Tidal Scrub Pocket Free Pattern – Knit a Two-Sided Exfoliating Soap Sack

Transform your daily shower into a coastal spa ritual with the Tidal Scrub Pocket. This clever two-sided soap sack holds your favorite bar of soap while gently exfoliating your skin, thanks to its textured knit surface. The soft cotton blend feels luxurious against the skin, making every wash feel like a retreat by the sea. Best of all, this eco-friendly, handmade gift is perfect for anyone who loves sustainable self-care.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind—it uses simple knit and purl stitches, a touch of slip-stitch texture, and basic seaming. You'll create two flat panels, seam them together, and finish with a charming drawstring closure. The result is a reusable, washable soap sack that reduces plastic waste and elevates your bathing routine.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in two colors: Seafoam (Color A) and Sand (Color B), approximately 50g of each.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles.
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), and a bar of soap for sizing.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to knit a swatch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is knitted flat in two panels (front and back) and then seamed together. The front panel features a textured slip-stitch pattern for gentle exfoliation, while the back panel is a smooth stockinette for comfort against the skin. A simple drawstring closure keeps the soap secure.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl: Slip stitch purlwise
• K2tog: Knit two together
• BO: Bind off
• St st: Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS)

Front Panel (Textured Exfoliating Side)

1. Cast On: CO 30 stitches with Color A.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): P all stitches.
4. Row 3: K1, *Sl 1, K1; repeat from * to the last stitch, K1. (This creates the slip-stitch texture.)
5. Row 4: P1, *Sl 1, P1; repeat from * to the last stitch, P1.
6. Repeat Rows 1–4 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 4.
7. Next Row (RS): K all stitches.
8. Next Row (WS): P all stitches.
9. Repeat these two rows for 2 more inches, so the piece measures 8 inches total.
10. Bind Off: BO all stitches loosely. Set aside.

Back Panel (Smooth Side)

1. Cast On: CO 30 stitches with Color B.
2. Work in St st (K on RS, P on WS) until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge.
3. Bind Off: BO all stitches loosely.

Finishing

1. Seam the Panels: Place the two panels together with wrong sides facing (the textured side should face out on the front, and the smooth side should face out on the back). Using a yarn needle and Color A, sew the side seams and the bottom seam, leaving the top open. Turn the sack right side out.
2. Create the Drawstring Casing: With Color A, pick up and knit 30 stitches along the top edge of the front panel. Work 4 rows of St st. BO loosely. Repeat for the back panel top edge with Color B. This creates a neat casing for the drawstrings.
3. Make the Drawstrings: With Color A, CO 3 stitches. Work an I-cord for 14 inches. BO. Repeat with Color B to create a second drawstring. (To make an I-cord: knit 3 stitches, slide them to the other end of the needle, knit again—repeat until you reach the desired length.)
4. Thread the Drawstrings: Thread one drawstring through the front casing and the other through the back casing. Tie small knots at the ends to prevent slipping.
5. Final Assembly: Insert a bar of soap into the sack, pull the drawstrings to close, and enjoy your spa-like scrub!

Care Instructions

Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. This will keep your soap sack looking fresh and extend its life.

The finished Tidal Scrub Pocket measures approximately 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall—perfect for standard bar soap. The seafoam front with its woven-like slip-stitch texture and the sandy beige back create a beautiful coastal contrast. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to a loved one, this handmade soap sack is a thoughtful, eco-conscious addition to any bath routine.

Happy knitting, and enjoy your little piece of the coast!