Sunday, June 8, 2014

༺ Handmade Cotton Sponge ༻

Here's a fun summer project if you are in the mood to create simple cotton kitchen sponges. We use ours to wipe the counters and rinse off dishes. They go through the washing machine, which I like because I know they get clean. Here's a blue one I made this morning:


I made up this pattern after trying a few purchased patterns. They had more bells and whistles than I needed. This pattern is very simple, but that's good because when the sponges wear out I'm not stressed about making more. My husband takes the worn out ones to the garage for even more use in the shop.

What you'll need:
  • Cotton Yarn. The typical kitchen cotton works very well. I got a spool of it so I can make these for a long time.
  • Crochet hook. I use #3.25
  • Ruler or Tape Measure
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors
Crochet Stitches:
  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • st = stitch
  • hdc = half double crochet
 
Pattern:

Ch 9, turn

Row 1:  sc in second st from hook, hdc in next st. Repeat this pattern across to end of row. (should end in a hdc). ch 1, turn

Row 2 and beyond: repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7". ch 2 to begin trim

Fold: Bend the piece in half the long way:


Trim: You can make a more creative trim than I use, but here's what I do. hdc around all four sides, joining the two sides of the piece as you go.  At the corners, add a ch 1 to help with the curves.

Bind off and sew in yarn ends.

I hope you enjoy trying this free pattern, and also come visit my etsy shop to see my other patterns and goat's milk soap bars. I recently added a cool pattern for a braided cable scarf. The cable pattern shows on both sides of the skinny scarf, so it can be worn a lot of ways!
I'll leave you with a few pretty flower pictures I took in the yard last week. The first is Sainfoin and the second is Salvia. Thanks for reading my blog!