I created this pattern for my friend, who sells disc and ball-shaped soaps under the name ‘Down Peach Tree Road’ at Megalong Valley in the NSW Blue Mountains.

The product features an open mesh design in a circular shape. It has a draw string that also acts as a loop to hang it up after use to air dry.

Hemp is a natural, sustainable product. It is extremely strong and durable. It acts as a good exfoliator, resists mould and dries quickly. It softens with use over time.

This item allows you to get a longer life out of your lovely soap, or to combine small soap pieces into a lump so they can be fully used up. When wet, the hemp picks up just enough soap lather and it feels good on the skin. Hang it up after use and it dries quickly.

Hemp can be difficult to obtain and it is stiff to work with. The pattern caters for shrinkage of raw hemp yarn after the first wash.

This item can alternatively be made with strong cotton or linen, or a hemp blend. If you’re working with a softer and more refined yarn, I recommend a 5.5mm hook.

Suits soap ball 5.5cm diameter, or soap disc 6cm diameter x 2cm thick.

The finished size can be adjusted by using a different hook size, increasing rows or changing the number of stitches in the starting ring.