Are you tired of disposable sponges that end up filling your trash can? If so, it’s time to make the switch to reusable scrubbies! These handy little helpers are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps involved in creating your own scrubbies. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete novice, you’ll be able to master this project in no time.
To get started, you’ll need a few basic materials. First, you’ll need some yarn or fabric scraps. You can use any type of yarn you like, but thicker yarns will create a more durable scrubby. Once you have your yarn or fabric, you’ll also need a pair of scissors, a tapestry needle (optional), and optionally a crochet hook. With these few supplies, you’ll be all set to begin creating your own reusable scrubbies.
The process of making scrubbies is quite simple. Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’ll simply need to cut your yarn or fabric into strips. The size of the strips will depend on the size of scrubbies you want to make. Once you have cut your strips, you can then tie them together in a variety of ways to create different shapes and sizes of scrubbies. Some popular methods for tying scrubbies include the loop stitch, the single crochet stitch, and the double crochet stitch.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting the appropriate materials is crucial for creating effective and long-lasting scrubbies. The ideal materials should possess the following characteristics:
- Abrasiveness: The material should have a texture that gently removes dirt and grime without damaging surfaces.
- Durability: The material should withstand repeated use and washing, maintaining its shape and texture over time.
- Absorbency: The material should absorb water and soap effectively, enabling it to clean surfaces thoroughly.
- Hygienic: The material should be resistant to mold and bacteria buildup, ensuring a clean and fresh scrubbie.
Various materials meet these criteria, including:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Nylon Netting | Abrasive, durable, absorbent |
| Polypropylene Yarn | Non-abrasive, durable, resistant to mold |
| Sisal Rope | Highly abrasive, biodegradable, natural |
| Braid Cotton | Soft, absorbent, hygienic |
| Tulle | Abrasive, delicate, reusable |
Consider the specific surfaces you intend to clean and the desired level of abrasiveness when choosing a material. For example, nylon netting is suitable for heavy-duty cleaning, while cotton braids are gentle on delicate surfaces.
Preparing Your Crochet Hook
Choosing the correct crochet hook for making scrubbies is essential. The size of the hook determines the texture and overall feel of your scrubbie. For most scrubbies, a 3.5 mm to 4.0 mm crochet hook is recommended. This size allows you to create a fabric that is dense enough to provide a gentle exfoliating effect while still being soft and pliable.
Types of Crochet Hooks
- Inline hooks: These hooks have the handle and hook aligned in a straight line. They are ideal for beginners and provide good control over the yarn.
- Tapered hooks: These hooks have a handle that tapers down towards the hook. They offer increased speed and maneuverability, but may be more difficult to control for beginners.
- Boye hooks: These hooks have a distinctive indentation near the hook. They are designed to provide a comfortable grip and are often preferred by experienced crocheters.
Determining the Hook Size
The hook size is typically indicated on the shaft of the hook in millimeters (mm). The following table provides recommended hook sizes for scrubbies made with cotton yarn:
| Yarn Weight | Recommended Hook Size |
|---|---|
| Worsted weight | 3.5 mm – 4.0 mm |
| Bulky weight | 4.5 mm – 5.0 mm |
| Super bulky weight | 5.5 mm – 6.0 mm |
Selecting the Hook Handle
The handle of the crochet hook is also an important consideration. Choose a handle that is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. The handle should be smooth and free of any burrs or sharp edges.
Creating the Slip Knot
To make a slip knot, start by creating a small loop at one end of the yarn. Hold the loop in your left hand and the long end of the yarn in your right hand. Cross the long end over the loop and insert it into the loop from behind. Pull the long end tight to close the loop. You should now have a slip knot.
Once you have created the slip knot, place it on the hook. Hold the hook in your left hand and the long end of the yarn in your right hand. Insert the hook into the loop of the slip knot and pull the long end of the yarn through the loop. This will create a new loop on the hook.
To tighten the slip knot, pull the long end of the yarn until the loop on the hook is secure. The slip knot should be snug but not too tight. If the slip knot is too loose, it will come undone when you start crocheting. If the slip knot is too tight, it will be difficult to work with.
Here are some helpful tips for creating a slip knot:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a thin piece of yarn. | This will make it easier to create a small loop. |
| Hold the loop in your left hand and the long end of the yarn in your right hand. | This will give you more control over the knot. |
| Cross the long end over the loop and insert it into the loop from behind. | This will create a secure knot. |
| Pull the long end tight to close the loop. | This will secure the knot. |
| Place the slip knot on the hook. | This is where you will start crocheting. |
| Hold the hook in your left hand and the long end of the yarn in your right hand. | This will give you control over the hook and the yarn. |
| Insert the hook into the loop of the slip knot and pull the long end of the yarn through the loop. | This will create a new loop on the hook. |
| Pull the long end of the yarn until the loop on the hook is secure. | This will tighten the slip knot. |
| The slip knot should be snug but not too tight. | If it is too loose, it will come undone. If it is too tight, it will be difficult to work with. |
Single Crocheting the Base
Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook. Insert your hook into the first loop of the yarn and pull it through to create a loop on your hook. This loop is your starting chain.
