There is something undeniably luxurious about mohair. The way the fibers create a soft halo around your stitches makes even the simplest project look high-end. But let’s be honest: buying a full skein of silk mohair can be an investment, and sometimes you just want a quick win without committing to a full garment.
Enter the Crochet Mohair Scrunchie. This project is the perfect palate cleanser between big projects. It is designed to be a “scrap buster,” using up those precious leftovers you can’t bear to throw away.
If you have been intimidated by the idea of crocheting with thin, fuzzy yarn, don’t worry. This pattern is designed to be forgiving. Because of the texture, minor mistakes vanish into the fluff, making this a surprisingly stress-free project. And by the way, silk is a very good material for your hair so if you create this using silk mohair, you will get a very gentle tie for your hair. This scrunchie works up in an afternoon.
Scroll down for the free pattern instructions, or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF pattern to support me here.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Scrunchie Project
- The Ultimate Scrap Buster: You only need approximately 10-15 grams of yarn, making it perfect for using up leftovers from bigger projects.
- Totally Customizable: While the sample uses specific measurements, you can use any yarn, hook, or hair tie size to create a custom look.
- Beginner Friendly: Despite the reputation of mohair, this project is beginner-friendly.
- Forgiving Texture: The fuzzy nature of the yarn means that inconsistent stitch counts or missed stitches aren’t noticeable in the final product.
Materials & Tools
To make the scrunchie exactly like the sample, you will need:
- Yarn: Mohair scraps (approx. 10-15 g). Recommended yarns I tried this scrunchie with are Drops Kid Silk Mohair or Rosarios 4 Aurora (25 g = 210 m).
- Hook: 4 mm crochet hook.
- Hair Tie: A standard hair tie (the smaller samples were made with one approx. 6 cm [2.5 in] in circumference).
- Note: If you prefer to wear the scrunchie on your wrist, choose a tie that fits comfortably around your wrist.
- Stitch Markers
Sizing
Sizing:
The finished size varies based on the hair tie you choose. For the small ones, I chose hair tie with 6 cm [2.5 in] in circumference.
Modifications:
- Fuller Look: Make a longer base chain.
- Airier Look: Use a bigger hook.
Gauge:
Gauge is not essential for this project. However, for reference, my gauge with mohair yarn and a 4 mm hook is approximately 12 hdc x 5 rows = 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in x 2 in).
Pattern Notes & Abbreviations
The Construction: This scrunchie is worked as a long tube in the round, which is then folded over a hair tie and seamed together.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- Ch(s): Chain(s)
- Hdc: Half double crochet
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rep: Repeat
- Sl st: Slip stitch
How To Crochet The Mohair Scrunchie
Part 1: The Base
Foundation Chain:
Make a chain that is 5 times the circumference of your hair tie.
(For reference, I crocheted 73 sts for the sample).
Make sure your chain isn’t twisted, then sl st into the first chain to join in the round.
- Pro Tip: If you struggle to join the chain without twisting it, you can work your first row of stitches flat and then join to work in the round .
Round 1:
Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch), work 1 hdc in each ch around.
Sl st into the first hdc to join in the round.
(Note: Your stitch count should remain the same as your chain count).
Round 2:
Ch 1. Hdc in every st around .
Sl st to join in the round, placing your first hdc in the same stitch where you joined.
Subsequent Rounds:
Repeat Round 2 until the base (folded in half) is as wide as you want your scrunchie to be.
(The sample was worked until the base (not folded) measured 5 cm).
Do not cut your yarn yet; just place a stitch marker in the loop to prevent unraveling. If you wish to block your scrunchie, do so now.
Finishing & Assembly
Now comes the magic where we turn a tube into a scrunchie.
- Insert the Tie: Slide your hair tie through the center of the crochet tube. Adjust it so the tie sits in the center and both edges of the tube meet evenly.
- Fold and Align: Fold the scrunchie tube around the hair tie so the edges line up.
- Important: Line up the spot where you started (your yarn tail) with the spot where your current loop is.
- Secure with Markers: Place stitch markers at the starting point and every few centimeters around the tube to ensure the scrunchie closes evenly.
- Seam the Edges: Reinsert your hook into the working loop. Working through both edges (both layers) of the scrunchie, sl st through all layers to close the tube. Continue slip stitching all the way around to fully enclose the hair tie.
- Fasten Off: When you reach the end, make one final sl st, cut the yarn, and fasten off. Tuck the yarn tail through the center of the scrunchie or weave it in securely.
Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is mohair yarn hard to crochet with?
It can be tricky because the fuzzy fibers (the halo) make it hard to see the “V” of the stitches. However, for this specific project, that fuzziness is a benefit because it hides any inconsistent stitch counts or errors.
2. Can I use a different weight of yarn?
Absolutely. You can use any yarn and hook size you prefer. Just keep in mind that heavier yarn will create a chunkier, less airy look.
3. My foundation chain keeps twisting when I join. What do I do?
This is very common! A great trick mentioned in the pattern is to crochet your first row of Half Double Crochet (Row 1) before joining the circle. Once that first row is done, join the ends and continue working in the round.
4. How do I calculate the size if my hair tie is different?
Simply measure the circumference of your chosen hair tie and multiply that number by 5. Make a chain that is that length.