Loom Mop Cloths to Save Money

Making mop cloths on the loom isn’t a new idea. You can actually crochet, knit or loom them just by making 9 1/2 by 4 1/2 rectangles in any pattern that you choose and then adding two straps to hold the cloth to the mop. I decided to make a batch of these on my 24 peg loom. Part of my interest was related to some nylon cording that I found in a yard sale purchase. I wanted to see if the cording would add sufficient roughness to actually be able to scrub my floors safely. But I have also been particularly thoughtful about my finances and how I can save money. I wondered if making my own mop cloths would help.

Mop cloths can be used both wet and dry. But the choice of yarn is important. Anything fluffy or pure acrylic doesn’t work well for the wet cloths. That eliminates eyelash yarns, of course. I really didn’t like the fluffy cloths for dry mopping, either. Blends with acrylic can work depending on the blend. Before you make too many of the cloths out of one type of yarn, test that yarn by getting it wet. You’ll know by its’ feel how it should work for you. One note is that these can be make from scraps and so they’ll help clear out your yarn stash. They’re also quick. I can make one in about 20 – 30 minutes. For this experiment I made 10 in about a weeks worth of spare time.

Cast onto all the pegs with your “regular ” yarn and flat knit for 18 rows. Attach nylon or cotton cord and flat knit 2 rows. Knit all the stitches off. Attach stitches 4-6 to the loom and flat knit 3 stitches with the regular yarn for 20 rows. Bind off all stitches and repeat with stitches 18-20. Sew the two strap ends to the other side of the cover.

Well, the scrubber section was a hit for me. I found I could clean a lot easier with that strip of nylon or even cotton than without it. They didn’t scratch my wood floors, though I admit was was very careful in my usage. So that was a success.

How about the budget question? Does it save money to make these clothes? Since I used scrap yarn, and only a bit of it, I think the yarn would be less than .05 each cloth. My time is valuable, of course, but I worked on this in my spare time so I decided not to count it for this. The cloths from the store cost about $7.00 for a box of 24, so about .29 each. I’d venture an assumption that making these cloths saves money. Will I never buy another package of mop covers? Oh, I will. But with the cloths that I make I can reduce the amount I buy. Every bit counts in this economy. This experiment was a success for me!


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