Crafty by Nature

How to Make a Reversible Swiffer Sock

Linda Permann, contributor

319 users recommend

This Swiffer sock can be used as a duster (ruffly side), mopper (smooth side), and it fits right over your sweeper. I took the photo on the bottom right just in case you were wondering if it really works—ick!

Linda Permann

To start, chain 31. Note that the foundation chain is shorter than the width of the Swiffer—the finished sock will stretch to fit.

Linda Permann

Working in the front loop only, *ch 4, sl st in next dc; repeat from * across. This will create a set of loops on the right side of the work. You'll fold them out of the way and work the other loop on your next row.

Linda Permann

This Swiffer sock can be used as a duster (ruffly side), mopper (smooth side), and it fits right over your sweeper. I took the photo on the bottom right just in case you were wondering if it really works—ick!

Photo: Linda Permann

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I've always hated buying refills for my Swiffer sweeper—even though I used both sides of the cloth, it just seemed silly to throw them away. And truthfully, it had been languishing in my closet because I have no refills, so I thought I would come up with a reusable option for Swiffer (and like-minded) sweepers. I came up with this crocheted cover, which, as the sort-of gross photo proves, really works! It also proves that I need to dust more often. Sorry, Mom! This "sock" is fun and quick to crochet, easy to complete with scraps, and a great use for acrylic yarns, since they tend to create static that makes dust and hair cling. Once you're done dusting, you can brush the excess dirt and dust into the trash bin (really, it's okay to touch dirt!) and then throw the sock in the washer and dryer with your other laundry. This project was extremely satisfying to make, and I think I'll make another one to have on hand in case I don't always remember to throw it in the wash. Perhaps it will encourage a bit more cleanliness on my part. Perhaps.

Update: Please be sure to click through ALL the pages to see the step by step photos. If you make this, I'd love for you to add it to Ravelry!

Get more crochet projects: • Baby Hoodie Crochet-Along • How to Crochet a Chunky Last-Minute Scarflet • Upcycle Ugly Buttons into Pretty Coasters

Materials:

• Small amount of worsted-weight (CYCA size 4) acrylic yarn in two colors (I used Red Heart Soft Yarn)
• Size H (5mm) hook
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
sl st: slip stitch
st: stitch 
FL: front loop
dec: decrease
RS: right side

Pattern:
(Note: I'll walk you through the pattern and explain how to make changes for other brands, but I wanted to have it all in one chunk as well to make it easy to use.)

Chain 33.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across, turn—31 dc.
Row 2 (RS): With next color, *ch 4, sl st in FL of next st; repeat from * across, turn—30 ch-4 loops.
Row 3: Working in FL, ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next st and each st across, turn—31 dc.
Rows 4–15: Repeat rows 2 and 3, changing colors every 2 rows (if desired), turn—31 sts.

After turning on last row, you'll begin working in the round.
Round 1: With 1st color, ch 1, sc around the edge of the rectangle, working 1 sc into top or bottom of each dc and 2 sc into sides of sts, and working 2 sc in each corner st, join with a sl st to first sc—98 sts.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join.
Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in next 7 sc, decrease over next 2 sc; rep * twice, sc in each sc until 2 sts before corner, (decrease over next 2 stitches) 12 times or as many times as necessary to work up short side until 2 stitches past short side**; repeat from * to ** once more to complete the round, join with a sl st in first sc—68 sts.
Round 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 6 sc, decrease over next 2 sc; rep * twice, sc in each sc until 2 sts before corner, (decrease over next 2 stitches) six times or as many times as necessary to work up short side until 2 stitches past short side**; repeat from * to ** once more to complete the round, join with a sl st in first sc—50 sts.
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st in first sc—50 sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

To start, chain 31. Note that the foundation chain is shorter than the width of the Swiffer—the finished sock will stretch to fit.

If you're making the sock for another brand of sweeper, make the foundation chain at least an inch shorter than the base. If you're using a nonstretchy yarn, you may have to adjust the pattern slightly by adding a few more stitches to the foundation chain.

Dc in 4th ch from hook and each chain across. At the end of the row, switch to the next color at the last yarn over of the last dc. Leave the first color strand there, as you'll pick it up 2 rows later.

Working in the front loop only, *ch 4, sl st in next dc; repeat from * across. This will create a set of loops on the right side of the work. You'll fold them out of the way and work the other loop on your next row.

