Crocheting is pretty incredible. You can create almost anything you can imagine up, and then some. One of the handier crochet creations is a loofah.
Everybody loves a loofah, they are luxurious, soft, and the best shower or bath time accessory. Being able to create as many as you want at home while enjoying your favorite hobby of crocheting is quite helpful.
Although you might have the perfect pattern ready and waiting, do you know which is the best yarn to use?
Using the right yarn can help you create a loofah that is both soft and durable, whereas the wrong yarn will be rough and not last more than a few washes.
Getting to know what to look for in a yarn, the properties a yarn needs to have, and the best types of yarns to look for when crocheting a loofah, will ensure you have the best experience both when crocheting and using your wonderful loofah.
What To Look For In A Yarn For Loofah
A crochet loofah really gets put to the test, often being wet, in contact with soap and being used to scrub you clean day after day. Because of this, there are a few properties and things to look for in a yarn you are considering using to crochet a loofah.
Absorbency
A loofah needs to have the perfect absorbency in order to be effective. The yarn cannot absorb and hold too much water, as it will become heavy and not lather up properly.
It should be able to hold just the right amount of water, in order to lather up when in contact with soap, and distribute the water easily when being used. It should also be able to be wrung out easily to dry it off a bit, so it does not remain wet while hanging in the shower which could lead to mold.
Durability
You will more than likely be using your loofah often, probably daily. Choosing a yarn that has good durability is vital. Not only should it be a robust yarn, but it should be able to remain robust and durable when in regular contact with water and soap.
Softness
As you are using the loofah on your body, you want to make sure it is fairly soft. A yarn which is not soft will irritate and scratch your skin and is pretty pointless when used to relax in a bath. There are some great yarns which are both durable and soft.
Holding shape
There is no point choosing a yarn for a loofah that will not hold its shape after a few washes. The point of a crochet loofah is to avoid having to buy loofahs from the store, so finding the right yarn which will hold its shape after each wash is really important. A yarn which does not hold its shape will sag and fall after a few washes and will be difficult to use again.
Washable
Some yarns do not fair well being washed regularly, especially in contact with soap. Finding a yarn that remains intact, in shape and soft after being washed or used regularly is key to producing a worthwhile, useful loofah.
While it seems that there are quite a few boxes to tick when looking for the right yarn for a loofah, there are some really wonderful yarns available that fill all these criteria. Depending on what is most important to you, and how often you will be using your loofah, it should be fairly easy to pick out the right yarn. The only other decision is to pick out a color that you love best!
The Best Types of Yarn For A Crochet Loofah
Once you know which properties to look for in a yarn being used to crochet a loofah, you can then look at the different types of yarns and the properties they hold. Below are the best types of yarn to use for a loofah, and some to stay away from.
1. Cotton
My favorite cotton yarn is Sugar n Cream. Their white yarn would be perfect for a homemade loofah.
Cotton is one of the best yarns to use to crochet a loofah. It is a natural yarn, and there are organic cotton yarns to choose from as well. Being natural, it is a great option for those who are eco-conscious. Cotton is very soft to the touch, but it also acts as a decent exfoliator, so you are getting the best of both worlds.
Cotton does absorb water fairly well and works well to create a lather when in contact with soap. It is also durable when in contact with water, and can be wrung out and left in the shower to dry after use.
The only downside to cotton is that is can be fairly more expensive than other synthetic yarns, but it will cover its own cost after a while by lasting a longer time than other yarns.
2. Polycotton
If you’ve read my blog often, you know another brand of yarn that I love is Lion Brand. They offer a great polycotton blend that is perfect for crocheting a loofah.
Polycotton is a blended yarn of polyester and cotton and offers the best properties of both these types of yarn. It works well to scrub at the skin and has an exfoliating effect, but still with the softness of cotton.
Polycotton dries quickly, which helps minimalize the effect of excessive dampness which could lead to mold. Polycotton yarn is durable and fairs well when in contact with water, and can be washed easily in a washing machine.
Polycotton is an affordable option, and there are some poly cotton yarns that have been created specifically for scrubbing purposes, such as being used as a loofah or dishcloth.
3. Acrylic
Another Lion Brand yarn, this one is perfect for making a thick loofah.
Acrylic yarn is synthetic, and this might pose a sensitivity issue for a few people. However, acrylic yarn is very affordable and dries quickly. A loofah made from acrylic yarn will not hold water for too long, which helps avoid unnecessary dampness.
Acrylic does not shrink but may stretch over time, although it should last for a decent period of time. Acrylic also helps to pick up and wash away the dirt on the body thanks to its more static texture.
What NOT To Use For A Crochet Loofah
The truth is that some yarns are perfectly suited to create a loofah, while others fall quite short. There is one type of yarn that you definitely do not want to use for a crochet loofah, as it will just fall apart with use.
Wool
Wool is NOT a good option for crocheting a loofah. When exposed to an excess amount of water over a period of time, wool can felt and lose its shape fairly easily. When wet, the wool yarn can become scratchy and difficult to dry.
A loofah will most obviously be in contact with water, so a good yarn should be able to absorb water easily and last through a scrubbing. It also needs to be able to hold water, soap and help to wash or exfoliate your body, but it needs to be soft as well. Wool does not offer these qualities.
Tips for Creating and Caring For A Crochet Loofah
Once you have chosen the best yarn for your crochet loofah, take a look at the below tips to help crochet up your loofah, as well as care for it properly once it is in use.
- If you want the loofah to curl more, giving more surface area for scrubbing, you can add more stitches, to create a loofah that is flatter and curls less, simply use fewer stitches.
- Use a color yarn that will not stain easily, as it will be in contact with some dirt when used for cleaning.
- Crochet your loofah in good lighting. While the patterns are fairly easy to follow, you do not want to miss stitches could nearly ruin the whole project.
- Even though your loofah will be exposed to water and soap, you still need to machine wash and tumble dry it often to keep it free from mold and bacteria, making it safe and hygienic to use in the shower.
- After you have used the loofah, rinse it out in cool water, squeeze out excess water and hang the loofah up to dry.
- If you want a smaller loofah or one which is more compact, you can use a finer gauge yarn.
- Make a different loofah, each in a different color, for each member of the family. Avoid using the same loofah as this might spread germs or dirt.
- Homemade crochet loofahs make great gifts, especially when creating eco-friendly alternatives to store-bought loofahs, by using organic cotton yarn. Pair it with a wonderful shower gel and it is a thoughtful pamper gift.
The Right Yarn for Loofahs
There is more to crocheting a loofah than one might think. Loofahs are really put to the test when it comes to durability, being used daily, and in regular contact with water.
It is important to choose a loofah that keeps its shape, absorbs the perfect amount of water, and lathers up wonderfully with a gentle shower gel. Make sure the yarn can be machine washed and tumbled dried, to keep the loofah clean and hygienic.
Crocheting your own loofah with the right yarn will save you having to buy loofahs from the store regularly, and you will be giving yourself the perfect pampering experience from the comfort of your own home!
