Sunburst Trivet Set Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
If you're looking for a first project that actually gets used, this Sunburst Trivet Set is it. Worked in simple concentric rings of double crochet, each trivet builds outward from a tiny center ring into a cheerful striped disc in sunny yellow and cream. The alternating bands look like a little sunburst on your table, and the cotton fabric feels sturdy, absorbent, and heat-friendly under hot pans. The pattern makes two identical trivets, so you can keep one and gift one, or stack them together for a bright pop of color in the kitchen.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 70 yards total: 40 yards sunny yellow (A) and 30 yards cream (B). Sample shown in Lily Sugar'n Cream (100% cotton, 2.5 oz/120 yd per ball).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch marker (optional, for the start of each round)
- Finished size: Approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, per trivet
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
- st / sts – stitch / stitches
- rep – repeat
Gauge
13 dc x 7 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Exact gauge is not critical, but work a small swatch and check that your circle stays flat and your stitches measure close to this so the finished trivet comes out about 8 inches across.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even and slightly relaxed; tight double crochet makes the circle cup instead of lying flat.
- Change colors on the last pull-through of the final stitch of a round so the new color starts cleanly at the join.
- The ch-3 at the start of each round counts as the first double crochet, so the first real dc goes into the same stitch as the join.
- Count your stitches at the end of every round; each round adds exactly 12 stitches, which keeps the disc flat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Trivet (make 2)
With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc)
R2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc)
Change to B.
R3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (36 dc)
R4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (48 dc)
Change to A.
R5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (60 dc)
R6: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (72 dc)
Change to B.
R7: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (84 dc)
Change to A.
R8: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (84 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Edging (optional)
With B, join yarn with sl st to any st, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
There is no seaming to do—each trivet is a single flat piece. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working the tails under a few stitches so they stay secure. Block lightly to flatten: mist each trivet with water, smooth it flat into a circle on a towel, and let it dry completely. If you added the optional cream edging, block after the edging is complete so the outer rim lies even.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the colors for any two shades you love—navy and white, sage and cream, or a holiday red and green—to match your kitchen.
- Work a second optional edging round in A for a two-tone rim, or add a hanging loop of ch 10 joined with sl st to any stitch.
- Make a larger version by continuing the increase pattern (each round adds 12 dc) until you reach your desired size, then finish with the sc round.
