Crochet Dish Scrubbies
Crochet dish scrubbies are handmade wonders that bring a smile to your dishwashing routine! These adorable and practical creations are the perfect combination of functionality and charm. They are not only great at scrubbing away stubborn dirt and grease but also add a touch of personality to your kitchen. With their vibrant colors and soft texture, these crocheted scrubbies make doing the dishes a little less of a chore and a lot more enjoyable. Plus, they are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to disposable sponges. So next time you reach for your dish scrubber, consider switching to these friendly crocheted versions for a fun and sustainable cleaning experience!
Materials:
- Size K, 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Tulle in various colors (3 yards in each color), you can get any amount you desire, 3 yards will yield about 8-10 scrubbies
- Blunt needle
Abbreviations:
ch- chain
sc- single crochet
sl st- slip stitch
sc2tog- single crochet two together
Choosing Your Tulle
- Material Type: Look for nylon tulle, as it is durable, resilient, and less likely to fray.
- Mesh Size: Choose a medium mesh size. Tulle with a slightly larger mesh can add texture for scrubbing. The very fine tulle will small mesh size can be too soft for a scrubby. Look for tulle with more texture to the touch.
- Thickness: Opt for tulle that is not too stiff but still holds its shape. Thicker tulle provides more scrubbing power, while softer tulle is better for delicate dishes.
- Durability: Check the quality of the tulle by pulling it slightly. It should stretch a little without tearing or distorting.
You can find variety and ranges of tulle fabric at any craft store that sells fabric. Jo Anns and Hobby Lobby are great choices!
Cutting your tulle
You will cut your tulle into 2″ wide stripes.
Fold your tulle in half, then in half again and in half again until you have a nice roll.
Cut your yarn into 2″ strips.
Tips for cutting tulle:
- Use Sharp Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Ensure your scissors are very sharp to get clean cuts. A rotary cutter with a cutting mat can also make the process smoother, especially for long, straight cuts.
- Weigh It Down: Since tulle is lightweight and tends to shift easily, use weights (like fabric weights or even heavy books) to keep it in place while cutting.
- Fold the Tulle: If you need to cut long strips or large pieces, fold the tulle several times before cutting. This makes it easier to manage and ensures more uniform cuts.
- Work on a Large, Flat Surface: Spread the tulle on a large, flat surface to ensure it lays flat without wrinkles or folds. A clean table or floor works well.
- Cut in Sections: Instead of trying to cut through a large piece of tulle all at once, work in smaller sections. This gives you better control and accuracy.
- Pin or Clip the Edges: If you’re cutting multiple layers of tulle, pin or clip the edges together to keep the layers aligned.
Why crochet dish scrubbies are awesome!
- Eco-Friendly: Unlike disposable sponges and synthetic scrubbers, crochet dish scrubbies are reusable and can be made from eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and your environmental footprint.
- Customizable: You can create scrubbies in any size, shape, color, or texture to suit your personal preferences or match your kitchen décor. This customization also allows you to make them as soft or as scrubby as needed.
- Durable: Crochet scrubbies are often more durable than store-bought options. Made with materials like cotton yarn, nylon, or tulle, they can withstand frequent use and washing.
- Easy to Clean: Unlike traditional sponges that can harbor bacteria, crochet scrubbies can be easily cleaned in the washing machine or by hand, ensuring they stay hygienic and fresh.
- Versatile: They are great for a variety of cleaning tasks beyond just dishes. You can use them for cleaning countertops, scrubbing pots and pans, or even in the bathroom for cleaning sinks and tubs.
- Gentle on Surfaces: Crochet scrubbies made with softer materials are gentle on delicate surfaces like non-stick cookware, glass, and ceramic, reducing the risk of scratches.
- Affordable: Making your own crochet scrubbies is cost-effective. You can often use leftover yarn or tulle from other projects, and a single skein or roll of tulle can produce multiple scrubbies.
- Great for Gifting: Handmade crochet scrubbies make thoughtful and practical gifts. They can be part of a kitchen gift set or a small token of appreciation for friends and family.
- Fun to Make: Crocheting dish scrubbies is a quick and satisfying project, perfect for using up scrap materials or trying out new stitches. It’s also a great project for beginners.
- Promotes Sustainable Living: By using and gifting crochet scrubbies, you contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by encouraging the use of reusable, handmade items over disposable products.
Note:
- Join a new strip of tulle as you work the pattern. When you work the back side of the scrubby, you will tuck in the ends of the other pieces of tulle into the middle of the scrubby. This will eliminate having to weave in a ton of ends! You will only have 1 end to weave in.
Final Measurement:
Approx. 3.25” x 3.25”.
Pattern:
Ch 4
Round 1: 6 sc in end st (first ch you made), sl st to to join (6).
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join (12).
Round 3: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc,* repeat from * around, sl st to join (24).
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join (24).
Round 6: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc,* repeat from * around, sl st to join (12).
***tuck your ends into the middle of the scrubbie and work over them tucking them in as you go***
Round 7: Ch 1, sc2tog around, sl st to join (6).
Round 8: Ch 1, sc2tog 3 times, sl st to join (3).
Fasten off.
Weave in end.