If you’re new to crochet and looking for a simple yet practical project, puff stitch scrubbies are a perfect place to start. These soft, reusable rounds are great for facial cleansing, makeup removal, or gifting. Plus, puff stitches add an appealing texture that’s gentle on the skin yet provides a mild exfoliating effect.
This tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know to make your own crochet puff scrubbies—even if you’ve never used a puff stitch before.
🧺 Why Puff Scrubbies?
- Eco-friendly: Replace single-use cotton rounds
- Soft & Effective: Puff stitches create a cushiony, gentle texture
- Quick & Easy: Great for beginners or last-minute handmade gifts
- Machine Washable: Reuse again and again!
🧵 Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | 100% cotton yarn (worsted weight, like Lily Sugar’n Cream) |
| Hook | Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook |
| Scissors | For trimming yarn ends |
| Yarn Needle | For weaving in ends |
| Stitch Marker (optional) | Helpful if you’re new to working in rounds |
💡 Tip: Use cotton yarn for softness and absorbency. Avoid acrylic yarn for face scrubbies—it’s not skin-friendly or absorbent.
🧶 Stitches & Techniques to Know
- Magic Ring (or Ch 4 and slip stitch to form a ring)
- Chain (ch)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Puff Stitch (puff st) – we’ll explain this below!
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
🌸 How to Make a Puff Stitch
A puff stitch creates a soft, 3D texture. Here’s a basic 5-loop puff stitch:
To make a puff stitch:
- Yarn over (YO), insert hook into stitch, YO, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- YO, insert into the same stitch, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops).
- YO, insert into same stitch again, YO, pull up a loop (7 loops total).
- YO and pull through all 7 loops on the hook.
- Chain 1 to close the puff.
✅ Adjustable: You can make puffier stitches by pulling up more loops (7-loop, 9-loop puff, etc.).
🧼 Easy Crochet Puff Scrubby Pattern
This simple pattern creates a round scrubby about 3–4 inches wide.
✅ Skill Level: Beginner
⏱ Time: 15–20 minutes
✏️ Instructions:
1. Start with a Magic Ring
(Or ch 4 and sl st into the first ch to form a ring)
2. Round 1:
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch)
- Work 6 puff stitches into the ring, ch 1 after each puff (6 puff stitches total)
- Sl st to the top of the first puff to join
- (Total: 6 puff stitches, 6 ch-1 spaces)
3. Round 2:
- Ch 1
- Puff stitch into the next ch-1 space, ch 1, puff stitch into same space, ch 1, repeat around
- Sl st to join
- (Total: 12 puff stitches)
4. Round 3 (Optional for a larger scrubby):
- Ch 1
- Puff stitch in next ch-1 space, ch 1; puff stitch in next ch-1 space, ch 1; 2 puff stitches in next ch-1 space, ch 1 between each, repeat
- This increases the scrubby and creates a gentle ripple edge
- Sl st to join
5. Finish Off:
- Cut yarn and pull through
- Weave in ends with a yarn needle
🎉 Done! You now have a soft, textured puff scrubby!
🧽 Care Instructions
- Wash: Machine washable (cold or warm); use a mesh bag for small items
- Dry: Air dry or tumble dry low
- Tip: Make 5–7 scrubbies so you always have a clean one on hand
🎁 Great for Gifting
Crochet puff scrubbies make thoughtful handmade gifts. Here are a few ideas:
- Pair with a jar of sugar scrub or a handmade soap bar
- Include in a self-care or spa-themed gift basket
- Sell at craft fairs or include in eco-friendly skincare kits
🪡 Common Beginner Questions
❓ Can I use other stitches besides puff?
Absolutely! You can try bobble or popcorn stitches for similar texture, or mix in simple single crochet rounds.
❓ My puff stitches are too tight or loose—what do I do?
Adjust your tension and try to keep loops consistent in size. Practice a few puffs separately before starting your scrubby.
❓ Why is my scrubby curling?
It’s likely due to tight tension or not enough increases. Loosen your stitches slightly or add a few extra puff increases in the final round.
🧶 Final Thoughts
Crocheting puff scrubbies is a fun, fast, and functional way to practice new stitches. With their plush texture and reusability, they make a great addition to your skincare routine—or a lovely gift for friends and family.
So grab your yarn and hook, and puff your way to eco-friendly self-care!
Video tutorial:
