Sew Your Own Maison Fauve Maxi Scrunchie!
Way too cute to pass up, the scrunchie is the most adorable and ultra-easy-to-sew accessory of the summer! A star of the '80s and '90s, it’s a fun accessory that you'll enjoy creating in different styles.
Inspirations
The Scrunchie by Maison Fauve
The scrunchie is making a strong comeback this summer, and it’s not going unnoticed: in maxi and ultra-colorful versions, it stands out for hairstyles that don't take themselves too seriously. My preference goes to the large-format models, which, of course, can be worn in the hair to enhance a ponytail or a bun but also look great on the wrist, a scrunchie bracelet like a mega jewel… It’s not something you’ll want to hide in your purse like a regular elastic band :)
Brands have, of course, jumped on the phenomenon, and scrunchies are available at all price points: I've seen many models around 15/20 €, but some luxury brands charge more than 600 € for this little piece of elasticated fabric (that's an expensive scrunchie, even if it’s signed by Prada…).
My Handmade Scrunchie
If we look at this trend with our discerning seamstress eye, DIY scrunchies are perfect: ideal for using up fabric remnants, very easy and quick to sew (I promise it's done in 30 minutes max), and we won’t hesitate to make many!
Of course, the choice of fabric is crucial in determining the look you want for your project:
- Matchy-match with a little summer top in printed poplin (I can already imagine a scrunchie in Solaris poplin)
- Almost chic or even precious in fine jacquard (mmm, the Golden Hour jacquard scrunchie is tempting me)
- Why not a romantic scrunchie in lace if the elastic doesn't contrast too much?
- Focus on color and material; choose a subtly shimmering fabric like our lamé lyocell
I had fun creating a step-by-step video for you, which can be found among our selection of educational videos on our YouTube channel, as well as on our Instagram profile, which immerses you in the Maison Fauve universe.
Below, I also detail the sewing steps for the maxi ruffled scrunchie. It’s THE beginner's sewing project, and our scrunchie tutorial will help you achieve the perfect model to make the most of your fabric scraps.
Materials for Sewing a Scrunchie
- A strip of fabric 16 cm high and the width of the fabric width. I used our Rouge Passion lamé fabric, so the strip is 16x160 cm, but a strip of 16x140 cm will also give you a nicely sized scrunchie.
- A spool of thread matching your fabric
- 17 cm of 10 mm elastic (this measurement will depend on the "stretchiness" of your elastic; the one used in this tutorial is a bit firm)
- A safety pin
- A hand needle for finishing
- A chopstick
Sewing Steps
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Fold your fabric strip in half with the right sides together, and pin along the entire length, BUT BE CAREFUL to leave about 5-6 cm unstitched at the beginning and end of your fabric strip. Sew 1 cm from the edge, starting and stopping your stitches with backstitching.
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Turn your strip right side out (insert one end into your assembly and slide it through, using a chopstick if necessary).
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Press the fabric, as it will likely be wrinkled.
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Now, you need to pin the ends of your strip right sides together. To do this, fold the edge of the strip so that you see the wrong side, and again slide it to turn the strip over itself until the two ends meet, right sides together. Pin edge to edge, and sew 1 cm from the edge.
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Through the small opening at the end of your strips (still not closed at this step), turn your work right side out. You will have a "ring" of fabric with a small portion not sewn. Press the seam allowances of the still-open part by folding them inside by 1 cm; this will make the final sewing step easier.
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Attach a safety pin to the end of your elastic. Insert it "into" your future scrunchie, and secure the other end of the elastic by pinning it to the fabric. You will then slide the elastic inside the fabric, using the safety pin as a guide (and the pinned part will stay securely in place). As you progress, your ruffles will start to accumulate (future marvel in sight).
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Retrieve the elastic attached to the safety pin through the opening, remove the pin, and then pin the two ends of the elastic together. Sew 1 cm from the edge (make multiple stitches to ensure they withstand repeated stretching over time).
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Your maxi scrunchie is almost finished; you just need to close the still-open portion with a hand stitch (the pre-pressed folds will help you have a clean edge).
BRAVO your scrunchie is ready to be tied in your hair or slipped onto your wrist, and I can feel you're already excited about sewing several more: to keep, to give away, it's the little accessory that will make a splash!
