60+ Kitchen Chore Scrubby Patterns To Crochet, Knit & Sew

On this page you’ll find dozens of free dish scrubby patterns featuring crochet, knitting, sewing and other crafty projects…though atm the majority are for crochet. Who doesn’t love these homemade power tools!

Chore scrubbies are small but mighty for tackling household jobs, especially those in the kitchen. They are ideal for washing dishes, scrubbing ceramic stovetops, cleaning teflon cookware, wiping inside microwaves and anywhere else you need to get into tight corners.

Depending on the craft method used, they can be made from cotton or acrylic yarn (a great way to use up leftovers), t-shirt fabric, hemp, strips of linen, old socks, children’s knit leggings & other repurposed fabrics.

They can be single or double layered and sometimes stuffed with tulle or scraps of nylon netting to help them dry quicker. There are times you want a thinner scrubby to get into tight corners, other jobs might need something thicker for extra crusty spots.

Make a bunch in assorted shapes and sizes, keep them in a drawer for easy access or even a large glass mason jar or basket sitting on the counter to fish out what you need.

Some materials may be added to make an extra abrasive texture (that won’t scratch surfaces), these include crinoline, tulle, nylon or plastic mesh from produce bags, plastic bags (cut into strips), jute. You can also buy special yarns from Red Heart that are uniquely textured just for this purpose.

These little workhorses whip up fast and furious so if you’re looking for a quick project with immediate results, this is a great place to start. They are not only immensely satisfying to make, they are a terrific way to use up leftover materials and transform them into something truly useful.

I find they are totally gift-worthy as they’ve always been well received whenever I’ve stashed a few in gift packages.

Things to keep in mind: Just like other rags used for cleaning, these need to be washed regularly & dried well to avoid bacteria growth. The instructions & recipes for how to clean sponges will nicely apply here too though I’d be hesitant about the microwave technique depending on fiber content.

If using materials other than washable yarn (these can go right into the laundry with the rest of your cleaning rags): plunge well into hot soapy water, rinse then set aside to dry (loops come in handy for this purpose, just hang them on the tap).

If materials used can handle the heat, these can also be tossed in the dishwasher for a good hot session. I’d stick them in a mesh laundry bag first (top rack) so they don’t end up on the dishwasher floor’s heating element.

Free Dish Scrubby Patterns: Crochet, Knit, Sewn & DIY

Now on to the goodies! Each of the designs listed in the galleries below are hassle-free, instant access (no emails to submit, no memberships to signup for). If that has changed, please let me know in the comments area below so I can remove the project.

I’ve organized the projects into a few groups for easier browsing:

• Round / Circular
• Square / Rectangle
• Assorted Shapes
• Bottle Washers (just a few so far)
• Tawashi Weaving Info (assorted DIY & Tips)

Keep in mind most are crochet patterns but the others should be identifiable by the pictures (ie. sewn). I’ve tried to indicate (knit) for those that might not stand out as such.

Directions: Click on images to visit pattern pages, a new browser tab will open, saving your spot here

Round Scrubbies

There are so many round designs to choose from online, but I think these are the best that I’ve come across. Some may seem quite similar or even the same, but I hope I’ve weeded out all the duplicates successfully. The ones below may be different in size, technique, materials used or have some feature that’s different.

Scrubbie Dots

I love the bright & cheery colors used in this example! A great stash buster using two colors of worsted weight cotton yarn. Finished Size: 3 1/2″. A free pdf pattern is available to download.

Source: whiskersandwool.blogspot.com

Loom Spool Knitting

This is nice ‘n scratchy but in a good way (for cleaning). Has no problem on ceramic stoves & teflon since it’s nylon. This clever gal cuts 1″ strips of crino (crinoline) which are then used to cover lengths of plastic canvas yarn which are then worked on the loom. There’s a free pdf pattern to download. Washer & dryer friendly.

Source: kansasa.blogspot.com

Pantyhose & Plarn

When both materials are combined, you get one thick & durable scrubby. Another great way to repurpose items that would otherwise get tossed out. Machine washable and dishwasher safe.

Source: plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com

Tawashi Rosebud

Lots of colorful examples of how you can make these so it’s a perfect way to use up all the Lily’s Sugar and Cream scraps. Based on this pattern from crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com (spiral scrubbie).

Source: thekidneybean.wordpress.com

Tulle Rounds

A roll of tulle (6″ wide, 25 yards long) will yield 4 to 5 small rounds or 3 larger ones (about 5″ diameter). One side is smoother while the other has ridges.

Source: nadinespatterns.blogspot.com

Sea Urchin (Knit)

Made with both yarn (100% worsted weight cotton) & 1″ strips of mesh netting saved from food packaging.

Source: girlontherocks.com

Nylon Netting

Netting is cut into 1-1/2 to 2 inch strips which are then crocheted in the round. When the back is done the leftover netting is stuffed inside before finishing off to close.

Source: cody-simplyhomemade.blogspot.com

Aloo

This one was made with aloo (from the Himalayan Nettle plant). Recommended alternatives: thin hemp or linen (for body/bath) and worsted weight cotton or acrylic for kitchen use.

Source: traciknits.blogspot.com

Double Sided

Tulle on one side, cotton on the other. Quick tip from the author: “I make sure to squeeze out the extra water and then I pull the cotton side up to allow more air to get inside. I do this to make sure that my scrubby stays fresh and doesn’t get sour.”

