From the page: The towel that still wants to hug
Idea 5
Sewn bath sponge
Before industrial sponges, it was common to cut worn towels and sew them in layers for bathing — a thrift technique grandmothers and grandfathers knew well. It works because the cotton fibers in multiple layers create a soft texture that holds water and soap, scrubbing gently.
What you need
- Old bath towel (the fluffier, the better)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and sturdy thread
- Ribbon or cord for the loop
- Pins
How to make it
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1
Cut the towel into circles approximately 6 inches in diameter — stack 3 or 4 layers to give the sponge volume and softness.
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2
Pin the layers together so they don't slip during sewing.
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3
Sew in a zigzag through the center or make large cross stitches, which hold all the layers together and keep them from separating with use.
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4
Cut a small piece of ribbon, fold it into a loop, and sew it onto one point of the edge — that's what you use to hang the sponge to dry.
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5
Finish the edge with the towel's own thread using a simple blanket stitch, or just leave the edge raw: cotton doesn't fray much after washing.
Finishing touches
Make several at once to rotate — while one dries, the other is in use. The same technique works to make smaller kitchen sponges, using the leftover cuttings.
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