How to Crochet a Tawashi

Linda Permann, contributor

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The tawashi (dish scrubber) in its natural habitat.

Linda Permann

Start by making a chain of 21 stitches.

Linda Permann

Sc in the 2nd chain from your hook, then sc in next ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 12 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in last 2 ch. Before completing your last sc (i.e., before the last yarn over), switch colors as detailed below.

Linda Permann

The tawashi (dish scrubber) in its natural habitat.

Photo: Linda Permann

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Japanese Tawashi, or dish scrubbies, have become popular crochet (and knit) items over the past few years, perhaps because they are small, cute, and useful. They can be washed and dried, meaning there's not the same gross-out factor as with commercial sponges that end up getting tossed. I designed this tawashi out of Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend, which is made out of recycled T-shirt remnants (factory waste). You can also make these out of acrylic (the scratchier the better!) for extra scrubbing power—in Japan, they even sell yarns that have silver ions in them and are antibacterial. Supposedly they need no detergent to work—now that's eco-friendly!

After my crafting session, I put the tawashi to use straight away on the dishes and found it especially good for bowls and glasses because of its flexibility (I like to fold it over the edges and clean the outside and inside at once). A scratchy one would do a supreme job on tougher dishes, but I like the feel of the cotton. It would also make an excellent duster or counter wiper—I see  more of these in my future! If you find yourself addicted to crocheting these, you might want to check out Tawashi Town on Ravelry (you must be a Ravelry member to join), or check out this roundup of knit and crochet tawashi.

Get more crochet projects: • How to Edge a Napkin (or Anything Else) with Crochet • How to Make a Reversible Swiffer Sock • How to Crochet a Rug out of T-Shirts • How to Make a Pet Bed from Recycled Sweaters

Materials:

• Small amount of Red Heart Eco-Cotton (or comparable yarn, CYCA size 4) in three colors
• Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations:
ch     chain
sc     single crochet
hdc   half double crochet
dc     double crochet

Start by making a chain of 21 stitches.

Sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, then sc in next ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 12 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, sc in last 2 ch. Before completing your last sc (i.e., before the last yarn over), switch colors as detailed below.

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Comments (26)

KarenA writes: I am trying to make one out of netting, this being my first try at making a Tawashi. I seem to be following the pattern, but mine does not look like your pictures states it should. Mine keep curling in a ball. Both ends seem to taper. Can you help me on what I might be doing wrong? Thanks a bunch.
Posted: 6:45 pm on April 6th

heather77 writes: @igolf -- I'm sure you already have this answered - but there is NO decrease stitch. you have your first row of 1 stitches, sc in 2nd ch, sc, hdc, hdc, 12 dc, etc - when you change colors, turn and chain 1, then continue with the sc, sc, hdc, hdc, etc for 20 stitches across again. hope that helps
Posted: 10:46 pm on November 13th

igolf writes: I guess I'm missing something here. When I do row 2, I start out with the ch 1, then it says to sc in first 2 sc, is this the decreasing stitch? Then followed row 2 toward the end the pattern says to hdc in next 2 dc, sc in last 2 dc. When I get to the end of the row I have 2 hdc and 2 sc stitches. Can someone clarify this for me? I know I can do it but am totally confused. Thanks!
Posted: 2:17 pm on September 16th

Njikoka writes: This is a really fun project. Great to do while waiting to pick up my grandson's from school. I discovered that when making the smaller version, it helped to use less rows. I used 16 rows in the smaller version and it worked quite well. Thanks again.
Posted: 8:06 pm on August 30th

canadaroxieg9 writes: I too love these tawashi(s) and have made many many of them for family and friends.I was given some of that old plastic fantastic "yarn" called phentex some time ago and wondered what to do with it. It is great for a dish cloth and the colours last. Apparently one person heated their tawashi up on purpose and of course it melts which then she used as a defoiler? spell that one? Thank you again it is so fun and so useful and makes good use of leftover yarn
Posted: 8:13 am on August 14th

Rebekah_Lynne writes: I do a scrubbie that is similar to the tawashi but it is oblong instead of round. The tawashi sounds just as easy as the one I do so I think I'll switch things up and try it.
Posted: 3:17 pm on May 28th

