Fish Scrubbies Set - Free Crochet Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted - Downloadable PDF

Fish Scrubbies Set – Free Crochet Pattern Using Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted

This free downloadable crochet pattern from Paintbox Yarns guides you through creating an adorable and practical Fish Scrubbies Set, rated at an intermediate difficulty level. The set includes two distinct projects: a small fish-shaped scrubbie and a larger storage pouch, making it a charming and functional addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Because the yarn used is a recycled cotton worsted, the finished items are eco-conscious, durable, and naturally suited to scrubbing and washing tasks.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two complementary pieces that work together as a coordinated set:

• Fish Scrubbie: A small, fish-shaped scrubbing pad measuring approximately 9 cm (3½ in) long and 6 cm (2¼ in) wide. Its compact size and textured cotton construction make it ideal for scrubbing dishes, surfaces, or skin.
• Storage Pouch: A larger crocheted pouch measuring approximately 25 cm (9¾ in) long and 12 cm (4¾ in) wide, designed to store the scrubbies neatly or to hold soap and allow it to lather through the fabric.

Techniques Used

The pattern is worked using the worked flat technique, meaning the fabric is constructed in rows rather than in the round for certain sections. However, the instructions also note that rounds are used throughout key parts of the construction, with the crocheter not turning at the end of each round. This combination of flat and round working is typical of shaped amigurumi-style and functional accessory patterns, giving the fish scrubbie its three-dimensional, structured form.

• Working in rounds without turning to build seamless, shaped sections
• Flat construction for panel-based shaping
• The turning chain does not count as a stitch, which is an important detail for maintaining accurate stitch counts throughout
• Stitch repeats are used throughout, indicated by figures in round brackets followed by a repeat count

The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, with US terminology equivalents provided in italics within round brackets, making it accessible to crocheters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the complete pattern PDF, this type of intermediate crochet project typically draws on a combination of foundational and slightly more advanced crochet stitches to achieve the fish shape and pouch structure. Based on the pattern's intermediate rating and construction method, crocheters should be comfortable with:

• Chain stitches for foundation and shaping
• Slip stitches for joining rounds
• Double crochet (UK) / Single crochet (US) as a primary stitch for dense, scrubby fabric
• Increases and decreases to shape the fish body and tail
• Possible textured stitches to enhance the scrubbing surface, which is a common feature in cotton scrubbie patterns

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted, a yarn specifically chosen for its sustainability credentials and its suitability for household items. Recycled cotton is naturally absorbent, machine washable, and free from synthetic fibres, making it an excellent choice for kitchen and bath scrubbies. The recommended colours are:

• 1 × 100g ball in Colour A – Honey
• 1 × 100g ball in Colour B – String
• 1 × 100g ball in Colour C – Night Blue

The recommended hook size is a 4.5mm crochet hook (UK size 7 / US size 7). Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are based on average requirements and are approximate, and that the brand cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if a yarn other