Upcycled Rope Trivet

Last month, while cleaning out our tool closet, I found a clean, forgotten bundle of sash cord. I’m not sure what we were saving it for but, with the holidays in full swing, I wondered if there was a way to upcycle it into a useful homespun gift. I thought about projects I’d seen artists like Rose Pearlman and Anne Weil make, weaving and knitting ropes and cords into baskets, coasters, and trivets, and felt certain I would find a handful of good ideas if I took the time to look.

Sure enough, after a cursory search online, I found the perfect DIY for a finger-knitted rope trivet. Hoping to make one for the holidays, I filed it away on my Pinterest page and set the cord in a project basket in our art room. Over the next few weeks, things got busy with work and home, and I couldn’t find the time to sit down and learn how to make something new.

That was until I got a head cold last week and found myself in bed, unable to muster the energy for my usual daily chores. So from the comfort of my bed, I did what felt easy - I watched a Christmas movie and read through the simple tutorial I’d saved a month earlier. An hour later, I’d finger-knitted TWO trivets (and a coaster to boot!). After patting myself on the back for checking something off my to do list, I promptly mocked myself for thinking it would be so hard.

For what it’s worth, I’m happy to report that these trivets are super easy to make! At Waldorf schools, finger knitting is often the first handwork technique taught to children - both of mine started single finger knitting at age five and double finger knitting at seven. One trivet took me 30 minutes to make, so you don’t need a lot of time either.

Typically I’d include instructions here on my blog, but this tutorial was designed by Anne Weil of Flax and Twine and can be found on her blog here. For materials, you’ll need 10 yards of 1/4” cotton sash cord and some packing tape (although it’s not essential). If you don’t have cotton sash cord and want to use something you already own, just be sure to use natural fibers only - you wouldn’t want to place a hot plate, pot, or kettle on a plastic surface!

If you’re more of a visual learner, you might find this video tutorial more helpful than the written one. I watched it before reading the written instructions and was so happy to have found it.

Also, once you get the hang of making the trivet, I’d highly recommend making matching coasters. They look so cute with the trivet and make for a wonderful, complete gift set. I’m on a bit of a roll with finger knitting (and watching Christmas movies!) at the moment and might try making a rug pretty soon - I just need to find the world’s largest bundle of cording!

Hope you enjoy and a very happy holiday to you!

XO