August Free Pattern: Kapok Cotton Knitted Scrunchie

August is all about cotton at Itoma.

Even in the warmest part of summer, a small and lightweight project can make picking up your knitting needles feel easy.

This month’s free pattern is a Kapok Cotton Knitted Scrunchie.

It is a simple project worked in the round, using knit stitches to create a soft, smooth fabric. Once the knitting is complete, a hair tie is placed inside and the edges are joined with a crochet hook to finish the scrunchie.

It is a lovely project for practicing knitting in the round, and one of the nicest parts is being able to wear what you made as soon as you finish.

About This Pattern

Beginner-friendly
Worked in the round
A simple way to practice circular knitting
Uses knit stitches for the main body
Small and quick to finish
A wearable project you can enjoy right away

Because every stitch is knitted while working in the round, the fabric naturally forms smooth stockinette stitch.

Materials

Kapok Cotton yarn
Circular knitting needles, JP size 9 / 4.8 mm
Crochet hook for finishing
Hair tie
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch marker

Before You Begin

This scrunchie begins by casting on 70 stitches.

After casting on, the first and last stitches are connected to form a circle before beginning Round 1.

Take a moment to check that the cast-on edge is facing the same direction all the way around before joining. If the stitches are twisted at this stage, the knitting will remain twisted as you continue.

The body of the scrunchie is then knitted for 24 rounds.

For Round 25, place a hair tie inside the knitted fabric and use a crochet hook to close the two edges together around the elastic.

Instructions

Cast On

Cast on 70 stitches.

Arrange the stitches evenly around the circular needle.

Before joining, check carefully that the cast-on edge is facing the same direction all the way around and is not twisted.

Join in the Round

Now join the cast-on stitches to form a circle.

1. Hold the needles so that the last cast-on stitch is on the right and the first cast-on stitch is on the left.

2. Slip the last cast-on stitch onto the left needle.

Keep the right needle in place so that the two needle tips remain crossed.

3. From underneath the last stitch, use the right needle to pick up the first cast-on stitch.

4. Pull the first cast-on stitch off the left needle together with the right needle, then gently pull the working yarn to tighten the join.

The stitches are now joined in the round.

Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Rounds 1–24

Knit every stitch around.

Continue knitting in the round until you have completed 24 rounds.

Since every stitch is knitted while working in the round, the fabric naturally forms stockinette stitch.

As you continue, the knitted piece will begin to form a soft tube.

Round 25: Bind Off

On Round 25, bind off all stitches using your knitting needles.
Keep the bind-off edge slightly relaxed so it will be easy to join the two edges together later.
Cut the yarn and secure the end.

Add the Hair Tie and Close

Place the hair tie inside the knitted piece.
Fold the knitted fabric around the hair tie so that the cast-on edge and bind-off edge meet.
Using a crochet hook, work single crochet stitches through both edges to join them together.
Continue working single crochet all the way around, gently moving the fabric around the hair tie as you go so the gathers stay evenly distributed.
Join the final stitch, fasten off, and weave in the yarn end.

Finishing

Weave in any remaining yarn ends.

Gently move the knitted fabric around the elastic until the gathers are evenly distributed.

Shape the scrunchie with your fingers and adjust any areas where the fabric feels too bunched together.

Your Kapok Cotton Knitted Scrunchie is now complete.

Tips

Before joining in the round, take a little extra time to check that the cast-on edge is not twisted. This is much easier to fix before you begin knitting.

Keep your cast-on slightly relaxed. The cast-on edge will be used again when closing the scrunchie, so a little flexibility makes the finishing process easier.

When working Round 25, close the two edges gradually and move the knitted fabric around the hair tie as you work. This helps distribute the gathers more evenly.

Be careful not to catch the hair tie with your crochet hook. Keeping the elastic separate allows the finished fabric to move naturally around it.

Once you understand the construction, this is also an easy project to repeat in different colors.

Pattern Note

This small project is a simple way to practice several useful knitting skills.

You will cast on, join your stitches in the round, knit continuously with circular needles, and finish the project by combining knitting with a little crochet.

The main body requires only knit stitches, so you can focus on becoming comfortable with the rhythm of circular knitting without needing to follow complicated stitch changes.

It is also a satisfying project for beginners because the finished piece can be put to use right away.

Wear it in your hair, keep it around your wrist, or make another one in a different color.

Why Kapok Cotton?

For August, we are putting a little extra attention on cotton yarns and the lighter projects that feel good to make during summer.

For this scrunchie, we chose Kapok Cotton, a yarn made from 80% cotton and 20% kapok.

Kapok is a natural plant fiber known for its exceptional lightness.

The fibers contain tiny hollow spaces that allow them to hold air, helping create a fabric that feels light and breathable.

Blended with cotton, the result is a comfortable yarn suitable for year-round projects. It feels cool and airy during warmer seasons while still offering gentle warmth when layered.

That light, breathable feel makes it especially nice for a small summer accessory like this scrunchie.

Kapok Cotton also comes in a balanced palette of neutrals and brighter accent colors, making it easy to choose something subtle for everyday wear or add a little color to your summer wardrobe.

Kapok Cotton

Weight: 30 g ball

Length: Approx. 72 m

Material: 80% Cotton, 20% Kapok (plant fiber)

A Little About Kapok

Kapok is harvested from the seed pods of the kapok tree.

The trees grow naturally with minimal water or fertilizer, and they do not need to be cut down when the fiber is harvested.

Because of these characteristics, kapok is often appreciated as a plant-based fiber for makers interested in exploring different materials alongside familiar cotton yarns.

A Little Summer Knit

Summer does not have to mean putting your knitting away.

Sometimes a small project and a light yarn are just enough to enjoy a quiet moment of making, even on warmer days.

This scrunchie is simple enough to finish without a long commitment, while still giving you the satisfaction of turning a ball of yarn into something you can immediately use.

Choose a color you love, enjoy the gentle rhythm of knitting round and round, and wear your finished piece the same day.

We hope this little project brings an easy moment of making to your August.