Inserting the Hook
To single crochet (sc), insert your hook into the next loop on the starting chain.
Yarning Over
With your hook in the next loop, hook the yarn over and pull it through the loop. You will now have two loops on your hook.
Pulling Through
With both loops now on your hook, hook the yarn over again and pull it through both loops on your hook. You will now have just one loop remaining on your hook. This is your single crochet stitch.
Creating a Base
Repeat steps 1-4 in each stitch across the starting chain to create a series of single crochet stitches. This will form the base of your scrubby. The number of stitches you make will determine the width of the base. For a small scrubby, make 10-12 stitches. For a larger scrubby, make 15-20 stitches.
Joining the Rounds
Once you’ve worked your way around, it’s time to join the rounds. This will attach your beginning to the end of your starting row to create a circle.
Step 1: Insert Hook into First Stitch
With your hook, insert it into the first stitch of your starting row, which should be the beginning of your foundation chain.
Step 2: Yarn Over and Pull Through
Yarn over the hook and pull it through the first stitch, creating a loop on the hook.
Step 3: Insert Hook into Next Stitch
Insert your hook into the next stitch to the left of the one you just crocheted into.
Step 4: Yarn Over and Pull Through
Yarn over the hook and pull it through the second stitch to create a loop on the hook.
Step 5: Draw Through Both Loops
This part requires a bit more detail:
| Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|
| Yarn over the hook again and | Yarn over the hook once |
| draw it through both loops simultaneously | and draw it through just the first loop |
| Result: A slip knot is formed | Result: A double crochet stitch is formed |
Adding the Border
To create a decorative border around your scrubby, follow these steps:
- Join the first and last corner single crochet stitches together with a single crochet stitch to form a circle.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Work a single crochet stitch into the same stitch you worked your chain 1 into. Chain 1 and continue around the circle, alternating single crochet and chain 1 stitches.
- Once you’ve completed a round of single crochet and chain 1 stitches, work 2 single crochet stitches into each chain 1 space. This will create a shell stitch.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- To create the scalloped edge, work 5 single crochet stitches into the next chain 1 space, then skip the next chain 1 space. Repeat this pattern around the circle, creating a series of scallops.
Here’s a table summarizing the border construction:
| Row | Stitch Sequence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Single crochet, chain 1 around |
| 2 | 2 single crochets into each chain 1 space |
| 3 | Single crochet, chain 1 around |
| 4 | 5 single crochets into each chain 1 space, skip 1 chain 1 space (scalloped edge) |
Finishing Off the Scrubby
Once you have knitted or crocheted the desired size of the scrubby, it’s time to finish it off. Here’s how to do it:
1. Weave in Loose Ends
Use a yarn needle or a crochet hook to weave in the loose ends of yarn on the wrong side of the scrubby. Secure them with a knot.
2. Wash and Dry the Scrubby
Wash the scrubby in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry or tumble dry on low heat. This will help the scrubby maintain its shape and remove any excess dye or lint.
3. Fold and Stitch the Hanging Loop
Fold the top edge of the scrubby in half and stitch the edges together to create a hanging loop. Use a strong thread or yarn that matches the scrubby’s color.
4. Add Buttons or Embellishments
If desired, you can add buttons or other embellishments to the scrubby for decoration. Make sure the embellishments are securely attached.
5. Steam the Scrubby
Gently steam the scrubby with a garment steamer or use a hot iron on the low setting. This will help the scrubby retain its shape and give it a professional finish.
6. Store the Scrubby
Store the scrubby in a dry and clean location. When not in use, hang it from the loop to maintain its shape.
7. Scrubbing Power
The scrubbing power of a scrubby depends on the type of yarn used. Below is a table comparing the scrubbing power of different types of yarn:
| Yarn Type | Scrubbing Power |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | Light |
| Cotton | Medium |
| Nylon | Heavy |
| Jute | Heavy |
| Sisal | Heavy |
Types of Scrubbies
There are many different types of scrubbies, each with its own unique purposes and benefits.
Nylon Scrubbies
These scrubbies are a popular choice for cleaning dishes, as they are durable and effective at removing grease and grime. They are also reasonably priced and easy to find.
