Square Scrubbie Set - Free Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted - Free Downloadable PDF

Square Scrubbie Set – Free Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Paintbox Yarns guides you through creating a charming and practical Square Scrubbie Set, consisting of two distinct items: a Square Pot and a set of Square Scrubbies. Worked flat and suitable for beginner knitters, this pattern is an ideal introduction to functional knitted homeware. The finished pieces make excellent eco-friendly additions to any kitchen, and because they are made from Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted, they are both sustainable and durable.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two related designs within the same set:

• Square Pot: A knitted pot holder or potholder cube with a finished size of 9 cm (3½ in) per side. This three-dimensional piece is designed to be sturdy and heat-resistant, making it a practical kitchen accessory.
• Square Scrubbies: Flat knitted scrubbing pads with a finished size of 7.5 cm (3 in) square. These small but mighty scrubbies are perfect for washing dishes, scrubbing surfaces, or use as facial cleansing pads, and they can be washed and reused repeatedly.

Techniques Used

The entire pattern is worked flat, meaning all pieces are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. This makes the pattern especially accessible for beginners who may not yet be comfortable with circular or double-pointed needles. Working flat is a foundational knitting technique that produces a fabric by turning the work at the end of each row.

• Worked flat: All knitting is done on straight needles, turning the work at the end of each row.
• Garter stitch (g st): The primary stitch structure used throughout, created by knitting every row on both the right side and wrong side. Garter stitch produces a ridged, reversible fabric with natural elasticity and thickness — ideal for scrubbies and pot holders as it adds body and texture.
• Slipping stitches: The pattern references sl 1 (slip one stitch), a technique where a stitch is moved from one needle to the other without being knitted, often used to create neat edges or decorative texture.
• Yarn management: The abbreviation wyaws (with yarn at wrong side) is referenced, indicating careful yarn positioning during certain stitch maneuvers to keep the fabric tidy.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental building block of this pattern. Every row is knitted, forming the classic garter stitch fabric.
• Garter stitch: Achieved by knitting every row, this creates a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides — perfect for scrubbing and wiping tasks.
• Slip stitch (sl 1): Used at select points in the pattern for structural or aesthetic effect.

Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Paintbox Yarns Recycled Cotton Worsted, a yarn that Paintbox Yarns notes should be used as recommended for best results with the finished item. Two colorways are specified:

• 1 × 100g ball in Steel Blue (Color A)
• 1 × 100g ball in String (Color B)

Recycled Cotton Worsted is a worsted weight yarn, which offers a satisfying thickness and excellent stitch definition. Cotton fiber is naturally absorbent, making it an outstanding choice for kitchen scrubbies and pot holders. Its recycled composition also makes this project an environmentally conscious craft choice.

Two sizes of straight knitting needles are required:

• 3.75mm (UK 9 – US 5) needles for the Square Scrubbies
• 4mm (UK 8) needles for the Square Pot

Who Is This Pattern For?