This is the third blog in my stash busting series and this time I’m looking at trying to use up some pre-cut and left over fabrics from other projects.

Looking at my fabrics, I found some jelly roll strips and left over quilt binding which were collecting dust. The jelly rolls are (when cut correctly) 2.5″ wide, whereas I cut the fabric for my binding 2.25″ wide; for the hair scrunchies either will work! If you use fat quarters, I suggest you cut the strips 2.5″ wide. You should be able to get seven or so scrunchies from one FQ.  

Materials:

  • Fabric, 20″ to 22″ long and 2.25″ or 2.5″ wide
  • Elastic, 10″ long (I used 6mm wide, but anything less than say 8mm will be fine)

Useful tools:

  • Pair of scissors
  • Large-ish safety pin
  • Chop stick or special loop / tube / strap turner tool
  • A pin
  • Sewing machine and thread

Making the scrunchies:

  • Fold the fabric lengthwise, right sides facing, and sew along the long side. I used a 1/4″ seam allowance but didn’t bother reversing at start or end).
  • Turn inside out with the loop turner or a chop stick (see below)
  • Insert elastic band. I secure the end with a pin, so the elastic doesn’t disappear inside the tube when pulling it through.
  • Tie a knot. Make sure it’s secure!
  • Wiggle the knot so it moves away an inch or so from the opening in the fabric
  • Fold one end of the fabric to the inside to cover the raw edge. Insert the other end. Pin in place if you like.
  • Sew a straight stitch to keep the two ends together. I usually go down, up and back down again before securing the thread.
  • ‘Fluff’ the scrunchie so the fabric is evenly spread out over the elastic.

As they are super quick to make, you’ll have a bunch of them in no time!

Tip: Using a chop stick for turning

When I use a chop stick to turn the fabric, I usually sew a diagonal seam at one end (blue line in image below). This allows the chop stick to stay in place when I turn the fabric. When it’s turned over, I cut off the end.

My other stash busting ideas:

 * I don’t cut my binding on the bias, but if you do, the scrunchies will be extra stretchy which will be super lovely!

Related posts:

Rulers – But not the bossy kind ;)  Improv for Beginners and Improvers: Part the First, and an Introduction Improv for Beginners and Improvers, Part Six, Celestial Happenings Song Title Challenge—- Oliver’s Army
Nina
Published in Bloggers, Quilting Fun, Techniques & Tutorials on

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