Hand Knit Dish Scrubber: DIY Natural Scrubbie

Do you like using useful and cool handmade items? I do too, but they need to work well. This hand-knit dish scrubber is one of those items!

In the kitchen, I prefer practical tools that deliver great results. My favorites are old, proven items, especially those that are inexpensive!

I love cast iron skillets and griddles. I love wooden spoons and pottery mixing bowls. Things that work!

So, these hand-knit scrubbies with natural pop-up cellulose sponges are just perfect. They are non-toxic and fun to make.

You May Also Enjoy:

• DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap: From One Bar of Soap
• Homemade Foaming Hand Soap {Easy DIY Recipe}
• Handmade Tissue Box Covers | Crafty & Fun {So Clever!}
• LEARN to MAKE HARD TACK | Easy Hardtack Recipe

Handmade Dish Scrubber:

Being a “utility” knitter—meaning that I do not do patterns or cable stitches or anything fancy; I like simple, practical knitting projects.

I have made socks, mittens, hats, dishcloths, hot pads, sweaters, and fingerless gloves, but these little natural twine scrubbers took all my knitting resolve.

CAUTION: Knitting with 5-pound sisal twine is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun!

The twine doesn’t stretch, so it may feel awkward at first. Be patient as you start knitting.

The twine is stiff and scratchy, but you’ll find your own knitting style. Remember, we want it to be stiff and scratchy because that creates the best dish scrubber!

Please use this optional: Leather Finger Tip Protector to aid in knitting. I use it on my index finger but help hold the stitches on the needle. You could even use a finger protector on each index finger. See what works best for you.

It is a challenge at first, but keep after it, and you will see that it becomes easier!

Best Twine for Your Handmade Dish Scrubber:

Sisal twine is strong and perfect for making dish scrubbers. These scrubbers are effective and have a charming, vintage look. They also have a lot of rustic appeal.

A cellulose sponge is stitched inside the hand-knit scrubbie to hold water and soap well. The stiff twine provides an effective cleaning edge. The scrubbie becomes a little softer in warm water but still feels good in your hand.

I think these will be great for scrubbing gardeners’ hands!

INSTRUCTIONS for YOUR HANDMADE DISH SCRUBBER:

STEP #1

STEP #2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDMADE DISH SCRUBBERS:

First, cast on between 15 and 24 stitches. The number of stitches that you cast on will depend on the the weight of your sisal twine. I caste on 20 stitches but my twine was heavy duty. The lighter the twine, the more stitches you will need to caste on.

Wet the cellulose sponge until it expands fully. After you cast on your stitches, place the sponge on them to check if you have enough..

Knit using the Garter Stitch , which is the simplest knitting technique. Just knit every row; go across and then back. It’s all knitting, no purling—just straight knitting.

Make sure the edges are secure.

Knit for 5 to 6 inches. I did 18 rows, but use your sponge to measure and ensure you have enough to cover it.

STEP # 3

FINISHING THE EDGES ON THE SCRUBBIE:

To finish the scrubbie off, bind off the stitches on your needle. If binding off seems too difficult, just weave a piece with your darning needle and twine to finish off the loops.

Then, simply sew the edges together with either the whip stitch or football stitch or whatever style you prefer.

Make sure the sponge is centered in your twine scrubbie, then sew up the final opening.

FINALLY:

Wet your new natural scrubbie in warm water and reshape, if necessary.

Make sure to rehydrate your cellulose sponge each time you use it.

The scrubbie can be put in the dishwasher or microwave to sanitize. Or, you can gently boil for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria.

It is a very good idea to stay on top of sanitizing your dishcloths and natural scrubbies so they do not harbor bad bacteria.

Now that I have been using my new scrubbie, I am realizing that it is not as scritchy-scratchy as I thought, so… I am planning on making a new one for the natural bathroom!

PS—remember that this is just a scrubbie, so it does not need to be perfect to be very usable and functional!

PSS—the scrubbie is also biodegradable, so it can be simply tossed into the compost pile when it has served its purpose and begins to fall apart.

Please Share on Pinterest!

Pin It for Safe Keeping!