Here's how the work will look once you complete the first row of loops. Your work might start curling on itself. This is fine; it will straighten out closer to the end.

Turn, then work a row of dc into the front loop only of the same row of stitches. As you work, fold the ch-4 loops out of the way to make it easy to see the front loops.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 six more times, changing colors every 2 rows. The wrong side of the work will look like this when you are finished. Turn the work (to the right side) one last time before you begin working in rounds.

If you have a different brand/size, you might need to work more rows. Just remember to err on making the rectangle slightly smaller than your base (rather than slightly larger).

Ch 1 and sc evenly around the outside edge of the rectangle.

You'll need to make 2 sc into the side of each dc row to ensure that the rectangle lies flat.

After working 2 rounds of sc, proceed to round 3. To make a single crochet decrease: (insert hook in next stitch, yarn over, and draw up a loop) twice, draw the second loop through the two loops on your hook.

Make a few more decrease rounds to close up the sock so it'll fit snugly over the swiffer. If your stitch counts don't match exactly, don't fret. It's okay to wing it here—just make sure you do a lot of decreasing on the short sides and around 3 decreases on each long side.

This Swiffer sock can be used as a duster (ruffly side), mopper (smooth side), and it fits right over your sweeper. I took the photo on the bottom right just in case you were wondering if it really works—ick! The verdict: It works great, and I need to clean more often.

See more of my projects on my personal blog, and look for my new book, Crochet Adorned, in stores August 11, 2009.

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Comments (62)

Moptop27 writes: Great idea,made two already
Posted: 1:52 pm on November 1st

mamaneedsmortime2sew writes: What a great idea! I'll have to try it.
Posted: 8:51 pm on August 21st

carriwalker writes: I made this and love it. My 3 year old daughter want to know if I could make her a "caterpillar"
Posted: 9:17 am on July 11th

AndreaShepherd writes: Are the decreases accounted for or do I have to figure them out?? And on Round 1 is it 1 sc crochet in each stitch on the long sides and 2 in the short. I don't wuite understand the way it is written.
I am almost to rounds with no problems but need these thing answered b4 I can finish.
Thank You!!
Posted: 10:11 am on June 28th

Julijane writes: I love this! But.....I've moved on, from a Swiffer to a Shark Steam Mop, and can't find ANY crochet patterns for it. Do you know of any online? I think there's many of us who adore our steam mops, but don't LOVE the price of replacement microfiber covers ($20 for TWO). Any ideas?

Thanks a bunch!
Posted: 2:50 pm on January 8th

jnjewel writes: Hi, everyone.
I just wanted to add about washing these. I never really wash the sweeper sock in the washing machine with other clothes. It gets really dusty. I always hand wash them, but it's soooooo easy to wash off the dirt and dust. I don't even use any detergent unless it gets a little greasy. But again you have to use acrylic. With cotton, it doesn't get that clean by hand wash only. With acrylic, it dries so quick,too. I do toss my dish cloth in the washing machine with other laundry, and have many of them to switch around. But the sweeper sock, I never had a need for it.
Posted: 8:00 pm on May 17th

jnjewel writes: I've been using this type of sweeper cover, but knitted. Ruffle on one side is a good idea. I use it guarter stitches, all knitting stitches front and back, no purls. That works well, too, because it makes rougher surface. I just wanted to tell all of you, if you make these, you HAVE TO USE ACRYLIC YARNS. With acrylic yarns, all the dust and dirt washes off very easily. Also acrylic yarns cleans grease. So if you love to make dish clothes, you have to use acrylic. Forget about the old fashion cotton dish clothes. With acrylic yarns, you can clean around the stoves and grills without detergent. If you don't believe me, you've just got to try it. You don't have to worry about scratching the kitchen top either. These projects are so eco-friendly, everyone should use these.
Posted: 7:48 pm on May 17th

SaraO writes: This absolutely, totally rocks! I got it done in a few hours and it was super easy! I just made it all one color and love it! Only problem is that my Swiffer is almost 11 yrs old and I apparently have the "little" version! I love the "pad" so much that I am going to invest in a larger sized Swiffer!
Posted: 3:22 pm on February 18th

