How to Sew a Burrito Style Scrunchie (Beginner Friendly Tutorial)
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own scrunchies, you’ve probably come across the “Burrito Method.” It sounds delicious, but in the sewing world it’s actually a clever technique for turning your fabric into a neat tube without messy seams showing. It can feel a little daunting at first (trust me, I’ve been there!) but once you know the tricks, it’s a game-changer.
Why Try the Burrito Method for Scrunchies?
Scrunchies are such a fun DIY sewing project – quick, practical, and perfect for gifts or to sell at markets. The burrito method gives you a clean finish and makes it easier to insert the elastic without twisting or fighting with bulky seams.
What You’ll Need
To sew a burrito-style scrunchie, you’ll need:
- Fabric: About 12cm x 70cm (5in x 28in). Polycotton is a great beginner choice because it’s structured but has a little slip. Avoid super slippery satin until you’re confident.
- Elastic: 12mm wide (½ inch), about 20cm (8in) long.
- Tools: A bodkin or a safety pin to thread the elastic through.
- Sewing machine: Any domestic machine will do!
Step 1: Cut the Fabric
Cut your fabric to size making sure the fabric is cut square with opposite sides even lengths.
Step 2: Sew the Fabric
Fold the fabric lengthwise with the right sides together.
Sew along the short edge with a ¼ inch (½cm) seam allowance. This makes your starting tube.
Step 3: Roll It Like a Burrito
This is the fun part! Lay the fabric flat with the seam on the bottom and over to the left. This is the outside edge.
With the inside edge start rolling it like a burrito.
Once rolled, fold the outer edges together so they enclose the roll inside. Line up the seams carefully, pin if needed, and sew along the edge.
Don’t forget to backstitch at the start – it’ll make your life much easier later.
Step 4: Pull It Through
With the first part of your seam sewn, gently pull the inside roll through the tube.
Sew the next section and again pull the roll though. Repeat until you get back to the beginning.
Leave a gap to insert the elastic. Aim for about 4" (10cm) but it doesn't need to be perfect.
Now you can pull the tube fully the right way leaving a tube with no raw edges, just a smooth scrunchie tube ready for elastic. That’s the magic of the burrito method!
Step 5: Insert the Elastic
Attach your elastic to a bodkin (or safety pin) and thread it through the tube.
A handy tip is to clip a peg to the loose end so you don’t lose it inside.
Overlap the elastic ends by about 2cm, pin, and stitch securely. I recommend a stitch length of 1.5 to ensure the stitching does not come undone.
Step 6: Close the Gap
Finally, tuck in the raw edges at your opening and topstitch closed. I recommend a stitch length of 1.5 which means you don't need to back stitch.
Start sewing just before the opening and sew to the seam to ensure the gap is closed.
A trick is to line the 2 edges up so you can just see the lower edge. This means you're less likely to miss sewing it in the seam as the fabric tends to move.
Give your scrunchie a little “fluff” so the gathers are even – and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous handmade scrunchie!
My Top Tips for Success
- Start with the XL scrunchie size – they’re easier to handle than small ones.
- Choose a fabric with structure but slight slip (like polycotton). 100% cotton quilting fabric can be too grippy, and slippery satin is trickier for beginners due to the multi-directional stretch and from being super slippery.
- Always backstitch when starting the burrito seam – it keeps things neat and together when you tug the fabric around later.
Handmade with Love in NZ
I’ve made hundreds of scrunchies here at Stitched by Sarah in New Zealand, and the burrito method is my go-to for a neat, professional finish. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll be whipping up scrunchies for yourself, your friends, or even to sell at markets.
I’d love to see what you create — tag me at #StitchedBySarahNZ!
If you’d like to watch the full process in action, check out my step-by-step YouTube tutorial below.