Take me to the Steps

A Japanese friend introduced eco tawashi to me about 5 years ago, when he asked me to make a crochet motif with 100% acrylic yarn. He explained that the yarn is made of very fine synthetic fibers similar to microfiber, and that this fine-filamented material is the key to magical cleaning. The acrylic sponge is scratch-free, and you can use it not only for dishes, but also for the bathtub and shower, for washing a car — basically anywhere you want.

The best part of using eco tawashi is that you can do dishes without soap. This way, you save lots of water and you don’t need to use synthetic detergent, which drains into our lakes, rivers, and oceans. If your plates are a little greasy, add some baking soda or vinegar, and you’ll be surprised by the results.

Finished Size

4″ (12cm) diameter, without ears

Gauge: 15 sc 14 rows = 4″4″ (10cm10cm)

Pattern Note

This pattern is in continuous round, without turning or joining at the end of each round, unless otherwise specified. Place a marker in the first stitch of each round so that you can easily distinguish the beginning of each round.

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Project Steps

With the main color, chain 3, then slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1: Chain 1, 6 sc into the ring. Do not join in first st — 6 sc total.

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st round, place marker in first st — 12 sc total.

Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next; rep from * around, replace marker in first st throughout pattern — 18 sc total.

Round 4: *2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * around — 24 sc total.

Round 5: Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, * sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 4 times, sc in each of last 2 sts — 30 sc total.

Round 6: Sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next, * sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next; rep from * 4 times, sc in the next st — 36 sc total.

Round 7: * Sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st; rep from * around — 42 sc total.

Round 8: * 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 6 sts; rep from * around — 48 sc total.

Add the contrast color and finish the last 2 rounds.

Round 9: Switch to CC5, sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, * sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next; rep from * 4 times, sc in the last 5 sts — 54 sc total.

Round 10: Sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next, * sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next; rep from * 4 times, sc in the last 2 sts — 60 sc total.

Sl st in next st. Fasten off and leave a long tail. Use the needle to weave it in.

Make the back

Work the back the same as the face pattern, alternating colors as follows:

Rounds 1–2 CC1

Rounds 3–4 CC2

Rounds 5–6 CC3

Rounds 7–8 MC

Round 9 CC4

Round 10 CC5

Sl st in next st. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing. Weave in all the tail ends as pictured, weaving each tail into its own color, except for the last color, which you leave long.

Knot the nose and eyes

Little bullion knots are perfect for making cute eyes and a nose. With 2 strands of CC4 held together, make knots for the eyes. Then with 2 strands of CC6 held together, make a bullion knot for the nose, and sew the mouth.

Make the ears.

With CC3, chain 6 and fasten off, leaving a long tail for each piece. Weave the ears into the back side of the face.

Assemble the monkey

Now you have 2 completed pieces, face and back. Sew the edges together with a straight stitch using the long tail left over from Step 4. Don’t forget to make sure the pieces are facing right sides out before you sew them together.

You’re now ready to go wash something!