Make Your Own Scrunchie – A Fun Sewing Project for Climate Kids
I think it’s pretty darn cool when I can make something myself – especially when it’s sustainable and replaces something single-use or store-bought. Sewing is one of my favorite new hobbies, and I’m just a beginner! So far, I’ve made:
- Cloth pennant banners to replace disposable party streamers 🎉
- Little fabric pouches instead of plastic party favor bags 🎁
- Fabric storage bins, coasters, and a bunch of other fun items 🧵
But today, let’s talk about scrunchies! Who doesn’t love a colorful scrunchie? They’re simple to make, great for using up fabric scraps, and perfect as eco-friendly party favors or gifts for friends.
💡 Why this helps the planet 🌍
Every time you sew something yourself, you’re helping the Earth in three ways:
- Reuse – You’re giving fabric scraps a second life instead of letting them go to waste.
- Replace – You don’t need to buy brand-new, mass-produced scrunchies that use lots of energy and packaging.
- Learn a skill – Sewing teaches you how to repair and create, which means you’ll throw away less and save money, too!
Small steps like these add up to big change. Imagine if every kid made just one scrunchie instead of buying one—that’s a lot less waste!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fabric: cut into pieces about 4 ½ inches wide and 22 inches long
- Elastic: ¼ inch thick, cut into pieces 7 ½ inches long
- 2 safety pins
- Thread (matching colors are nice, but I used white, pink, and blue because my scraps were all different patterns—and it worked just fine!)
- A sewing machine or a needle for hand-sewing ✨
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side (the side you want to show) facing in.
- Sew along the long edge to make a fabric tube. You can use a sewing machine or hand sew with small stitches.
- Turn the fabric right side out. (Tip: a pencil or chopstick helps push it through!)
- Prepare the elastic. Attach a safety pin to each end. Pin one end of the elastic to the fabric opening so it doesn’t slip inside.
- Thread the elastic through the tube by pushing the other safety pin all the way through.
- Join the elastic ends. Overlap them slightly and sew them together to make a loop. (Tip: Keep one end pinned so the elastic doesn’t slip back in.)
- Finish the scrunchie. Tuck one fabric end inside the other, fold the edge to make it neat, and sew across to close the circle.
- Fluff it up – and wahla! 🎉 You’ve made your very own scrunchie!
Scrunchies are a fun way to upcycle fabric scraps and avoid buying more “fast fashion” accessories. Plus, they make awesome handmade gifts or sustainable substitutes for party favors that are usually single-use and cheaply made.
🌱 Sewing is a climate action too—it teaches us to reuse, repair, and create instead of always consuming. And every little action like this makes a difference! If you liked this project, look for an adult in your life who can help you to grow your climate skills or maybe find a class in your local area and ask for some lessons as a gift.
I hope you enjoy this project! Let me know what other fun things you are making!
