Beginner's Guide: Crochet a Soap Saver with Step-by-Step Instructions

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Use Soap Savers?
3. Materials Needed
4. Choosing the Right Yarn
5. Hook Sizes
6. Regular Size vs. Travel Size
7. Starting the Soap Saver
8. Working in Rounds
9. Finishing the Body
10. Creating the Cinch
11. Weaving in the Ends
12. Final Thoughts

Article

Introduction

Welcome back to Crochet Unraveled! Today, we're going to learn how to make adorable soap savers. These practical accessories are great alternatives to plastic loofahs as they can be reused, washed, and prevent bacteria growth. In this article, we'll guide you step by step through the process of making your very own soap savers.

Why Use Soap Savers?

Soap savers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. By using a soap saver, you can reduce your reliance on single-use plastic loofahs, which are often discarded and contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, soap savers help prolong the life of your soap or shampoo and conditioner bars, preventing them from becoming slimy and bacteria-ridden. They also come in different sizes, making them perfect for both home use and travel.

Materials Needed

Before diving into the crochet process, let's gather all the necessary materials. You will need:

• Scissors or trimmers;
• Yarn (preferably cotton, such as "I Love This Cotton");
• Two different hook sizes (an F or 3.75mm and an eye or 5.5mm);
• A tapestry needle for weaving in ends;
• Optional: a tape measure for precision.

Choosing the Right Yarn

Selecting the right yarn is essential for creating a functional and durable soap saver. We recommend using cotton yarn for its absorbency and ability to withstand frequent washing. The "I Love This Cotton" yarn is an excellent choice due to its softness and wide range of colors. You can even get creative and use different colors for the body and cinch of your soap saver.

Hook Sizes

To crochet the soap saver, you'll need two different hook sizes. The larger hook (an eye or 5.5mm) is used for the body, while the smaller hook (an F or 3.75mm) is used to create the cinch. Each hook size serves a specific purpose in achieving the right tension and structure for the soap saver.

Regular Size vs. Travel Size

Now it's time to decide whether you want to crochet a regular size or a travel size soap saver. The regular size is perfect for everyday use at home and measures approximately six inches tall and three inches wide. On the other hand, the travel size is more compact and measures about four inches tall and two and a quarter inches wide. Choose the size according to your needs and preferences.

Starting the Soap Saver

To begin crocheting the soap saver, create a slip knot and use the larger hook. For the regular size, chain 17 stitches; for the travel size, chain 11 stitches. Skip the first two chains next to your hook and slip stitch into the back loop of the third chain. This will form the foundation of your soap saver.

Working in Rounds

Now that you've completed the foundation chain, it's time to start working in rounds. Continue the pattern of chaining two, skipping one stitch, and slip stitching in the back loop of the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until you reach the desired length for your soap saver. For the regular size, crochet 30 rounds (approximately six inches tall and three inches wide). For the travel size, crochet 20 rounds (approximately four inches tall and two and a quarter inches wide).

Finishing the Body

Once you've reached the desired number of rounds, it's time to finish the body of your soap saver. Weave in any loose ends using a tapestry needle and turn the work inside out to reveal the right side. Your soap saver is now complete!

Creating the Cinch

To cinch the top of the soap saver, switch to the smaller hook. For the regular size, chain 55 stitches, which will measure approximately 11 inches long. For the travel size, chain 35 stitches, which will measure about 8 inches long. Once you've finished chaining, snip the yarn and secure it. Use the tapestry needle to weave the cinch into the body of the soap saver, making sure to tie the loose ends together securely.

Weaving in the Ends

To ensure a clean and polished finish, weave in any remaining loose ends using the tapestry needle. Trim off any excess yarn and tuck the knotted section into the body of the soap saver. This will ensure that the cinch is not visible and give your soap saver a seamless appearance.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've successfully created your own soap saver. These practical accessories not only help reduce waste but also keep your soap and shampoo bars fresh and clean. Feel free to experiment with different yarn colors and sizes to customize your soap savers. Enjoy using them in your daily routine or while traveling, and don't forget to share your finished projects on Instagram by tagging us. Happy crocheting!

Highlights

• Learn how to make reusable and eco-friendly soap savers.
• Eliminate the need for single-use plastic loofahs.
• Keep your soap and shampoo bars clean and bacteria-free.
• Perfect for home use and travel.
• Use cotton yarn for durability and absorbency.
• Step-by-step instructions for crochet beginners.
• Choose between regular and travel sizes.
• Use two different hook sizes for the body and cinch.
• Weave in ends for a polished finish.
• Share your finished projects on Instagram.

FAQ

Q: Are soap savers difficult to make for beginners? A: Not at all! This pattern is suitable for beginners and requires only basic crochet skills, such as chaining and slip stitching.

Q: How often should I wash my soap saver? A: It's recommended to wash your soap saver whenever it gets dirty or every few uses. Simply throw it in the wash with your other laundry.

Q: Can I use any type of yarn for the soap saver? A: While cotton yarn is recommended for its absorbency and durability, you can experiment with other types of yarn. However, keep in mind that the texture and performance may vary.

Q: Can I adjust the size of the soap saver? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the length and width of the soap saver by crocheting more or fewer rounds. You can make it as big or small as you like.

Q: Can I use the soap saver for other purposes? A: Yes! The soap saver can also be used as a pouch for storing small items, such as jewelry or toiletries. It's a versatile accessory with many possibilities.