How to Make Scrubbies With Old Socks

A while ago, I came across this video about how to make scrubbies with old socks. They called it Tawashi scrubbies and the process involved nails on a board and socks cut into strips. As our loofah began to grow smelly and soft, I decided to give that craft a shot.

With the help of Anth and mom, I gathered the materials I need.

• a sturdy tomato box*
• 20 long nails
• old socks
• pencil and ruler

However, if you are using tighter socks, it’s safer to use a wooden board so the nails won’t fly off. If you use a wooden board, you’ll need a hammer for the nails.

*A wooden board bigger than 15 cm by 15 cm (6″ by 6″) will work a lot better but I didn’t have one. Anth reminded me that we have a sturdy tomato box we saved to ripen tomatoes in. Surprisingly, it was strong enough!

Prepping the board

1. Draw a 14 cm (5 1/2″) square
2. Mark 5 dots along the line, you’ll place the nails on these dots:
   First and last dots need to be 3 cm (1 1/4″) from corner.
   Space dots in the middle 2 cm (3/4″) apart.
3. Punch a nail into each of the dots if you’re using a tomato carton
   If you’re using a wooden board, hammer a nail where each dot is.

Prepping the sock

I used sports socks – the thick, white, and absorbent type.

My reference instructed me to cut 10 rings up to 8cm (3 inches) each. If you’re using tights or stocking, you can cut the rings wider. The thinner the sock, the wider the ring.

My socks were thicker, so I cut them into 3 cm (1 1/4″) rings.

Making the Tawashi scrubbie

1. Loop each ring over nails vertically (each ring should loop over nails directly across each other) so you have 5 vertically stretched rings

   Start weaving:

2. Weave the 1st horizontal ring over the 1st vertical ring, under the 2nd vertical ring, over the 3rd vertical ring, under the 4th vertical ring, then over the last vertical ring.
3. Weave the 2nd horizontal ring under the 1st vertical ring, over the 2nd vertical ring, under the 3rd vertical ring, over the 4th vertical ring, then under the last vertical ring.
4. Repeat step 2, step 3 then step 2. Basically, you’re alternating the weave.

   Finishing:

5. When the horizontal rings are all woven in, unhook a ring from a corner nail, then unhook the ring to the right of it.
6. Pass the 2nd ring into the 1st ring. Let go of the 1st ring and hold the 2nd ring.
7. Unhook the 3rd ring and pass it through the 2nd ring.
8. Repeat the process until you complete the round. The last loop is for hanging!

When you’re weaving in the strands, adjust the weave as you go so they’re nice and even. Also, make sure the loops aren’t coming off the nails.

Some observations

The craft itself was not too difficult though it takes some trial and error.

My first Tawashi scrubbie turned out too thick because I didn’t know how thick to make the rings. So I had to reduce the width of each ring, but that was the only issue.

You can vary the width of the rings to see what thickness you like.

The best part about making Tawashi scrubbies with old socks is you don’t have to be precise with the measurement of the board or cutting of the sock into rings.

Verdict

I’m very picky about dish scrubbie, and I think these doesn’t really scrub. Most socks are soft and absorbent so they’re more “rubbie” than “scrubbie”.

Then again, most sponges are soft. If you don’t care about the ability of your dish sponge to scrub, these scrubbies will work terrifically for you.

Be sure to wring them out well and hang them to dry if your scrubbie is thick and absorbent.

Pros:

• Free
• Easy to make
• Machine washable
• Doesn’t scratch
• Old socks, tights, stocking can all be used
• Zero carbon footprint since they’re upcycled old socks
• Lower waste than buying!
• If you’re using 100% cotton, you can unravel them when they’re worn out and compost the strips
• You get to punish socks that constantly slipped off your ankles by making them do the dishes

Cons:

• So soft, you can use it on your skin.
• A tad too absorbent when made with thick gym socks. If you use a stocking or thin polyester socks, this won’t be a problem
• I mentioned it’s easy to make, but if you’re new to weaving, it may take more than one try to get it

Final verdict: A perfectly usable dish or bathroom sponge to make on a whim! Just don’t expect it to scrub.