Sustainable Sewing Projects - Reusable Cotton Rounds & Shower Scrubby

Sustainable Sewing Projects - Reusable Cotton Rounds & Shower Scrubby

Whether you’ve used your last cotton round and don’t have time to run to the shops, or just want to make the switch to a more sustainable bathroom routine, you’ve come to the right place! This week we’ve got two super easy and useful DIYs. We’ll be making reusable cotton rounds for removing makeup, and a shower scrubby!

Let’s talk about what you’ll need. You can use an old t-shirt, some extra cotton fabric, or an old towel to make both of these projects.

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You’re going to want to use a soft cotton thread for this project because you’ll be using it on the skin of your face and body. We recommend our 50wt Egyptian cotton thread called Konfetti™. Konfetti is soft to the touch so it won’t feel scratchy when you’re in the shower or taking off your makeup. It’s also durable, so it’ll last through the washing machine, lots of scrubbing and suds!

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You can purchase Konfetti thread online or find a local retailer in your area at this link

If you want a little pop of colour you can use Tutti™! We love it for all of the reasons that we love Konfetti™, but Tutti™ offers something really special with its vibrant variegated colours. These threads are both made from cotton material, so they’re biodegradable and great for the environment.

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You can purchase Tutti thread online or find a local retailer in your area at this link

Cotton Rounds Tutorial:

If you’re using a fairly light fabric like an old t-shirt, fold the fabric so that you can cut two pieces out at a time. Using a cup, jar, or other circular template trace a few circles out. Cut them out and place a pin in the middle so they stay lined up.

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If you have a serger, go ahead and set it up and simply serge around the outside of the circle to prevent the fabric from fraying. Serge around the outside of all of your circles until you’ve reached your desired amount of reusable cotton rounds and ta-da! You’re finished!

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However, if you don’t have a serger you can place a row of zig-zag stitching around the edge so that the needle just barely catches the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying. The shorter your stitch length, the more coverage the edge of your cotton round will have.

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And there you have it! Your reusable cotton rounds are ready to remove that makeup time and time again. Once your makeup round is used, you can just toss it into the washing machine (in a garment bag so you don’t lose it) or wash it by hand with soap and water.

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To read about more benefits to using reusable cotton rounds, as well as directions in making it part of your skincare routine, check out this other blog: https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/skin-care/skin-care-essentials/resuable-makeup-remover-cotton-pads.aspx

Shower Scrubby/Loofa Tutorial:

Next, let’s make the shower scrubby. Again, if you’re using a lighter material cut the fabric right sides together.

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Depending on how large you’d like your shower scrubby, you can adjust the size to your liking. We’re going to cut our fabric at 14 in by 4 in. We wouldn’t recommend cutting your fabric any smaller than this.

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You should have 2 rectangles if you’re using a heavy fabric, and 4 if you’re using a lighter fabric.

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If you’re using a lighter fabric, zig-zag stitch or serge around the edge of the rectangles on all sides.

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Next, you’ll need to create the drawstring. Cut a long strip of fabric that’s twice the length of your rectangles. In our case, we’ll be cutting our fabric at 28 in x 1.5 in.

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Iron the fabric strip so that the outer most edges meet in the middle. Fold in half once more and press again.

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Place a line of stitching down the long side.

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Then two shorter ones on the short ends.

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Place the drawstring in the center of your rectangles and place a straight line of stitching down either side of the string. Be careful not to catch the drawstring while you’re stitching otherwise you won’t be able to scrunch the scrubby!

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Tie the drawstring together, or stitch it, at the ends.

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Scrunch your rectangles together as much as you can and tie the drawstring together so that your new shower scrubby stays nice and scrunched up to get the most out of your shower suds.

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And there you have it! The perfect 5-minute project for when you’re in a bind or wanting to make the switch to a more earth-friendly bathroom routine.

If you don’t have a sewing machine and still want to make your own shower scrubby, don’t fret! Here’s a loofah tutorial using tulle fabric that can be sewn by hand: https://kimandcarrie.com/diy-shower-pouf-body-sponge/

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You can also sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the first look at projects, sewing tips that will make you jump for joy, and inspiring tutorials. Click here to subscribe! And if you’re all about garment making, we have the perfect newsletter for you. Get exclusive first access to patterns and projects, tips to make the best of your garment making. Subscribe to our educational WonderFil wearables newsletter for tips and tutorials specific to garment making, all delivered straight to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to the WonderFil Wearables newsletter. We’ll see you again next time!

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