DIY Reusable Sponge Sewing Tutorial
Learn how to make your own sponge that can be reused over and over. This is an amazingly thrifty sewing project and it's easy, too!
This zero waste dish sponge is a game-changer! This DIY Reusable Sponge Sewing Tutorial shows you step-by-step how to make kitchen sponges that can be washed and reused over and over again.
You don't even need any odd materials. By using cotton and mesh fabric and cotton batting, you'll have a DIY sponge that cleans and absorbs but is easy to wash and also dries quickly.
With only a 1/4 yard of each fabric, you can make three sponges. It's a thrifty and fast sewing project that's even at the beginner level for sewing skills.
In only 20 minutes and barely any cost, you'll have DIY reusable sponges that can be used for any room in the house, sold at craft fairs, or given as gifts (we all need sponges!).
Reesa from Happily DIY will walk you through this project:
Save money and be eco-friendly by making your own DIY sponges. Learn how easy it is to make them, plus get ideas for what you can use them for around the house.
Looking for an easy way to save money and be eco-friendly? Try making your own DIY sponges! They’re easy and inexpensive to make, and you can use them for all sorts of tasks around the house.
It’s surprisingly easy, and you can customize them to fit your needs. You can customize them for all sorts of tasks around the house, from scrubbing dishes to mopping up spills on your floor.
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DIY Reusable Sponges
Skill Level: Beginner
Project Type: Make a Project
Time to Complete: Under an hour
Sewn By: Machine
Materials List:
• Sewing machine
• 1/4 yard mesh fabric
• 1/4 yard cotton fabric
• 1/4 yard cotton batting
• Matching thread
• Fabric marking pen
• Sewing pins or clips
• Scissors
• Turning tool
• Cutting mat and ruler, measuring tape or ruler
How to Make Kitchen Sponges:
- Cut (2) 4-1/2" x 6" sponge strips from your cotton fabric and mesh fabric. For the cotton batting, cut 2-4 pieces into your desired size, depending on how thick you want your whole sponge to be.
- On your flat work surface, layer your pieces as follows: one piece of cotton right side up, the two pieces of mesh next, the other piece of cotton right side facing down, and the cotton batting on top. Pin or clip the layers together.
- Using a 3/8" seam allowance, sew all the layers together, leaving a 3-4" gap for turning on one of the long sides.
- Clip the corners to remove bulk, being careful not to clip through the stitching.
- Using your turning tool, turn right side out between the mesh layers and push out the corners.
- Tuck in the raw edges of the opening and pin or clip closed.
- Topstitch around the entire sponge. Next, topstitch around the finished sponge again 1/4" to the left from the first topstitch line.
Reusable Sponge FAQs
What is a kitchen sponge made out of? A standard sponge that's purchased at the store is made of natural cellulose with polyester or nylon scrub elements. This DIY reusable sponge uses cotton and mesh for a zero waste solution that will also help save you money and prevent throwing out as many sponges.
What is the best way to store a dish sponge? Keep a dry sponge in an airtight container that can keep out dust as well as humidity and avoid storing near any porous materials (like wood cutting blocks) because they’ll absorb moisture from these surfaces which could not only ruin their shape but also cause mold growth.
How do I clean a smelly sponge? When your sponge is dirty, toss it in the washing machine with a load of towels and dry on low.
If you want another awesome reusable to make, check out the homemade dryer sheets on Happily DIY.
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Want More?
35 Zero Waste Sewing Ideas >>
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