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Before we get to the pattern I am sure that you may have a few questions about Aromatherapy and Why we would need to use a special cloth for it.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complimentary health approach that uses the essential oils from plant, Herb and tree extracts to promote relaxation, and are thought to aid in overall health and wellbeing.

What is an Aromatherapy Cloth?

Simply put, an Aromatherapy Cloth is a small rectangle or square of Cotton yarn used for aromatherapy. I add a few drops of the essential oils I am planning on using onto the Cloth and then I place the cloth on a the patient’s pillow or somewhere near the patient.

Where did this idea of an Aromatherapy Cloth Crochet Pattern come from?

I am a Hospice Nurse and frequently I am caring for a patient that does not yet have the medications needed to help them with pain, anxiety and/or breathing issues. We may be waiting for a pharmacy to have the medications ready or delivery is taking longer than anticipated. Sometimes those medications just are not what the patient needs or wants at that specific time.

I wanted to be able to help my patients that are in distress in other ways. I started learning more about essential oils, the more I learned the more I wanted to learn. Eventually, I took a course to become certified in aromatherapy use.

When I started using them to promote comfort in my patients, I did not want to use them directly on a person. I also, did not want to cause any skin irritation or possibly cause any more discomfort than the person was already in. I needed to find something to place the essential oils on and I did not want to use a pillow, paper towel or washcloth. This is how I came up with an Aromatherapy Cloth.

Why not just put a few drops on a pillow?

Putting a few drops of an essential oil directly onto a person’s pillow can actually be very effective. I have chosen not to do this because, I have found that some of the oils may stain a pillowcase.

What about about a paper towel?

When using a paper towel I have discovered that the fragrance of the oil does not disperse as well or last as long.

Why don’t you just use a washcloth?

I have a few reasons that I do not like to use a washcloth for aromatherapy during hospice care.

Washcloths are not always readily available. I would hate to use a washcloth that may be needed later on and find that we do not have anymore.

The main reason why I do not like to use a washcloth is also the reason why I make the Aromatherapy Cloth the size they are is: I would not want to run the risk of someone accidentally using a cloth that has essential oils on them, to wash a person and irritate their eyes or skin.

Materials needed for the pattern.

3.5mm crochet hook

Small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn

Scissors

Yarn needle

This pattern is written in US terms

Stitches Used

CH = Chain

SC = Single Crochet

HDC = Half Double Crochet

DC = Double Crochet

Cluster = 1 SC, 1 HDC , 1 DC in the same stitch.

Aromatherapy Cloth Crochet Pattern

Chain 14

Foundation row: starting in third chain from hook: 1 Sc in each chain across row you will have 12 SC in this row.

Row 1: Chain 2, turn, Cluster in the first SC, *skip the next two SC, cluster in the next SC,* repeat From * until you have 4 Clusters, skip the next two SC and then SC in the last SC.

Row 2: Chain 2, Turn, Cluster in the first SC, * Skip the next two stitches, Cluster in the next stitch * repeat from * Until you have 4 Clusters, SC in the top of the turning chain

Repeat row 2, three more times.

Do not finish off.

Edging: Chain 1, turn, SC evenly around cloth, putting 3, SC in each corner. Join, finish off and weave in ends.