Aloo fiber is natural, hardy and resilient
Homemade aloo dish scrubbies can be fun and easy to make. They are also a great way to be environmentally responsible by using natural, renewable resources. Aloo is a natural yarn-like fiber that is made from the Himalayan nettle plant in Nepal. It is spun by hand into a finish much like linen. The aloo yarn is also is known as a natural moth repellent. It is a great choice for scrubbies because it is both strong and resilient. Some knowledge of crochet techniques and terms is necessary for this project. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Hold two strands of the fiber together firmly to start working your aloo scrubby pattern. Tie a knot, such as a slipknot, at one end of the fibers. You should use a type of knot that will allow you to tighten and close the starting hole of your scrubby.
2. Chain (c) three stitches into the beginning fiber loop. This will be counted as the first double crochet (dc) and will be referred to as the "beginning chain" in the following steps.
3. Double crochet (dc) 15 more times in the beginning loop. Slip-stitch to the top of the beginning chain. Pull on the tail to close the hole.
4. Double crochet (dc) into the beginning chain. This will count as the first double crochet (dc) on the second round of your aloo scrubby. Double crochet (dc) twice into each stitch around the scrubby. Once again, slip-stitch to the top of the beginning chain.
5. Alternate stitches in this round, starting with the beginning chain. Begin with two double crochet (dc) in the next stitch, one double crochet (dc) in the stitch after that and repeat this process around the scrubby. End with the slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain.
6. Chain (c) a single crochet in each stitch around the aloo scrubby. Again, slip-stitch to the beginning chain.
7. Chain (c) three, then double crochet (dc) two together over the next two stitches. Double crochet (dc) in the following stitch, then dc two together over the next two stitches, repeating this process to the end. Slip-stitch to the top of the beginning chain.
8. Chain (c) two, then dc in the next stitch. Double crochet (dc) two together over the next two stitches, repeating this process to the end. Slip-stitch to the top of the first dc.
9. Repeat step 8.
10. Cut the fiber, leaving a small tail for sewing. Thread the fiber through the tops of the last eight stitches. Pull tightly to close the hole. Pull the beginning and end tails through the center hole in the back and tie.
