Easy Crochet Soap Saver Patterns: Beginners Guide

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Easy Crochet Soap Saver Patterns: Beginner's Guide

Hey there, crochet enthusiasts! Are you looking for a quick, easy, and useful crochet project? Look no further than the humble soap saver! Soap savers are not only a fantastic way to use up your scrap yarn, but they also help extend the life of your soap bars. Plus, they make fabulous gifts! In this guide, we'll explore some easy crochet soap saver patterns perfect for beginners. So grab your hooks and let's dive in!

Why Crochet a Soap Saver?

Before we jump into the patterns, let's talk about why soap savers are so awesome. First off, soap savers prevent your soap from becoming a slippery mess! You know how annoying it is when your soap bar turns into a slimy blob that's impossible to hold onto? A crochet soap saver provides a textured surface that's easy to grip, even when wet. Secondly, soap savers extend the life of your soap. By suspending the soap and allowing it to dry between uses, you prevent it from sitting in a puddle of water and dissolving away. This means your soap lasts longer, saving you money in the long run. Thirdly, soap savers are a great way to use up scrap yarn. Got a bunch of leftover yarn from other projects? Soap savers are the perfect way to put those scraps to good use and reduce waste. It is also very fun and can be given as a gift. Soap savers are quick and easy to crochet, making them ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a fast and satisfying project. Lastly, soap savers add a touch of handmade charm to your bathroom or kitchen. They're a simple way to personalize your space and show off your crochet skills. You can customize them with different colors, textures, and embellishments to match your decor.

Getting Started: Materials and Basic Stitches

Okay, guys, before we get started on the patterns, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here's a list of essential materials:

  • Yarn: Cotton yarn is the best choice for soap savers because it's absorbent, durable, and washable. Avoid using wool or other delicate fibers, as they may shrink or felt when wet. You can use any weight of cotton yarn, but worsted weight is a good starting point for beginners. You can find cotton yarn at most craft stores or online retailers. Look for brands like Lily Sugar'n Cream, Peaches & Creme, or Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. These yarns are affordable, come in a wide range of colors, and are easy to work with. Plus, they're readily available and easy to find. Feel free to experiment with different colors and textures to create unique soap savers. You can even use variegated yarn for a fun, multi-colored effect. Just make sure the yarn is 100% cotton to ensure it's absorbent and durable.
  • Crochet Hook: The size of your crochet hook will depend on the weight of your yarn. Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. For worsted weight cotton yarn, a size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook is usually a good choice. If you're using a different weight of yarn, adjust your hook size accordingly. A good set of hooks is essential for any crocheter. Investing in a set of ergonomic hooks can make crocheting more comfortable, especially for long projects. Ergonomic hooks have a soft, cushioned handle that reduces hand fatigue and makes it easier to grip the hook. You can find ergonomic hook sets at most craft stores or online retailers. Look for brands like Clover, Boye, or Susan Bates. These brands offer high-quality hooks that are durable and comfortable to use. Having a variety of hook sizes on hand will allow you to work with different weights of yarn and create a wider range of projects.
  • Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors is essential for cutting yarn ends and weaving in loose ends. Make sure your scissors are sharp enough to cut through the yarn cleanly without fraying or snagging. A small pair of embroidery scissors is ideal for this purpose, as they are precise and easy to handle. You can find embroidery scissors at most craft stores or online retailers. Look for scissors with a comfortable grip and sharp blades. Avoid using dull scissors, as they can make it difficult to cut the yarn cleanly and can even damage your yarn.
  • Yarn Needle: A yarn needle (also known as a tapestry needle) is used to weave in loose ends and secure your work. Choose a yarn needle with a large eye that is easy to thread with yarn. Metal yarn needles are more durable and easier to use than plastic ones. You can find yarn needles at most craft stores or online retailers. Look for needles with a blunt tip to avoid splitting the yarn fibers. Weaving in loose ends is an important step in finishing any crochet project. It helps to secure your work and prevent it from unraveling. Take your time and weave in the ends carefully to ensure a neat and professional finish.

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with these basic crochet stitches:

  • Chain (ch): This is the foundation of most crochet projects. To make a chain, create a slip knot on your hook, then yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat this process to create a chain of the desired length.
  • Single Crochet (sc): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook.
  • Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through the first two loops on your hook, yarn over, and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.
  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

Easy Crochet Soap Saver Patterns

Alright, let's get to the fun part: the patterns! Here are a few easy crochet soap saver patterns to get you started:

1. The Simple Single Crochet Soap Saver

This pattern is perfect for absolute beginners because it only uses the single crochet stitch. It's a great way to practice your basic crochet skills and create a useful soap saver at the same time. The simple single crochet soap saver is a classic and versatile design that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can use different colors of yarn to create stripes or patterns, or add embellishments like buttons or beads. This pattern is also a great option for using up scrap yarn, as you can easily switch colors between rows. To make the soap saver more durable, consider using a thicker cotton yarn or holding two strands of yarn together. This will create a denser fabric that is less likely to stretch out over time. Additionally, you can add a loop or drawstring to the soap saver for easy hanging in the shower or bath. This will help to keep the soap saver dry and prevent it from mildewing.

