The Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubby Set: A Free Crochet Pattern for Textured, Exfoliating Dishcloths

Bring a Slice of Sunshine to Your Sink: The Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubby Set

Are you ready to transform your daily dishwashing routine into a moment of pure joy? Meet the Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubby Set—a trio of vibrant, textured crochet dishcloths that look just like juicy citrus slices. Designed with a unique combination of single, half double, and double crochet stitches, these cloths provide gentle exfoliation while adding a cheerful pop of color to your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this free pattern is your ticket to creating functional, handmade art that’s as beautiful as it is practical.

Materials Needed

Before you dive in, gather these simple supplies. Each cloth uses approximately 50g (1.75 oz) of yarn, so you’ll need about 150g total for the full set.

• Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream or similar 100% cotton worsted weight yarn in Lemon (yellow), Tangerine (orange), Lime (green), and White (for the pith).
• Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Gauge: 16 sc and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure uniform size.
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: Each cloth is worked in the round from the center out. The magic ring technique creates a tight, seamless center. The 'pith' is a round of white yarn, and the 'segments' are formed by alternating colors and increasing stitch heights. Follow the instructions for the Lemon Cloth, then repeat for the Tangerine and Lime, substituting the main color.

Lemon Cloth (Yellow with White Pith)

Round 1 (Center): With yellow, make a magic ring. Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 8 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. You now have 8 stitches.

Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around (this is an increase in every stitch). Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. You now have 16 stitches.

Round 3: Chain 1. *Sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 24 stitches.

Round 4: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 32 stitches.

Round 5: Chain 1. *Sc in the next 3 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 40 stitches.

Round 6 (Pith): Change to white yarn. Chain 1. *Sc in the next 4 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 48 stitches.

Round 7 (Segment Texture Begins): Change back to yellow. Chain 2 (this counts as your first half double crochet, or hdc). *Hdc in the next 5 stitches, then 2 hdc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain-2. You now have 56 stitches.

Round 8: Chain 2 (counts as first hdc). *Hdc in the next 6 stitches, then 2 hdc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 64 stitches.

Round 9: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet, or dc). *Dc in the next 7 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 72 stitches.

Round 10: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). *Dc in the next 8 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 80 stitches.

Round 11 (Border): Chain 1. *Sc in the next 9 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch* (increase). Repeat from * to * around. Join. You now have 88 stitches. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Tangerine Cloth (Orange with White Pith)

Follow the exact same instructions as the Lemon Cloth, substituting orange yarn for yellow. The stitch counts and rounds remain identical.

Lime Cloth (Green with White Pith)

Follow the exact same instructions as the Lemon Cloth, substituting green yarn for yellow. The stitch counts and rounds remain identical.

Finishing & Hanging Loop

Once all three cloths are complete, block them lightly: wet each cloth, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat to dry, shaping them into perfect circles. To add a hanging loop, attach your yarn at any point on the border edge. Chain 12 stitches, then slip stitch back into the same spot where you started. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Now your citrus scrubby is ready to hang by the sink!

With their cheerful colors and satisfying texture, these Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubbies are sure to brighten your kitchen and make every wash a little more delightful. Happy crocheting!