The 1987 Scrunchie

The 1987 Scrunchie by Christina Smith

Project Overview

The 1987 Scrunchie is a beginner-level crochet headwear accessory designed by Christina Ann Studios. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a decorative fabric covering for a hair elastic, transforming a basic functional item into a textured, handmade accessory. The scrunchie features a distinctive puff stitch construction that creates dimensional loops around the elastic base.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a crocheted scrunchie—a fabric tube worked directly around a hair elastic of your choice. The finished piece wraps around the elastic to create a padded, textured hair accessory suitable for everyday wear or as a gift item. The scrunchie combines functionality with handmade aesthetic appeal.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

The 1987 Scrunchie employs a unique working method where all stitches are worked directly around the hair elastic itself. Rather than creating a separate fabric tube and then attaching it to the elastic, the crocheter inserts the hook through the center of the hair elastic to pull up loops for each stitch. This technique creates an integrated construction where the elastic becomes the foundation for the entire design.

The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, with stitches distributed evenly around the elastic circumference. The design uses 20 repetitions of a stitch pattern sequence per round, creating balanced coverage around the elastic base.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc)—basic foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Puff Stitch (puff st)—the signature textured stitch that creates dimensional loops. Worked by completing three yarn-over and pull-up sequences on the hook (creating 7 loops total), then pulling yarn through all loops at once to form a puffy, textured bump
• Chain (ch)—used to create spacing between puff stitches
• Slip Stitch (ss)—used to join rounds and finish off

The puff stitch is the focal point of this design, providing both visual interest and tactile texture to the finished scrunchie.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The 1987 Scrunchie is available in two yarn weight options: aran weight and worsted weight. The worsted weight version requires approximately 5–10 yards of yarn, making it an economical project that uses minimal yardage. The pattern suggests Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton or similar category 4 worsted weight yarn as suitable options.

In addition to yarn, the project requires a 5.0 mm (size H) crochet hook, a hair elastic of your choice, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

Rated as a beginner project, The 1987 Scrunchie is accessible to newer crocheters while introducing the puff stitch technique. The pattern includes helpful gauge guidance: if puff stitches are difficult to work your hook through, increase to a half-size larger hook; if the puff loops appear too loose, decrease to a half-size smaller hook. This flexibility allows crocheters to adjust their hook size based on their tension and the resulting fabric appearance, ensuring a well-fitted scrunchie regardless of individual working style.

Pattern Format

The 1987 Scrunchie is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern from Christina Ann Studios, offering convenient access for digital printing or screen reference while working.