How to Crochet a Dish Scrubby for Beginners (with Handle and Hanging Loop)

A crochet dish scrubby is one of the best first projects for new crocheters: it is small, quick and genuinely useful in the kitchen. In this step-by-step video, Anita Louise Crochet shows how to make a round scrubby with a handy strap on the back, so you can slip your fingers under it while you wash up, plus a little loop for hanging it to dry. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to disposable sponges.

Dish Scrubby at a Glance

• Designer: Anita Louise Crochet (video tutorial)
• Skill level: beginner
• Pieces: two circles and one handle strip
• Technique: working in the round, then joining the pieces
• Yarn: medium weight (4) cotton
• Video length: about 14 minutes, with chapters

What You'll Need

• Medium weight (worsted, 4) cotton yarn
• A crochet hook in the size recommended for your yarn
• A yarn needle and scissors

Cotton is the right choice for anything that goes near the sink. It is absorbent, strong and can be washed again and again. Avoid acrylic, which does not absorb water and can melt with very hot water.

How the Scrubby Is Made

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1. The circular base (1:02): crochet two flat circles in the round, increasing evenly so they stay flat.
2. The handle (5:00): make a short strip that will become the strap on the back.
3. Assembly (8:14): place the handle between or across the circles and join everything with a round of stitches. Add a small chain loop at the edge for hanging.

Tips for a Better Scrubby

• Keep the circles flat. If they curl into a bowl, add more increases; if they ruffle, you are increasing too much.
• Make the handle snug. It should fit your fingers comfortably without being loose.
• Want more scrubbing power? Use a textured stitch or hold a strand of scrubby yarn together with the cotton.
• Wash it often. Cotton scrubbies can go in the washing machine, so make a few and rotate them.

Images and patterns courtesy of Anita Louise Crochet

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: Anita Louise Crochet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good first crochet project?
Yes. It is small, quick and teaches you how to work in the round and how to join pieces.

How long does it take?
Most beginners can finish a scrubby in under an hour. The video itself is about 14 minutes long.

Can I use it on non-stick pans?
Yes. A cotton scrubby is gentle, so it is safe for most surfaces, including non-stick pans.

More Beginner Projects from Anita Louise Crochet

Learn the basics with Anita Louise's single crochet tutorial and double crochet tutorial, then try the blanket for beginners. You will find more first projects in our crochet patterns for beginners.