Mkellman writes: I cannot wait to make this thing. I love the colors chosen!
Posted: 1:29 am on January 11th

nikyy writes: love this ,i try to do it but i`m not sure when i start to do the decreases i am stock here ,please can you help me? thanks
Posted: 12:28 am on August 11th

ksueg1951 writes: i made one last night it took about an hour. Used it today
wow really great. going to make a few more so i'll always have one.
thanks
Posted: 5:46 pm on January 14th

ksueg1951 writes: i made one last night it took about an hour. Used it today
wow really great. going to make a few more so i'll always have one.
thanks
Posted: 5:45 pm on January 14th

vspindler writes: I have made two of these. One to fit my "Swiffer" and one to fit a larger Swiffer like mop. These things are great! Work better than the disposible cloths. Very easy to make. The pattern is very easy to adjust too.
Posted: 12:17 am on January 14th

jonsen writes: Awesome! I HAVE to try this.
Posted: 7:37 pm on January 13th

cberends writes:
My husband is a swiffer fan, the dispossable sheets drive me nuts. This is so great!
Posted: 6:54 pm on January 13th

MaryMerry writes: Love the pattern will make it as soon as I can, I have a large glass display cabinet and can't reach all the glass shelves to clean them, I have been putting a cloth over the swiffer and stuffing it in the holes, it works okay but keeps coming out of the holes. I think if I make this out of cotton it will do the trick and then I can wash it, there are 6 shelves plus the front and back of a 7 foot cabinet, this will be great. Thank so much
Posted: 6:07 pm on December 8th

KharminJ writes: @ lvdedogs ~ Please get your 'new' Swiffer at a rummage sale! Help a fellow out by reusing their stuff, instead of encouraging more production. :)

Posted: 1:29 am on November 5th

Herbsoap writes: This reminds me of the mop covers Mom & Grandma made. I guess they were green before their time. What fun!!
Posted: 4:44 pm on October 30th

Sammyjo writes: Well Linda, you touched off an avalanche of Swiffer Socks for me!! I guess by now (Sept 09), I've made 20 or more of these great gadgets!! I've sold some, given away many, and now have been hired to make 6 of them for a friend who is buying them as Christmas gifts! Thanks so much for this clever idea! Just yesterday I was in a quilt shop and told them about your design. I am emailing the girls this site so they can make some. Thanks again!
SJ in Bethlehem, GA
Posted: 11:13 am on September 11th

LindaPermann writes: Hi All-
Thanks so much for your nice comments- I'm glad you're having fun with this pattern. I need to crochet a second one myself!

Posted: 2:50 pm on May 30th

SteelyVan writes: I made this, and it works better than the disposable Swiffer cloths you buy in the store! Works great wet or dry. My floor is cleaner than it's been in a long time... Thank you!!
Posted: 2:16 pm on May 30th

bamagrams writes: Linda, thank you for this pattern! I am crocheting my third one. This one I plan to give to my daughter, as the second one ended up staying with me as a spare.
Posted: 9:11 am on May 30th

fulldecent writes: I'd like to buy three. What is the price, including shipping to 19006? Mail me at craftstylish.com@phor.net
Posted: 8:55 pm on May 12th

squeakysteph writes: Thank you! I've been making these for friends & family & sharing your pattern with other crocheters-everyone loves it! Saves money & the environment.
Posted: 8:58 am on May 12th

FiberDeviant writes: just wanted to share that i made a reversible swiffer sock... and then adapted the pattern to make a dust mitt.

i decided not to use two solid color yarns, but instead used a variegated colorway.

thanks for this neat and eco friendly idea!
Posted: 9:34 am on May 11th

PassiFlora_magazine writes: Thanks for sharing this cool tutorial. I linked to it from PassiFlora magazine http://passifloramag.com/2009/05/healthy-herbs-and-dusting/ Hope you don't mind.

Can't wait to use up my leftover acrylic yarn and make one.

Happy crafting!
Posted: 12:53 pm on May 7th

J4zknits writes: I loved your tutorial. I made the sock and used the idea try a "duster". Thanks
Posted: 2:01 am on May 6th

RhyahPapaya writes: This is so great! I've also made them out of micro fiber car rags which work really well, but I can't wait to try this!

Another way to go green with your swiffer wet jet is to boil the cap of the refill bottle for about 5 minutes to soften the plastic so you can remove the cap. Then just snip the little tabs that make it so you can't take the cap off (I found that nail clippers work best). Now you can refill your bottle at home and not put anymore unnecessary plastic in the landfills! If you want to be even more green, you can fill it with vinegar and water or natural cleaners. :)
Posted: 12:05 pm on April 24th

Mortira writes: Thank you, thank you, thank you for this!

