Free Loofah Crochet Pattern

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Do you really love those lacy store bought shower poufs? I used to absolutely love them until I realised how much damage I was causing. So I designed my own sustainable loofah crochet pattern as a replacement and I love it even more and want to share it with you.

A birds eye view of a beige crocheted loofah that looks just like a store bought, mesh, shower pouf. The hanging loop is being help up so it is straight up. In the background there are green leaves and a metal pair of scissors and crochet hook.

Why are Synthetic Shower Poufs so Bad?

Synthetic shower poufs are made from nylon which is derived from crude oil. In order to turn crude oil into nylon, it goes through a very environmentally damaging chemical process which releases extremely potent greenhouse gases. To add to that nylon takes around 30-40 years to decompose, releases micro plastics into the environment as it does so and can get washed out to sea where it can threaten the lives of wildlife.

Dermatologists are recommending that mesh bath poufs should be thrown away after eight weeks due to the bacteria that builds up in between all the folding material. Even on the tags themselves, it suggests replacing them every 30 days! That would mean 12 poufs a year for each person!

Not to mention that the more we buy them, the more they make, so crude oil is constantly being processed to make more nylon. It’s a vicious circle unless we break it.

So let’s get started on this really easy loofah crochet pattern and you’ll never need to buy another synthetic shower pouf again.

A white left hand is holding the beige, mesh, crocheted loofah in it's palm. The curly shapes created by the crochet are very clear and in focus. There are green leaves and metal crochet tools in the background.

This loofah crochet pattern is completely free on this page. However, if you would like extra photos to help or you would simply like to support my work you can buy the AD FREE, downloadable PDF in my shop.

You can also buy this pattern on

Which Yarn to Use

You will need roughly 50 gram / 273 yards / 250 metres of lace weight yarn. I used 100% hemp yarn. You can use something similar like organic cotton or linen (see below for other yarn suggestions).

Other Yarn Suggestions

Here are some other options that I think would work really well.

Lion Brand Linen Cone (100% Linen)

IDOKNITinCalifornia Organic Cotton (100% Cotton)

Pattern Details

This pattern has been designed with lace weight yarn which results in a loofah that closely resembles a synthetic shower pouf that we buy in store. It will be quick to dry in between showers and easy to use.

This means that the project takes longer to make but believe me the difference is worth it. If you decide to use a thicker yarn, please note that it will not dry as quick, won’t be as nice to use in the shower and won’t resemble the standard shower pouf that we’re used to.

Crochet Terms

This pattern is written in US crochet terms. Please see the abbreviations section below for conversions to UK terms.

Skill Level: Easy

This pattern is easy to follow and uses basic crochet stitches. It’s a meditative pattern that you can do whilst watching your favourite series or listening to a podcast.

Approximate Measurements

Loofah: 12cm (4.75”)
Hanging loop: 15cm (6”)

You Will Also Need

Hook: 2.5mm - Metric | 12 - UK & Canada | B-1 - US | 4/0 - Japan
Darning Needle: For weaving in the end.
Scissors
Stitch Marker


The ad free, downloadable PDF pattern with helpful photos is available in the shop, Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts.


Gauge

14 dc and 2 rounds = 2.5cm (1”)

Abbreviations

ch(s) = Chain(s)
st(s) = Stitch(es)
mr = Magic ring (See my YouTube tutorial)
sl st = Slip stitch (how to slip stitch - YouTube tutorial)
sc = Single crochet (U.K. Double Crochet - How to single crochet)
dc = Double crochet (U.K. Treble Crochet - How to double crochet)

Pattern Notes

Chain counts as stitch.

The first stitch of each round is made into the stitch after the join.

The last stitch(es) of each round are made into the marked stitch.

When counting your stitches, be sure to include the marked stitch.

Stitch count is shown at the end of each round as <xx>.

Photo of the left hand holding the crocheted loofah with dark grey text above against white which reads "Free Loofah Crochet Pattern www.bygoldenberry.com". Above that there is an orange circle aligned centrally. This image is for pinning.

Loofah Crochet Pattern

Mr. Ch 70. Sl st back onto mr.

Round 1: Sc into mr. Mark st. Sc x 8 into mr. Sl st into first st to join. Mark joining st. <9sc>

Round 2: Ch 4. Dc x 3 into next 8 sts. Dc x 2 into last st. Sl st into top of ch-4 to join. Mark joining st. <27dc>

Round 3: Ch 4. Dc x 3 into each st but last. Dc x 2 into last st. Sl st into top of ch-4 to join. Mark joining st. <81dc>

Round 4: Repeat r3 <243dc>

Round 5: Repeat r3 <729dc>

Round 6: Repeat r3 <2187dc>

Fasten off, weave in your end and your loofah is done!

Sources

[1] - Science Learning Hub

[2] - Good on You

 

More Free Crochet Patterns

Tina Rinaudo

Tina is a passionate zero waster and crocheter who aims to live and crochet as sustainably as possible. She has been crocheting since 2016 and specialises in using sustainable yarns to design zero waste crochet patterns to make easy swaps for yourselves and your homes. She has been featured in Happily Hooked Magazine, PatternCenter.com and many other websites for her eco friendly crochet patterns.

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