Source: delights-gems.blogspot.com

Tawashi Knot (Knit)

Materials: Worsted weight acrylic (if wanting supreme scrubbing power). Four rows are knit into a strip which is then cleverly folded into a round tawashi (good step-by-step pictures provided in pdf). Short ends are seamed with mattress stitch to hold securely in place.

Source: ravelry.com

Square & Rectangular Scrubbers

This shape can be especially useful when trying to get into tight corners. Keep in mind the size can be easily increased or decreased depending on the yarn & hook or needle size used.

Plarn Scrubber w/ Loop

This tutorial shows how to make plarn (cutting strips from plastic bags) & then a pattern to crochet this little square. Not only is this a great way to repurpose grocery bags, the plastic provides enough stiffness & abrasiveness to do a good cleaning job without damaging cookware surfaces. Also see basic info at adishofvegetables.blogspot.com.

Source: instructables.com

Quick & Easy

Her tip is to use 2 of strands of yarn held together using both ends (the inside and outside) of the cotton since only one ball is needed.

Source: midknightstarr.wordpress.com

Knitted Scrubbie

Made with cotton worsted weight yarn & medium tulle (which she recommends wrapping around cardboard first for easier manageability). Finished size is about 3 1/2″ x 5″. Worked on US 9 needles.

Source: berlinswhimsy.typepad.com

Dual Duty

A super easy cotton square with an abrasive border on one side (done in Red Heart scrubby yarn). Stitched in single crochet throughout gives it some heft to tackle tough jobs.

Source: cityfarmhousestudio.com

Reversible with Mesh Produce Bags

This repurposes the plastic mesh bags that you bring home from the grocery store (holding onions, garlic, oranges, etc.) & combines it with worsted weight yarn to make some super scrubbers.

Source: ohthatmrsgreene.com

Floral Popcorn

These are offered as bath/body sponges but I think the raised popcorn flower motif would make it a terrific kitchen wipe too. Free pdf pattern download.

Source: yarnspirations.com

Mesh Pot Scrubbers (Sewing)

This reuses mesh from produce bags, she offers a sewn and no-sew version (which is a round ball). Another great project is found here: How To Make A Reusable Sponge.

Source: myfrugalhome.com

Assorted Shapes

Many florals with layers of petals in this batch but there are some other fun & unique designs too.

Chevron Mitts (Knitting)

This is a unique design, they fit over the hands, have a ribbed cuff & a loop for hanging (this is a crochet chain) so they can air dry. There’s a hole for the thumb to stick out which makes it easier to work with.

Source: simplynotable.com

Ruffled Dish Mop

Based on a pattern found in an old newspaper called a “Boutonniere Dish Mop”. Has a center “ring” for hanging. If you find it too cumbersome (it’s made with size 3 thread), try her updated attempt using cotton yarn.

Source: missabigailshopechest.blogspot.com

Sunflower

The center is made with plastic canvas yarn (2-ply 100% nylon) and the petals with worsted weight cotton. Linking to the web archive since original page is no longer online. Finished size: 6″ across.

Source: web.archive.org

Flower Power

Transform store bought scrubbies by making them a floral base (back is fully covered) and pretty petal edges. I love this idea, so creative!

Source: ravelry.com

Pretty Posey

Here’s another crafty way to cover store bought plastic scrubbies. This is a video tutorial but I found a free pdf download here as well: Scrubby Posey Pattern.

Source: yarnspirations.com

Adorable Owl Scrubbies

The original website appears to be down so I’ve linked to the web archive. The first part of the project begins on this page Rounds 1 – 4, click on the owl image to the left to visit the second part.

Source: web.archive.org

Bottle Cleaners

I love the idea of sticking these over a wooden spoon so you can get deep inside bottles and vases, so clever!

Tawashi Weaving: How-To Videos & DIY Loom Boards

Tawashis are a fantastic way to repurpose fabrics from old clothes (t-shirts, knit pants, socks, etc.) and give them new life. Strips are cut from larger pieces (such as the body from an old shirt), loops are cut from long sleeves and child size pant legs or old socks where the heel is shot.

These strips or loops are then woven on a loom which sounds complicated, but it’s actually easy enough for a child to craft. They whip up super fast (quicker than knitting or crochet) and are very durable and strong.

Although made from repurposed materials, they are incredibly durable and well suited for the toughest of jobs.

Instead of showing step-by-step instructions how to make them, I’ve put together an excellent list of videos showing you different ways to make looms out of cheap materials and then how to weave them. This can be done two ways: with the strips of repurposed fabric vs. the loops.

For some reason Youtube served up several French language videos (I’m not French), but even with the mute button on, I thought these were just right for showing all the tips & tricks.

• Make A Tawashi Sponge: Materials: Clothespins, old socks & a cardboard egg carton. I’ve seen big binder clips used instead of clothes pins.
• Weaving Instructions: Demonstrating two different weaving techniques using strips cut from an old t-shirt.
• DIY Weaving Loom with Wood & Nails: The text is in French but easy to follow.
• More DIY Board Ideas: Nails & wood; Push pins & cardboard; Chopsticks; Butter Knives.
• Folded Cardboard Tabs: French again! but I followed with sound off no problem. This one is the best for learning how to finish off that final hanging loop so it stays put & not unravel.
• Wood & Nails Loom: Making the wood board loom, nails & shows measurements too.

You can also buy ready made square weaving looms at your local craft shop or online, you’ll just want to make sure it’s not too big for making tawashis. These are usually inexpensive and made with plastic, but some wooden models are available too.