Want a hair accessory that adds a little sunshine to any ponytail or bun? This sunflower scrunchie crochet pattern works up in just three rounds, uses scrap yarn, and gives you a full, ruffled flower with 16 petals. It only uses basic stitches, so it’s a great project for beginners and a lovely handmade gift.
Project Details
- Skill level: Beginner
- Finished size: Depends on your hair tie
- Gauge: Not needed
- Stitches used: chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, picot
Materials
- DK weight (#3 light) yarn in brown and yellow. Acrylic is a great choice because it’s durable, affordable, and comes in many colors.
- 4 mm crochet hook
- 1 hair tie (this sample uses one about 2 inches / 5 cm across)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Scrap yarn works perfectly for this project, so it’s a great way to use up leftovers.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- picot – ch 3, then sl st in the 3rd chain from the hook
Before You Start
- Work the pattern as written, and repeat the steps between asterisks (…) as directed.
- The number in parentheses at the end of a round is your stitch count.
- To change color, join the round with a slip stitch and pull the new yarn through as you close it.
- To use a different hair tie, work sc around it in a multiple of 4. Stop when the elastic is fully covered but the stitches aren’t crowded. If you change the count, you’ll need to adjust the petal repeats accordingly.
How to Crochet the Sunflower Scrunchie
Round 1: Brown Base
With brown yarn, work 32 sc around the hair tie. Join with a sl st to the first sc, and change to yellow yarn as you join. (32 sts)
Round 2: Chain Spaces
With yellow yarn, ch 1. Sc in the next st, ch 5, skip 1 st. Repeat from * around, 16 times in total. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (16 sc, 16 ch-5 spaces)
Round 3: Petals
Work 4 dc in the next ch-5 space, make a picot, work 4 more dc in the same space, then sl st in the next sc. Repeat from * around, 16 times in total. Join with a sl st to the first sl st. (16 petals)
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Your sunflower scrunchie is done!
Tips for Great Results
- Keep your tension relaxed in Round 1 so the hair tie stays stretchy.
- Count your stitches at the end of Round 1. You need exactly 32 for the petals to sit evenly.
- Adjust the petal size. If the petals feel too tight or overlap too much, make the chain spaces in Round 2 slightly longer (ch 6). If you want fuller petals, work 5 dc on each side of the picot.
- Try new colors. Swap the yellow and brown for pink, purple, or white petals with a green center to make a whole bouquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet scrunchie pattern good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only chains, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitches, and a small picot, and it’s worked in just three rounds.
What yarn should I use?
DK weight acrylic yarn works well, but any yarn that suits your hook size and hair tie will do.
Can I use a bigger or smaller hair tie?
Yes. Just crochet around it in a multiple of 4 stitches until the elastic is fully covered, then adjust the petal repeats to match.
How many petals does this sunflower scrunchie have?
This version has 16 petals, which gives a full, ruffled look.
Can I sell scrunchies made from this pattern?
Check the original designer’s terms first, and credit her if you share your finished items.
Final Thoughts
This free sunflower scrunchie is quick, cheerful, and a great way to practice basic stitches. Pin it for later, and share your finished scrunchies with us in the comments!