample worked in Dolphin Blue using 20 grams of yarn. However, any cotton or cotton-blend yarn is suitable for this project. The designer specifically recommends avoiding wool or wool-blend yarns, as these materials do not produce the desired soft, fluffy texture for a hair accessory.

Needles: 4mm/US 6 needles are required for this project.

Notions and Accessories: A darning needle, rubber band, and scissors complete the notions list. The darning needle is essential for the whip stitch assembly and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 20 rows over a 10cm square in stockinette stitch. The designer notes that minor gauge variations are acceptable for this project, as the scrunchie pattern is quite adjustable. The most important consideration is ensuring that stitches remain soft and loose, which contributes to the final scrunchie's soft and fluffy texture.

Yarn Weight

This pattern uses DK weight yarn (also known as 4-ply or light worsted), a versatile weight that provides excellent stitch definition while remaining soft and comfortable against the scalp.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the KnitPurl Scrunchie requires only basic knitting knowledge and simple assembly skills, making it an excellent choice for those new to the craft who wish to create a practical, wearable item.