Crochet Makeup Remover Pads Free Pattern

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Make your own crochet makeup remover pads, with this handy free pattern.

I’m really excited to share with you this free pattern for these fantastic crochet makeup remover pads, created for Moral Fibres readers by Lyndsey Haskell.

Here Lyndsey shares how to green your daily beauty routine with these simple and eco-friendly washable alternatives to disposable cotton wool pads.

Please note, that these are UK crochet stitches. If you are reading along from a different part of the world, then I would recommend familiarising yourself with UK crochet stitches and hook sizes first.

Do also note that as the pattern has been provided by Lyndsey, I am unable to answer any of your questions related to crochet.

Take it away Lyndsey!


cotton wool pads

I’m constantly on the lookout for ways of reducing my carbon footprint, one of the main aims being to reduce the number of things I buy and throw away.

One daily annoyance is throwing away the cotton pads that I use to remove my makeup. They come in a non-recyclable plastic packet that really irks me. Another point of annoyance is that they may have been factory-made and then air-freighted halfway around the world.

I decided to make some reusable cotton pads that I could just put in the wash when they’ve been used. Read on to find out how I did it! I’ve also got a printer-friendly version of these instructions at the bottom of this post. Keep scrolling for that!

How To Make Crochet Makeup Remover Pads

reusable make up remover pad

To make your reusable cotton wool pads you will need a UK size 4 crochet hook.

If you are outside of the UK then please note UK crochet hook sizes are different from international sizes. A UK size 4 corresponds with a 6.00mm hook or a 10/J hook.

You will also need some cotton yarn of your choice.

My favourite is Rowan Revive which comes in some lovely colours, or you can use up whatever wool is in your stash. You will need around 8 metres of yarn.

Instructions

step by step guide to crocheting makeup remover pads

To make these crochet makeup remover pads then try the following pattern that I’ve devised

Ch4, then join with a sl st to the first stitch.

Row 1: Ch 1, *puff st (yo, insert hook into stitch, pull the strand through, do the same 4 more times then pull your yarn through all 11 loops on the hook, close the puff with a chain), ch 1*, repeat * 7 more times then join with a sl st to the top of the first puff stitch and move with a sl st into the gap between the first & second puff. 8 puff st.

reusable make up remover pad diy

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 puff st into the first gap, then 2 puff st into each gap all the way around. Note that you don’t chain between the stitches as you did on the first row. Once you have 16 puff st, join with a sl st to the first puff stitch. 16 puff st.

eco friendly cotton wool pad

Sew in the ends and there you have your finished crochet makeup remover pad. Make a bundle of them and store them in your bathroom ready to use at bedtime!

Enjoy.

crochet cotton wool pads

How To Use Your Completed Pads

Using reusable makeup remover pads is incredibly similar to using disposable cotton wool rounds.

To use simply saturate your crochet makeup remover pad with your regular makeup remover, and then gently wipe your face using the pad. Depending on how much makeup you were wearing, you made need to use more than one pad to remove all traces of makeup.

Once you’re done, pop your pads in a bag or a jar ready for wash day.

How To Wash Your Crochet Makeup Remover Pads

Now that you’ve made your reusable makeup pads, you might be wondering how to wash them. The good news is that they don’t require any special care. I’d recommend popping them in your washing machine, along with your other laundry, and washing them on your standard wash cycle using your regular laundry detergent. It’s that easy.

If you’ve crocheted your pads using light-coloured wool, wash them in a light-coloured load. And vice versa, if you used dark-coloured wool, wash them in with your darks, to avoid any laundry mishaps!

My top tip is to either buy a mesh bag or repurpose something similar to wash them in. This helps stop them from going inside the seal in your washing machine and getting a bit dirty, or getting lost inside your clothes!

My other top tip is to avoid the use of a standard fabric conditioner. Using this can negatively affect the absorbency and performance of your makeup remover pads. White vinegar makes for a great effective natural fabric conditioner that won’t affect your pads.

To dry, avoid the tumble dryer. Instead, hang them up to air dry.

Alternatively, you can hand wash your reusable makeup pads. Simply wash them in warm water with a little laundry detergent or some gentle soap, before wringing them out and hanging them up to dry.

See my full guide on how to wash reusable makeup remover pads for more top tips – including how to stop stains from setting.


Other Eco-Friendly Makeup Ideas

Thanks so much, Lyndsey for this fantastic reusable cotton wool pads crochet pattern! I’m desperate to learn how to crochet so that I can give these seriously useful pads a go.

If you are looking for other ways to green your beauty routine do check out my health and beauty category for more inspiration!   I have a host of eco-friendly makeup-related posts, such as this handy guide to zero-waste makeup, and my really easy natural makeup brush cleaner recipe. I’m working on my own eco-friendly makeup remover, so do also watch this space!

Need a printer-friendly version of the crochet pattern? I’ve made one below for you so that you can print it out and get crocheting!

Crochet Makeup Remover Pads – Free Pattern

Try this crochet reusable cotton wool pads pattern so you can green your daily beauty routine with these simple and eco-friendly washable cotton wool pads.
Print Recipe
cotton wool pad DIY
Prep Time:0 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour

Equipment

  • 1 Pair of scissors optional

Ingredients

  • 1 piece UK size 4 crochet hook A UK size 4 corresponds with a 6.00mm hook or a 10/J hook.
  • 8 metres Cotton yarn of your choice. My favourite is Rowan Revive, but you can also use whatever wool you have in your stash.

Instructions

  • Ch4, then join with a sl st to the first stitch.
  • Row 1: Ch 1, *puff st (yo, insert hook into stitch, pull the strand through, do the same 4 more times then pull your yarn through all 11 loops on the hook, close the puff with a chain), ch 1*, repeat * 7 more times then join with a sl st to the top of the first puff stitch and move with a sl st into the gap between the first & second puff. 8 puff st.
  • Row 2: Ch 1, 2 puff st into the first gap, then 2 puff st into each gap all the way around. Note that you don’t chain between the stitches as you did on the first row. Once you have 16 puff st, join with a sl st to the first puff stitch. 16 puff st.
  • Finally, sew in the ends and you're done.
Servings: 4 pads

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