The Ember & Ash Twisted Scrunchie: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Hair Tie

The Ember & Ash Twisted Scrunchie: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Hair Tie

Elevate your ponytail with this luxuriously textured scrunchie, featuring a unique twisted cable design and a stunning two-tone color palette. Knit in the round with a soft, chunky yarn, it's a quick and satisfying project that adds a touch of handcrafted elegance to any outfit. This pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners looking to practice working in the round, slipped stitches, and simple color changes.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two contrasting colors (Color A: Charcoal, Color B: Burnt Orange). Approximately 30 yards of each color.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (or circular needle for magic loop).
• Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the elastic casing.
• Other: Standard hair elastic (about 2 inches in diameter), tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure a uniform scrunchie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Begin

The scrunchie is knit in the round from the outside edge inward, creating a tube that is then gathered and sewn to a hair elastic. The twisted cable effect is achieved by alternating colors in a simple slip-stitch pattern. Read through all instructions before starting.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl: Slip stitch purlwise (insert needle as if to purl, but just move the stitch to the right needle without working it)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• BO: Bind off

Step 1: Knit the Tube

Setup: With Color A, CO 24 sts. Distribute evenly across 3 double-pointed needles (8 sts per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round if desired.

Section 1: Ribbing Foundation (Rounds 1-4)

• Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 2: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 3: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 4: *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.

Section 2: First Twisted Cable Repeat (Rounds 5-12)

• Rnd 5: Switch to Color B. *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to end. (The slipped stitch will create a vertical bar.)
• Rnd 6: With Color B, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 7: Switch to Color A. *K3, Sl 1; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 8: With Color A, *K3, Sl 1; repeat from * to end.
• Rnds 9-12: Repeat Rounds 5-8.

Section 3: Center Ribbing (Rounds 13-16)

• Rnd 13: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 14: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 15: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 16: *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.

Section 4: Second Twisted Cable Repeat (Rounds 17-24)

• Rnd 17: With Color B, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 18: With Color B, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 19: Switch to Color A. *K3, Sl 1; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 20: With Color A, *K3, Sl 1; repeat from * to end.
• Rnds 21-24: Repeat Rounds 1-4 (ribbing).

Finishing the Tube: BO all sts loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Weave in the starting tail from the cast-on edge.

Step 2: Create the Elastic Casing

Using the crochet hook and Color A, single crochet around the hair elastic to cover it completely. Insert hook through the elastic, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. Work approximately 30-40 sc sts, depending on the elastic size, making sure the elastic is fully encased. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Step 3: Assemble the Scrunchie

1. Thread the 12-inch yarn tail from the knitted tube onto a tapestry needle.
2. Gently gather the tube by running the needle through the BO edge stitches, pulling tight to create a ruffled circle. Distribute the gathers evenly.
3. Place the crocheted elastic inside the gathered tube, positioning it so the elastic is centered within the tube.
4. Sew the gathered edge of the tube to the crocheted elastic, using small, secure stitches. Work through both the knitted fabric and the crocheted casing. Make sure the elastic is fully enclosed.
5. Weave in all remaining ends securely.

Step 4: Finishing

Gently steam block the scrunchie to even out the stitches and enhance the texture. Hold a steam iron about 1 inch above the scrunchie and steam thoroughly, being careful not to touch the yarn directly. Allow to dry completely before wearing. This will set the twisted cable pattern and give the scrunchie a professional, polished look.

Your Ember & Ash Twisted Scrunchie is now complete! Enjoy your handcrafted, textured hair accessory that adds warmth and style to any outfit.