Let’s knit some Squishy Scrunchies ~ it’s a super fun project for leftover bits of yarn.
Warning: this is a very addictive little pattern – you may find yourself (like me) searching for more remnant yarn balls in the stash…
Maybe you make one, or a dozen, or you lose count (hand raised over here…) But hey, is it even possible to have too many hair bands? I think not!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn – just about 20g, (a little less is ok too) – Fingering, DK, or Worsted weight, YAY!
- 16″ (40cm) circular needles – keep reading for details on size
- Elastic hair band
- Crochet Hook, tapestry needle and 1 stitch marker
The Basics
Squishy Scrunchies are basically a 4 step process.
- Step 1 – provisional cast on the number of stitches for the weight of yarn
- Step 2 – knit in the round for 2-3″ (5-8cm)
- Step 3 – add an elastic hair band to the inside
- Step 4 – kitchener stitch (graft) the outer edge for a seamless finish
That’s it! So let’s get into the step by step and knit up some Squishy Scrunchies.
The Yarn
Squishy Scrunchies are perfect no matter the yarn size you have leftover to use. The blue-ish sample on the left is fingering weight (Regia Merino Yak) and the pink-ish sample on the right is worsted weight (Malabrigo Rios). Both are delightful!
The Needles (and a hook)
- Fingering weight yarn = US 4 (3.5mm)
- DK weight yarn = US 5 (3.75mm)
- Worsted weight yarn = US 6 (4mm)
- Crochet hook in a size close to the needle used (I use a size F 3.75mm hook for all sizes)
16″ (40cm) circular needles are best for this project. Two circulars are needed – one for the main portion and one for the final grafting.
My ‘pro’ tip is to use one size smaller needles for your 2nd set. I think it’s easier to pick up the stitches and I know not everyone has multiple needles in the same size. Needle size isn’t a huge deal with these, so don’t stress it or rush out to buy more if you have a 2nd circular in a close size.
The Elastic
Nothing fancy here, friends… just a standard elastic hair band. I have loads of these Goody brand ones in the “thick hair” version. This is the size I use.
The Provisional Cast On (made easy)
- Fingering weight = 90 stitches
- DK weight = 80 stitches
- Worsted weight = 70 stitches
My favorite (easy to work) Provisional Cast On method…
Do you see “provisional cast on” and run the other way? I totally used to! This method is so easy to work, it’s actually a lot of fun.
Use a good contrast color yarn for the provisional cast on. It doesn’t have to be the same type of yarn, but it should be the same weight and preferably smooth (not splitty or rustic).
- Tie a slip knot on the crochet hook
- Hold the hook in front of the needle
- Wrap the working yarn around the back of the needle and the front of the hook (counter clockwise)
- Use the hook to pull the yarn through the loop
- Repeat the wrap and pull-through until you have the desired number of stitches on the needle
Once all the stitches are on the needle, single chain crochet a few stitches (I do about 5) and cut the yarn to pull the tail through.
The Knitting
Use your main color and start knitting into the provisional stitches. Add a stitch marker at the end before joining to work in the round.
Make very sure the stitches aren’t twisted before joining. I lay mine out to double check (because I’ve had to frog the whole thing and that is no fun at all!
Continue knitting in the round until it measures at least 2″ (5cm) and no more than 3″ (8cm).
The Pick Up
With your 2nd pair of circular needles (I use 1 size smaller needles) start at the crochet chain and pick up the right leg of each stitch along the cast on. *Remember stitches are \/’s not the /\’s. Pick up the / side.*
Unravel the last crochet chain and start pulling the provisional yarn. It’s ridiculously fun and very pleasing! At the end, all of your stitches will be solidly on the needle.
The Elastic Band
Turn the knitting inside out. Wrap the elastic band around either side so it fits between the needles. Be careful no stitches fall off the end while you do this.
Fold the sides over the elastic and get ready to graft the outer edge. Now is a great time to admire how your Squishy Scrunchie will look.
The Kitchener Graft (made easy)
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, about 36″ (90cm) and thread onto a tapestry needle. Arrange the needles with the long tail on the back needle and the cast on stitches on the front needle.
Repeat these 2 steps until there are no stitches left on the needles:
- Front needle: remove 1st stitch knit-wise & thread through 2nd stitch purl-wise – pull snug
- Back needle: remove 1st stitch purl-wise & thread through 2nd stitch knit-wise – pull snug
The Finish
Sew up any remaining gaps at the end. Insert the needle toward the center, pull snug and cut the yarn. The tail end will hide inside and not come loose.
Wriggle your Squishy Scrunchie around to make it look nice. Now go ahead and be a tad bit giddy at how great it looks and how much fun it was to make!
Note: As you can see, my hair is thick and curly and can be completely unruly! These Squishy Scrunchies work like a dream on hair like mine as well as beautifully fine hair.
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