I really don't like products such as Swiffer, that encourage us to waste more, consume more, and pollute more just to be 'clean'. I like to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floor!

This is such a sensible alternative for anyone who owns a Swiffer. Thank you for setting such a great example for us all!
Posted: 5:30 pm on April 23rd

LindaPermann writes: KnitPicker: here's a knit swiffer patter you can try: http://greenmountainmama.blogspot.com/2007/09/swiffer-cozy-pattern.html.
You can also do a google search to turn up more patterns (sewn, knit, or whatever your craft). Or you could learn to crochet!
Posted: 1:10 pm on April 23rd

knitpicker writes: I love the idea of the swiffer sock, but, do you have a "knitted" version? I don't know how to crochet.
Knitpicker
Posted: 7:22 pm on April 22nd

LindaPermann writes: JennCarney- I'd love to see a pic of the finished sock when you have time.

For the mitt, why not just make a foundation chain the same length (or slightly longer) than your hand, then crochet the piece to be slightly wider than your hand. Make 2 of those pieces, sew or crochet them together around 2 long and one short side, and add a sc cuff around the open side (by making a sc in each stitch around, then working even until it's an inch or two long). It shouldn't be too hard. Let us know if you give it a try.
Posted: 1:02 pm on April 22nd

jenn_carney writes: This is great! I made one last night. It takes hardly any time and works great, and it's a great use of little bits of leftover yarn.
Now I just need a pattern for a dusting mitt -- basically the same thing but it would fit on my hand instead of on a swiffer. Any chance of a pattern for that?
Posted: 12:27 pm on April 22nd

Rooty_Tooty writes: What a terrific idea! I have often thought that we are msnufacturing far too much unecessary disposable stuff. I had thought of using old towels & washcloths on my Swiffer but I like this better -- as long as no one is going out & purchasing yarn for this purpose.

Another possibility would be to take it a step further & knit your mop sock from strips of your old worn out cotton knits (T-shirts, socks, underpants, etc). To do this, cut 1/2 to 1" wide strips horizontally from an old shirt so that you end up with a bunch of rings. Then link your rings together by pulling them through each other to form a continuous chain. Stretch the chain out straight & wind into a ball of "yarn". Crochet using the appropriate large size crochet hook.

The key here is to use up something that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Please avoid the temptation to chop up old clothing that could be donated for use by someone in need! There are plenty of old items out there to use that would otherwise be truly useless!
Posted: 3:00 am on April 21st

LindaPermann writes: Jen1964- If you are really concerned about washing it with your things, you can save it for your load of rags/bathmats/etc. I've replaced paper towels with rags in our house and they add up at a decent rate. You can also get a really good amount of the dirt off by just brushing it off over the trashcan so that you don't have to wash it *every* time (you can wear a dust mask and use gloves if you have allergies).
Posted: 1:43 pm on April 20th

MsKirko writes: GREAT idea! I'm going to make these for everyone I know!!!! I love that this is a reusable project!
Posted: 12:23 pm on April 20th

Jen1964 writes: OK, I'll bite...I'll try it, but first I have a question for folks out there with allergies: after you use it, could you pre-wash or handwash it, so as not to expose the allergic folks' clothes to the dust? OR does the washing machine really clean that well? I mean it sounds a little like washing the sneakers with the baby things.
Posted: 8:36 am on April 20th

Ruth939 writes: Great idea, but I using fleece scraps from previous projects instead. Much faster.
Posted: 2:55 pm on April 19th

TexasGranny writes: Get one of those new Swiffer Duster 360's... then crochet a flat piece and just make the loops longer (add more chains before attaching). Skip the part about making the sock part. When you are finished sew the 2 long sides together with yarn and a whip stitch and slip it over the Duster handle.

I'm a knitter too but cannot figure out how to do this by knitting...sorry. Maybe by knitting a ruffle after picking up stitches on each base row. Sounds like too much work to me.

