Eco Tawashi

1 hour

Age 8+

What Will You Learn?

Learn how to make an eco tawashi that allows you to do your dishes without using soap!

Important Information

Finished Size:
4¾” (12cm) diameter, without ears
Gauge: 15 sc × 14 rows = 4″×4″ (10cm×10cm)

Abbreviations:
CC contrast color
MC main color
ch chain
sc single crochet
sl st slip stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
rep repeat

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.

Make the Front

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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

Make the Back

Step 4

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

Step 5

Sl st in next st. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Step 6

Weave in all the tail ends as in the fifth image in Step 1, weaving each tail into its own color, except for the last color, which you leave long.

Knot the Nose and Eyes

Step 7

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

Step 8

With CC3, chain 6 and fasten off, leaving a long tail for each piece.

Step 9

Weave the ears into the back side of the face.

Assemble the Monkey

Step 10

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 2. 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!

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