Free Pattern
Step-by-Step
Crochet
Hair AccessoriesSunflower crochet scrunchie pattern with textured petals
A crochet scrunchie with a dark center and golden textured petals around an elastic tie.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Hook
- 3.0 mm
- Yarn
- Sport
Pattern highlights
- Work single crochet directly around the elastic to anchor the first round of the center.
- Increase every stitch in the second round to widen the circle before it settles flat.
- Work the third round even so the center circle has a stable, flat edge.
- Attach golden yarn around that outer edge to begin the petal layer.
- Repeat the petal stitch in each space around the circle to build the raised petals.
- Shape the final edge with slip stitches and single crochet to tidy the outline.
- Shape the petals by hand and block lightly so the flower sits smooth and even.
About This Pattern
I keep a running list of small projects that use up the odds and ends in my stash, and this scrunchie earns its spot twice over. It is a flower, technically, but built for function. The elastic does the structural work, so the yarn is free to be decorative. That split feels like the right kind of problem to solve on a lazy afternoon.
The technique here is the petal stitch, a single cluster of sc, hdc, dc pairs that rounds itself into a bump without any special tools. I like that the shaping comes from stitch height alone. The center circle increases once, then holds steady, which gives the petals an even ledge to attach to. No charts required.
What comes out the other end is a dark, nubby center ringed by golden petals, sitting flush on a hair tie. It reads as a sunflower without trying to be literal about it. Worn, it looks like jewelry that happens to hold hair back. Unworn, it is the kind of thing I'd leave on a dresser.
Worth knowing
The satisfaction is in the petal stitch itself. Working one sc, one hdc, two dc, one hdc, one sc into a single space and watching it curl into a dome is a small, repeatable magic trick. I also like that the center circle does real engineering: it covers the elastic in round one, doubles in round two, then settles flat in round three so the petals have a clean, even base. There is no fussy shaping math to chase. The whole piece rewards patience over skill, since every petal uses the identical stitch sequence. By the last one, my hands know it without looking, which is the point where a small project stops feeling like a task.
Common mistakes
- Skipping a stitch around the elastic Count as you go in round one so all 24 stitches land evenly before joining with a slip stitch.
- Crowding the petal stitch Keep each petal stitch in its own single stitch space so the petals stay separate rather than fusing together.
- Using fuzzy yarn for the petals Stick with a structured cotton so the sc, hdc, dc shaping in each petal actually shows.
- Tightening the join too much Keep the joining slip stitch snug but not pulled tight, or the round will pucker instead of lying flat.
- Forgetting the increase round Double every stitch in round two of the center, or the circle will cup instead of flattening for round three.
Intermediate
Progress Tracker
0 of 0 rounds
Tap a round to tick it off — your place is saved on this device.
The kit
- A lightweight cotton yarn is recommended because it creates crisp stitch definition and helps the sunflower petals hold their shape. A cotton blend can also work well if you prefer a softer scrunchie with more flexibility.
Pro Tip
- Choose a yarn with good structure for the petals. Very soft or fuzzy yarn may hide the stitch details and make the sunflower shape less defined.
- Sport weight cotton yarn in dark brown or black for the center
- Golden yellow cotton yarn for petals
- One elastic hair tie approximately 2 inches (5 cm) diameter
- 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Small scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)
Center Circle
Using dark yarn:
Round 1Make a slip knot around the elastic. Work 24 sc around the elastic. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (24 sts)
Round 2Ch 1. Work 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)
Round 3Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)
Project Details
Skill Level Confident beginner Finished Size Approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) flower diameter Yarn Sport weight cotton yarn, approximately 35 yards (32 meters) total
Hook 3.0 mm hook, US C/2 Gauge Approximately 22 single crochet stitches x 24 rows in 4 inches (10 cm)
Terminology US crochet terms
Special Stitch
Petal Stitch: In one stitch space, work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 hdc, and 1 sc. This creates a rounded raised petal shape.
Petal Round
Switch to golden yarn.
Attach yarn to any stitch from Round 3.
Round 1Ch 1, sc in same stitch.Skip 1 stitch, work petal stitch in next stitch.
Round 2Skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch.
Round 3Repeat the sequence around the circle: skip 1 stitch, petal stitch, skip 1 stitch, sc.Continue until 12 petals are completed.
Round 4Join with a sl st to the beginning sc.
Final count: 12 petals around the sunflower edge.
Petal Shaping Round
Slip stitch to the first petal center.
Work 1 sc around the outer edge of each petal to gently define the shape.
When reaching each valley between petals, make 1 sl st to pull the petals together slightly.
Continue around all 12 petals.
Join with a sl st and fasten off.
Assembly
Step 1After completing the sunflower scrunchie, gently shape the petals with your fingers. A light blocking process can help the petals maintain a smooth flower shape.
Step 2Hand wash gently in cool water when needed.
Step 3Lay flat to dry and reshape the petals while damp.
Step 4Avoid harsh heat that may damage elastic fibers.
Step 5Store away from rough surfaces to protect the crochet texture.
Finishing
- Weave in the yarn ends from the center circle and the petal round separately, since they are worked in two colors.
- Shape each petal with your fingers so the dome sits forward rather than flat against the center.
- Block lightly while damp, then lay flat to dry so the petals hold their rounded shape.
Why it works
The first round works single crochet straight into the elastic, so the center circle and the hair tie become one unit from the start.
The increase happens only in round two, doubling the stitch count once before round three holds it even, which is what keeps the center flat rather than cupped.
The petal layer is attached around the finished center rather than built into it, so the petals sit as a separate, raised ring instead of a flat continuation of the circle.
What it becomes
- An everyday hair tie that pairs well with a low bun or a simple ponytail.
- A small handmade gift alongside a set of stitch markers or a skein of leftover cotton yarn.
- A stash-buster project to pair with other small floral scrunchies in different color palettes.
Original pattern: https://duniarecipe.com/sunflower-crochet-scrunchie-pattern-free-diy-crochet-hair-accessory-idea/
FAQ
Can I use a different yarn weight than sport weight cotton?
You can, but the gauge and finished size will shift along with it. A heavier yarn will make a bulkier flower, so test one petal before committing to the full round.
Does the elastic size matter for this pattern?
Yes, the pattern is built around a roughly 2 inch elastic. A different size will change how many stitches comfortably fit around it in round one.
Why use a darker color for the center?
The contrast is what makes the shape read as a sunflower rather than a generic flower. It also helps the petal attachment round stand out visually as a guide.
Can I change the number of petals?
The notes mention adjusting stitch counts or petal numbers to resize the flower. Fewer petals give a smaller, sparser look, while more petals make it fuller.