Knitted Swiffer Pad

I really hated using the old fashioned sponge mops (or really any sponges for that matter) because once you use them, they're all full of dirt, and then you're just spreading your old nasty mess around your floor over and over again, which is just gross! So of course when the Swiffers and other brands of disposable pad type of mops came out several years ago, I was right on the bandwagon. Very soon, though, I realized the drawback - those crappy little cloths are expensive to buy, flimsy, and not at all absorbent. The answer to that problem is to knit your own washable, reusable mop pads.

To be honest, I got the idea from a project tear off sheet when I was browsing at a Michael's Arts and Crafts store, but the pattern they had required that it be made in three pieces and sewn together. I think most knitters can attest that the crappiest part of any project is the casting on and first couple of rows, and the end assembly. So what I have done in this Instructable is rework the pattern and technique a little bit so that the whole thing is worked in one piece to minimize the tedious parts.

Step 1 Materials

You will need:

Yarn: I like to use cotton yarn for these because it's sturdy, affordable, and easy to wash. The AC Moore store near me sells bags of "mill ends" of cotton yarn really cheap, so that's what I use. It's pretty much just like Lily Sugar'n Cream. If you're careful not to waste much, you can get two pads from one ball.

Knitting needles: size US 7 or 4.5mm, but I'm not a big stickler on sizes. This is going to be stretchy, so as long as you're close, it's OK.

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Comments

[Jenn Nelson]

I love this! Great idea!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

This is very clever. I actually have a hand swiffer that needs a pad. What a great idea; I love that you made it one piece, too.

[jessyratfink]

This is a fantastic alternative to the sewn ones! Great pictures too!