Instructions:

  1. Chain 25.
  2. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (24 stitches)
  3. Chain 1, turn.
  4. Single crochet in each stitch across. (24 stitches)
  5. Repeat step 4 until your piece is wide enough to wrap around your soap bar. (Approximately 8-10 rows)
  6. Fold the piece in half and slip stitch the sides together to create a pouch. ( Make sure to leave the top open.)
  7. Chain 20 and attach it to the side of the pouch for hanging.
  8. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

2. The Double Crochet Mesh Soap Saver

This pattern creates a more open, mesh-like soap saver that allows for better airflow and drainage. This helps to keep your soap dry and prevent it from becoming mushy. The double crochet mesh soap saver is a great option for those who want a quick-drying soap saver that is also easy to clean. The open mesh design allows water to drain away quickly, preventing the soap from sitting in a puddle of water. This pattern is also a good choice for using up scrap yarn, as you can easily switch colors between rows without affecting the overall look of the soap saver. To make the soap saver more durable, consider using a tighter tension when crocheting the double crochet stitches. This will create a denser fabric that is less likely to stretch out over time. Additionally, you can add a loop or drawstring to the soap saver for easy hanging in the shower or bath.

Instructions:

  1. Chain 25.
  2. Double crochet in the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. (23 stitches)
  3. Chain 2, turn.
  4. Double crochet in each stitch across. (23 stitches)
  5. Repeat step 4 until your piece is wide enough to wrap around your soap bar. (Approximately 8-10 rows)
  6. Fold the piece in half and slip stitch the sides together to create a pouch. ( Leave the top open.)
  7. Chain 20 and attach it to the side of the pouch for hanging.
  8. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

3. The Granny Square Soap Saver

For a fun and colorful twist, try crocheting a granny square soap saver. This pattern is a great way to use up small amounts of yarn in different colors and create a unique soap saver that is sure to brighten up your bathroom. The granny square soap saver is also a great option for those who want to practice their granny square skills. You can use different color combinations and stitch patterns to create a variety of unique granny squares. To make the soap saver more durable, consider using a tighter tension when crocheting the granny squares. This will create a denser fabric that is less likely to stretch out over time. Additionally, you can add a loop or drawstring to the soap saver for easy hanging in the shower or bath. This will help to keep the soap saver dry and prevent it from mildewing. This soap saver is made from two granny squares joined together.

Instructions:

  1. Make two granny squares:
    • Chain 4, slip stitch to join and form a ring.
    • Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), 2 double crochets in the ring, chain 2, 3 double crochets in the ring, chain 2; repeat from * to * two more times, slip stitch to join to the top of the chain 3.
    • Round 2: Slip stitch into the next stitch, slip stitch into the chain-2 space, chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), 2 double crochets in the same space, chain 2, 3 double crochets in the same space (corner made), chain 1, 3 double crochets in the next chain-2 space, chain 2, 3 double crochets in the same space (corner made), chain 1; repeat from * to * two more times, slip stitch to join to the top of the chain 3.
    • Fasten off and weave in your ends.
  2. Join the squares:
    • Hold the two granny squares together with wrong sides facing.
    • Slip stitch around three sides of the squares to join them, leaving one side open.
  3. Add a hanging loop:
    • Chain 20 and attach it to a corner of the pouch for hanging.
  4. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect crochet soap saver:

  • Choose the right yarn: As mentioned earlier, cotton yarn is the best choice for soap savers. Avoid using wool or other delicate fibers, as they may shrink or felt when wet.
  • Use a tight tension: Crocheting with a tight tension will create a denser fabric that is less likely to stretch out over time. This is especially important for soap savers, as they will be exposed to water and frequent use.
  • Experiment with colors and textures: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures to create unique soap savers. You can use variegated yarn, add stripes or patterns, or embellish your soap savers with buttons or beads.
  • Add a hanging loop: Adding a hanging loop to your soap saver makes it easy to hang in the shower or bath, which helps it to dry more quickly and prevents it from mildewing. Just chain a length of yarn and attach it to the top of the soap saver before fastening off.
  • Wash your soap saver regularly: To keep your soap saver clean and fresh, wash it regularly in warm water with mild soap. You can either hand wash it or machine wash it on a gentle cycle. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before using it again.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Easy crochet soap saver patterns that are perfect for beginners. Not only are they functional and eco-friendly, but they also make wonderful handmade gifts. So grab your crochet hook, some cotton yarn, and get started on your soap-saving adventure today! Happy crocheting, and have fun!