Is It Worth Crocheting Your Own Reusable Face Scrubbies?
Reusable crochet face scrubbies have become a skincare staple for zero-waste beauty routines. A single cotton scrubby replaces hundreds of disposable cotton rounds, holds up for years in the wash, and adds a handmade touch to your self-care shelf. But before you pull out a skein of cotton yarn, it helps to know exactly what a DIY set will cost you — and how it stacks up against buying them ready-made from a store or Etsy shop.
The math is straightforward. A standard face scrubby is worked in a flat circle, typically 3 to 3.5 inches across, and uses roughly 15 to 25 yards of bulky or worsted-weight cotton yarn depending on pattern and hook size. A 100g skein of craft cotton — Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply Cotton, or a budget spool from your local hobby store — typically runs between $5 and $12 and contains 150 to 200+ yards. That means one skein comfortably makes an entire set of 7 to 10 scrubbies.
On the buying side, a set of 10 to 12 cotton reusable facial rounds from Amazon or Target runs about $12 to $20. Handmade crochet scrubbies on Etsy command a premium: $15 to $30 for a set of 7 to 10, reflecting the maker's labor. The key difference is that DIY material cost almost never includes labor — your time is the wildcard the calculator does not price in.
Where DIY clearly wins is longevity and customization. You control the yarn fiber (organic cotton, bamboo cotton, or zero-waste reclaimed yarn), the size, and the stitch texture — loopy terry-stitch for exfoliation, smooth single crochet for sensitive skin. A well-made cotton scrubby survives 100+ washes with no performance loss, making it a much better long-term value than disposable pads even if the upfront cost is similar.
The one-time hook cost matters most for first-time crocheters. A basic aluminum crochet hook in a size E/4 (3.5 mm) or F/5 (3.75 mm) costs $2 to $6. Once you own it, every future set drops that overhead entirely. After your first batch, the cost difference between DIY and store-bought becomes even more favorable.
Use this calculator to enter your specific yarn price and yardage, how many yards your chosen pattern uses, and the price of any set you are comparing against. The result shows your per-scrubby cost and the total savings (or deficit) for your set so you can decide whether to cast on or click "add to cart."
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of yarn is best for crochet face scrubbies?
How many yards of yarn does one face scrubby use?
How do DIY scrubbies compare to Etsy handmade ones in cost?
How long do crocheted face scrubbies last?
Does the hook cost factor into the price per scrubby?
Common Tip Percentages
| Service | Typical Tip Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15–20% | 20%+ for exceptional service |
| Food delivery | 10–20% | Consider extra for long distances |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20% | More for assistance with luggage |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
| Barber / hair salon | 15–20% | On pre-discount total |
| Pizza delivery | 10–15% or $3–5 minimum | Higher in bad weather |
General Household Budget Ratios (50/30/20 Rule)
| Category | % of Net Income | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | 50% | Rent, groceries, utilities, insurance |
| Wants | 30% | Dining out, entertainment, hobbies |
| Savings / Debt | 20% | Emergency fund, retirement, extra payments |
Common Measurement Conversions for Everyday Use
| Quantity | US / Imperial | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 8 fl oz | 237 mL |
| 1 pint | 16 fl oz | 473 mL |
| 1 quart | 32 fl oz | 946 mL |
| 1 gallon | 128 fl oz | 3.785 L |
| 1 lb | 16 oz | 453.6 g |
| 1 ft | 12 in | 30.48 cm |