How to Knit a Trivet

The pattern on this ceramic trivet could be incorporated into a knitting pattern.

The original trivets were three-legged cast-iron stands used to hold hot pots and pans. Today the word trivet is used generically to describe anything used to protect tables and counter tops from hot pots and pans. Many people use hot pads, a ceramic tile, square piece of wood or woven straw pad, and call it a trivet. Technically, though, a trivet is still a three-legged stand. The following trivet pattern is suitable for surfaces that you need to protect from hot pots and pans.

Things You'll Need

• Size 10 knitting needles
• Heavy-weight yarn
• Blunt end needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cast on 36 stitches. Knit Row 1. Purl Row 2. Knit Row 3. Purl Row 4. Row 1 through 4 is called the Stockinette stitch. You are alternating the knit and purl row.

2. Knit 3 at the beginning of Row 5. Purl 3, knit 3 and repeat from purl 3 across the row. Purl Row 6. For Row 7, repeat Row 5.

3. Purl Row 8. For Row 9, repeat Row 5. For Rows 10 through 13, knit the Stockinette stitch, starting with purl.

4. Knit Row 5 again for Row 14. Knit Row 15. Repeat Row 5 for Row 16. Knit Row 17. Repeat Row 5 for Row 18. Continue knitting Rows 1 through 18 until the trivet is the size you want. Cut the yarn at the end, leaving a tail. Thread the blunt-end needle and weave the tail in to hide it.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more finished look, single crochet once or twice around the perimeter of the block.

References

• "The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting"; Margaret Hubert; 2010

Resources

• "Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet"; Mags Kandis; 2010