three soap savers hanging from shower handles

How to Make a Soap Saver

Week 20

Soap bars are arguably the most sustainable body wash option since they can come without any packaging. A soap saver can expand the lifespan of your soap bar by keeping it contained. It both prevents soap from sticking to your shelf and keeps remnants from getting washed down the drain.

This is an easy and very quick project that can be completed in about 15 minutes. I used one washcloth and a piece of grosgrain ribbon to make three soap savers that can hang and be thrown in the wash with a load of towels.

What you'll need:

  • 1 washcloth
  • Grosgrain ribbon
  • Sewing machine or serger
  • Scissors
  • Straight pins

Let's make a soap saver!

  1. washcloth marked at three equal columns

    Measure and mark your washcloth in thirds. My washcloth was 12" x 13.5" so each section was 12" x 4.5".

  2. washcloth cut into three equal pieces

    Cut on the marked lines so you have three equal pieces of washcloth.

  3. three pieces of grosgrain and a pair of scissors

    Cut three 9" pieces of grosgrain ribbon.

  4. ribbon folded in half with edges pinned to edge of washcloth

    Fold one piece of grosgrain in half and pin the ends on the long side, about three inches from the top.

  5. folded ribbon edge pinned to middle of washcloth piece

    Pin the folded part of the ribbon onto the middle of the washcloth (see picture). This is to keep it out of the way when sewing.

  6. left side of washcloth piece folded in

    Fold the top of the washcloth down three inches.

  7. right side of washcloth piece folded over

    Fold the bottom of the washcloth up about four inches. It should overlap the top piece.

  8. three washcloth pieces folded with sides pinned together

    Pin the open edges to prepare them for sewing.

  9. folded washcloth piece now with serged edges

    Using a sewing machine or serger, stitch the washcloth edges shut with a 3/8" seam allowance.

  10. three finished soap savers flipped right side out

    Remove the pins, flip inside out, and admire your new soap savers. You can use different color washcloths or personalize them for everyone in your family.

  11. bar of soap being put into soap saver

    To add soap, simply find the gap in the flaps and shove a bar in.

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