Polyester Scrubbies
Polyester scrubbies are similar in texture to nylon scrubbies, but they are less absorbent. This makes them ideal for cleaning surfaces that need to be dried quickly, such as countertops and bathroom fixtures.
Cotton Scrubbies
Cotton scrubbies are a good choice for cleaning delicate surfaces, as they are soft and non-abrasive. They are also biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Sponge Scrubbies
Sponge scrubbies are made from a porous material that absorbs water and soap, making them ideal for cleaning surfaces that need to be wet, such as dishes and countertops.
Microfiber Scrubbies
Microfiber scrubbies are made from very fine fibers that are effective at trapping dirt and grime. They are also highly absorbent, making them a good choice for cleaning up spills.
Sisal Scrubbies
Sisal scrubbies are made from a natural fiber that is durable and biodegradable. They are a good choice for cleaning surfaces that need to be scrubbed vigorously, such as outdoor furniture and grills.
Loofah Scrubbies
Loofah scrubbies are made from the dried skin of a gourd. They are soft and absorbent, making them a good choice for cleaning delicate surfaces, such as skin and hair.
Stainless Steel Scrubbies
Stainless steel scrubbies are made from a durable metal that is resistant to rust and corrosion. They are a good choice for cleaning surfaces that need to be scrubbed vigorously, such as pots and pans.
| Type | Material | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Synthetic | Dishes, countertops |
| Polyester | Synthetic | Countertops, bathroom fixtures |
| Cotton | Natural | Delicate surfaces |
| Sponge | Porous | Wet surfaces, dishes |
| Microfiber | Synthetic | Spills |
| Sisal | Natural | Outdoor furniture, grills |
| Loofah | Natural | Skin, hair |
| Stainless steel | Metal | Pots, pans |
Creative Variations
1. Varying Materials
Explore different materials beyond yarn, such as fabric scraps, jute twine, hemp cord, or even recycled plastic bags.
2. Custom Colors and Patterns
Choose yarns in unique colors or create your own patterns by alternating colors or mixing them together.
3. Embroidered Designs
Add a personal touch by embroidering initials, designs, or words onto your scrubbies.
4. Shaped Scrubbies
Use different stitching techniques to create shaped scrubbies, such as hearts, flowers, or animals.
5. Textured Scrubbies
Experiment with different stitch types, such as bobble stitches, popcorn stitches, or cable stitches, to create textured scrubbies.
6. Scented Scrubbies
Add essential oils or scented yarn to your scrubbies for a refreshing or calming effect.
7. Scrubber with Loop
Attach a loop to the corner of your scrubby for easy hanging and storage.
8. Scrubber with Soap Pocket
Create a small pouch within the scrubby to hold a bar of soap, making it convenient for cleaning.
9. Scrubby Set
Make a set of scrubbies in different sizes or colors for various cleaning purposes.
10. Alternative Uses
Extend the functionality of your scrubbies by using them as dishcloths, washcloths, or small cleaning rags. Here’s a table with more alternative uses:
| Alternative Use |
|---|
| Cleaning countertops |
| Wiping down appliances |
| Scrubbing dishes |
| Cleaning bathrooms |
| Dusting furniture |
How To Make Scrubbies
Scrubbies are a great way to clean your dishes, pots, and pans. They are also a great way to use up old yarn or fabric scraps. Making scrubbies is a quick and easy project that can be completed in just a few hours. Here are the steps on how to make scrubbies:
1. Gather your materials. You will need:
- Yarn or fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Crochet hook or knitting needles (optional)
2. Cut your yarn or fabric into strips. The strips should be about 1 inch wide and 8 inches long. You can make them longer or shorter depending on the size of your scrubbie.
3. Tie the strips together. You can tie them in a knot, a bow, or a braid. Make sure the knots are secure so that the scrubbie will not come apart when you use it.
4. Optional: You can crochet or knit the strips together to create a more durable scrubbie. If you are using a crochet hook, use a single crochet stitch. If you are using knitting needles, use a knit stitch.
5. Finish off the scrubbie. Trim any loose ends and weave in any stray yarn or fabric. Your scrubbie is now complete!
People Also Ask
What is the best yarn to use for scrubbies?
The best yarn to use for scrubbies is a cotton yarn. Cotton is a durable material that is also absorbent, making it a good choice for cleaning. You can also use other types of yarn, such as acrylic or wool, but they may not be as durable as cotton.
Can I use old t-shirts to make scrubbies?
Yes, you can use old t-shirts to make scrubbies. Simply cut the t-shirts into strips and tie them together. You can also use other types of fabric scraps, such as old towels or sheets.