Debs1967 writes: Great project. Easy to follow directions. Thanks for sharing.
Posted: 10:42 pm on April 4th

SweetSereRinity writes: hi , i made a cpl of these today there really great, can u tell me how i can make em a lil bit smaller, instead of 21 sts would it work with 11?
any info would be greatly appreciated thank you!
Posted: 9:09 pm on March 31st

LindaPermann writes: Manfamae- Yes, you may make and sell tawashi from this pattern. I'd appreciate a link back to my website (lindamade.com) or this tutorial. Thanks for asking!
Posted: 10:34 pm on March 19th

ManfaMae writes: I made a bunch of these for Christmas gifts this year and everyone loved them. When I make them, I use all one color and add a sc loop at the top so that they can be hung up to dry. Recently, I've had a few people offer to buy some from me. I just wanted to verify if it was okay to sell tawashis made from this pattern if I include a link to the pattern.
Posted: 9:50 am on March 12th

peacebirdstudio writes: This looks great! Putting on my list of craft adventures!
Posted: 10:33 am on March 4th

EFB writes: It' kind of like the spiral scrubby I've made before. Looks easier to make though. I'll try it.
EFB
Posted: 4:16 pm on December 6th

Querida writes: Not too good at this....I posted a picture of the Tawashi I made and it's in the Mine folder, and I'd like to add my picture to this page....please tell me how.

thanks
Posted: 8:03 pm on November 30th

Kat7914 writes: I love this pattern for a tawashi. I want to put a photo on my blog of what I have made using your pattern. Is this ok if I put a link back to this web site?

thanks for a wonderful easy pattern!

Kat7914
Posted: 12:01 am on July 7th

21centurydressmaker writes: it's visually wonderful and I also love your tutorial, clear and doable. Must go fill a colorful basket with them to keep handy in the kitchen. Thank you!
Posted: 4:23 am on June 4th

LindaPermann writes: thanks rainbowridgegrma! i'm glad you like them!
Posted: 1:07 pm on April 23rd

rainbowridergrma writes: I am not one to ooh and aah over a dish cloth, but this is an exception. I have made several from your wonderful pattern. They fit my hand just right and they really do a good job of cleaning. Thanks so much for the pattern.
Posted: 12:00 pm on April 23rd

LindaPermann writes: craftybear- you can try the link i listed for other free tawashi patterns, or check ravelry.com. I hope you'll share your results with us!
Posted: 2:41 am on April 5th

craftybear2005 writes: cool pattern, I can't wait to make some of these! Do you have any other of the cool tawashi patterns, as I bought a book but can't translate it into English
Posted: 2:03 am on April 5th

txyarngirl writes: Thanks! I've been wondering what to make w/ my leftover dishcloth cotton, and I think I'll try a Tawashi. Cute!
Posted: 11:19 pm on April 3rd

ohnoshesews writes: oh, so cute! great stashbuster, too. Thanks for the nice tutorial.

Posted: 2:24 pm on April 2nd

LindaPermann writes: thanks! and Joannie_N- I'm glad you already had a chance to use it. And yes, for anyone who wants to make a smaller version, just subtract some of the double crochets on each row (for instance, do only 6 dc/row).
Posted: 12:08 pm on April 2nd

Joannie_N writes: This article came at the perfect time. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and I was able to make two of them -- one full size as the pattern indicated for my husband (the dishwasher in this house) and one smaller one for my mother to use at her house. Very quick and easy!
Posted: 8:44 am on April 2nd

NigheanRuadh writes: I was just thinking that I need to replace my worn-out dishcloths (craftily, of course). This project is perfect!!
Posted: 6:55 am on April 2nd

5andDime writes: It looks like a sea urchin! It could go in the coral reef.
Posted: 12:42 pm on April 1st

Sister_Diane writes: I love this project! Useful, simple, pretty, AND makes good use of scrap yarns. I have so much acrylic leftover from teaching various classes - which I'll now be putting to good use. Thanks for the lovely tutorial!
Posted: 7:29 am on April 1st

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