I was looking for some fun and simple projects to use up some of my scrap fabric. Of course I found so many different ideas and options, but ran across a few tutorials for Unsponges.
Personally, I have always used hand made dish rags, but I know there are folks that like to use sponges. I’ve tried to before, but always wanted to throw it in the washer rather than the trash. So I thought maybe this was an alternative for me to try.
I didn’t follow any one particular tutorial, but instead of using flannel or fabric in the middle, I chose to use all that leftover cotton batting that I couldn’t bring myself to throw away.
I cut my fabric and batting 4.5″ wide by 6″ tall. I added tulle to one side of some of the unsponges, and figured out that I had to cut those 2 pieces approximately 5″ by 6.5″ so there is plenty to catch when sandwiching. The tulle gives your unsponge a “scrubby” side. On some of the unsponges, I used an old course rag just to test out (that is the blue stack above).
Once you get a stack sandwiched, head to your sewing machine and start sewing!
I found that when sewing these together, be sure that your cotton fabric is on the bottom. The feed dogs (and you) will be much happier 😉 Sew a half inch seam and leave an opening approximately 2″ wide for turning.
Be sure to trim your corners to prevent bulky corners. Trimming will also allow you to get a sharper corner, too. After I get the unsponges turned, the corners all poked out, I stitch around the edge as close as I can. Be sure to tuck/fold in the opening where you turned your fabrics. Stitching this close helps enforce your edges and gives your unsponges stronger edges.
I finished off the unsponges by sewing another border/rectangle about an inch or so from my outer stitching.
This was a fun project and I used up some of my stash of fabric and some of those too small pieces of cotton batting. What is it that they say? If you use up some of your stash, you will have room to buy more…
I already have a stack of fabric ready to make more!
Stay safe!
Becki 🙂
The Girls Get Creative 