For those who don't crochet and want to make a reusable cover you might recycle old hosiery... cut pieces the length you need, sew or glue or staple to an old piece of towel cut to the right size except a little larger, make a casing and insert elastic so it will fit around the top of your Swiffer.
Posted: 11:45 pm on April 18th

vbrock writes: Exceptionally good idea! Thank you, Linda
Posted: 8:48 pm on April 18th

HawaiiGeiko writes: I will give this a shot as well. I had the same thoughts about our throw-away frame of mind so recently cut up some very old, worn towels into the size of swiffer sheets. Now I use dry ones to "sweep" and pickup hair & dust, and I use wet ones that I run under water and squeeze out, to mop with. I attach them just like the disposable sheets, pushing them into the holes on top. And I throw them in the washer too.
Posted: 1:59 pm on April 18th

SteelyVan writes: Great idea!!! My Swiffer is collecting dust in a corner and I haven't done any crocheting in years, but I'm totally inspired to get my hook out and make this!
Posted: 1:51 pm on April 18th

nextoo writes: Fantastic! Anyone in Los Angeles that wants to make these at our DIY workshop with me?
Posted: 12:30 pm on April 18th

mamasmina writes: Brilliant, just brilliant! Now, if you can figure out how to make same for the Swiffer DUSTER. . . .
Posted: 12:15 pm on April 18th

CHERYLANNE writes: This is a great idea but I can't crochet - has anyone got a conversion to knitting for this item
Posted: 12:04 pm on April 18th

QTET writes: Absolutly love it! I'll be making some as gifts for my daughter and daught in laws. What a great "Green" idea. Thanks Bev
Posted: 10:21 am on April 18th

KharminJ writes: Fabulous! Count me as another one who has quit buying into the "use it once and throw it away" thinking!
And, if your first attempt *does* end up being a bit looser than you wanted, just thread some elastic around the edge to snug it up.
Posted: 10:02 am on April 18th

MaryNH writes: This is absolutely awesome! I do not use my Swiffer for the same reason -- the waste factor. I'm more of a knitter (crocheting always confused me, but then, I'm easily confused), but now I'll have to learn how to do it. This is a really cool project! Thanks every so much!
Posted: 9:37 am on April 18th

FloridaSewist writes: This is too cool! I need to get my knitting needles out of storage!

Thank you!
Kathy
Posted: 8:20 am on April 18th

lvdedogs writes: wow! I think I'll actually go BUY a swiffer now...haven't before because of the trash factor, and I have lots of dogs and lots of dog hair, so there would be lots of trash. But I can do several of these, switch them out as needed, and throw them in the wash. Great idea!
Posted: 2:59 am on April 18th

brikendig writes: You are so clever!!! My swiffer may now see the light of day again (I too hate buying refills only to throw them away). Thank you so much for posting this and I look forward to making one!!
Posted: 4:50 pm on April 17th

LindaPermann writes: awesome- I'm glad some of you have already had the chance to make one. I'd love to see photos if you have the means to upload them. :)
Posted: 12:19 pm on April 17th

akaRosella writes: Chasing cobwebs! I was taping Swiffer dusters onto my sweeper or tucking them into the bristles on my broom to reach the cobwebs in the corners above the stairs - great idea! Since it wasn't for floors, I made mine a bit looser with a bigger hook and fewer beginning stitches.
Posted: 11:45 am on April 17th

Ednarb writes: I just finished one tonight, and I love it! Unfortunately I was impatient and used it before I took a picture to share. Trust me, you don't want to see the after picture. Will be washing it tomorrow to see how it holds up. Thanks for the great idea!
Posted: 10:33 pm on April 16th

LindaPermann writes: thanks all! i was dorkily excited about this one too! if you make one, i'd love to see it.
Posted: 12:10 am on April 16th

susanstars writes: awesome, Linda!
Posted: 2:00 pm on April 15th

debthereb writes: AMAZING! I am also traveling by car this weekend and I can't wait to use up some ole scraps of yarn. I want to make more than one so I can wash one and always have one!!!
Posted: 1:35 pm on April 15th

ohnoshesews writes: Sweet! Can't wait to make Swiffer socks for all my friends. I love this! Thank you for the great tutorial.
Posted: 11:54 am on April 15th

Sister_Diane writes: I'm beside myself with excitement over this one. It's pretty, it's useful, AND it's green. Bravo!
Posted: 10:12 am on April 15th

alovelything writes: Excellent idea. I needed a simply project to work on a road trip this weekend ... this is it! Printing it.
Posted: 9:38 am on April 15th

vampchick21 writes: Brilliant!
Posted: 9:31 am on April 15th

Sweet_Dee writes: Love this! So green! Will be doing it soon!
Posted: 1:03 am on April 15th

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