These Trendy DIY Rope Trivets Are Cute and Functional

Trivets are really having a moment. As decorative as they are functional, a pretty trivet can be a real workhorse in your home. Best used under hot, just-out-of-the-oven meals on your table, these beauties are simple to make with materials straight from the local hardware or craft store. Mix and match rope and knot away. Smaller hoops are the perfect size for rope coasters—a set of four (stack ‘em and throw a quick ribbon around them to secure) make the perfect homemade hostess gift.

What You’ll Need:

• Embroidery Hoops, we used 5-inch to 7-inch hoops for trivets, 4-inch hoops for coasters. You’ll only need the inside circle of the hoop (not the part with the hardware).
• Rope, 3 to 4 millimeter thickness works best, slightly thinner for coasters
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun

How-to:

Project steps are the same for coasters and trivets. Trivets will take longer to make as they are larger.

1. Loosen the hardware on the outer circle of the embroidery hoop. Pop out the inside to use for this project (you’ll only need this part!).

2. Trim rope to size. If you’re using a 4-inch hoop, you need two pieces of rope measuring 3 yards each. A 5-inch hoop requires two pieces of rope measuring 4 yards each, and a 7-inch hoop calls for two pieces of rope measuring 6 yards each. Line up two rope pieces so they are identical lengths; you’ll knot them around the hoop together from here on out. If you notice your rope is starting to unravel at the end once trimmed (totally normal), tape off with a piece of tape to prevent from further unraveling. Trim off tape once project is finished.

3. Begin knotting. Allow for about 2 inches of extra rope as you begin, you’ll use that for tying off your trivet or coasters later. Set hoop on a flat surface and begin knotting. Start the first knot by creating a loose loop over the underside of the hoop (if laying flat on a surface. You begin the knot from behind / the underbelly of the hoop. Loop the knot ends back through the loose loop you just created and secure. Repeat: thread the long end of the rope around the underside of the hoop, pull it up back through the center.

4. Repeat all the way around covering the entire surface of the hoop. Important to note: especially when using two colors, be careful not to twist the two pieces of rope. You want them snug and side by side all the way around for a clean and even pattern.

5. Knot ends together. Once you’ve covered the entire hoop, tie loose ends together and trim excess (on the end you started with, too) allowing for about an inch of extra rope on each side.

6. Swing rope ends over to the back of the hoop and secure with a few dots of hot glue (so the front stays pretty!). If rope ends are long enough, create a loop with the excess (great for hanging) and follow the same tying-off and glueing steps as above.

See more easy DIYs:

How-To Make Concrete Trivets Add Some Sparkle to Your Bar Cart With This Easy DIY The Easy Way to DIY Colorful Pom-Poms

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