When I was a very young girl, I remember watching my great grandmother crochet around metal bottle caps. After she crocheted around each cap, she attached them together and created a grouping of grapes. These colorful groupings of grapes were used for trivets or hotpads in the kitchen. She also used them under her plants to help prevent spotting on her woodwork. After many years of searching for the pattern, I finally broke down and created my own.
Things You’ll Need:
21 metal bottle caps
Size 7/1.65mm steel crochet hook
Multi-colored purple Size 8 perle cotton or Size 10 crochet cotton
Green Size 8 perle cotton or Size 10 crochet cotton
Scissors
Needle
Instructions – Repeat for a total of 21 grapes:
Row 1 – Chain 4 stitches with the purple multi-colored thread. The first double crochet stitch is made up of 3 chain stitches in this row and each row thereafter. Complete 11 double crochet stitches in the fourth chain from the end. Slipstitch the last stitch to the first stitch in the row.
Row 2 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch. Complete 2 double crochet stitches in each stitch around for a total of 24 stitches. Join the last stitch to the first stitch in the row.
Row 3 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch. Double crochet twice in the next stitch then double crochet once in the next stitch – repeat this pattern around for a total of 36 stitches. Join the last stitch to the first stitch in the row. Place the completed top on the surface of the bottle cap. Measure to see if it covers the entire top, if not add one more row using Row 3 instructions. If the top is the right size, continue to Row 4.
Row 4 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in each stitch around. Join the last stitch to the first stitch in the row.
Row 5 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in the same stitch as the slipstitch. Complete a double crochet decrease stitch in the next two stitches then Double crochet in the next stitch. Complete 5 sets then slide the bottle cap into the crocheting placing the top side of the cap directly under the flat surface. Continue the pattern around the remainder of the row. Slipstitch the last stitch to the first stitch in the row. The bottle cap is now held inside a multi-colored purple crocheted cover.
Row 6 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet decrease in each stitch around. Join the last stitch to the first stitch in the row. Finish off.
Leaf Instructions (Make 3):
Row 1 – Chain 2 stitches with green thread. Complete 3 single crochet stitches in the second chain from the hook. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2 – Single crochet twice in the first stitch. Single crochet in the next stitch. Single crochet twice in the last stitch for a total of 5 stitches. Chain 1, turn.
Row 3 – Single crochet twice in the first stitch. Single crochet in the next 3 stitches. Single crochet twice in the last stitch for a total of 7 stitches. Chain 1, turn.
Row 4 – Single crochet twice in the first stitch. Single crochet in the next 5 stitches. Single crochet twice in the last stitch for a total of 9 stitches. Chain 1, turn.
Row 5 – Single crochet twice in the first stitch. Single crochet in the next 7 stitches. Single crochet twice in the last stitch for a total of 11 stitches. Chain 1, turn.
Row 6 through 11 – Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn.
Row 12 – Single crochet decrease in the first two stitches. Single crochet in the next 7 stitches. Single crochet decrease in the last stitch. Chain 1 turn.
Row 13 – Single crochet in each stitch across. Finish off.
Grape Trivet Assembly:
Step 1 – Place the grapes side-by-side in the shape of the desired grape bunch.
Step 2 – Thread the sewing needle with the same color and type of thread used to crochet the grapes.
Attach the grapes together sewing back and forth from the grapes opposite one another. Repeat the process until all grapes are attached.
Step 3 – Position the 3 leaves at the top of the grape bunch. Secure the leaves to the trivet with green thread.
Note: Hand wash to clean. Allow to air dry completely before placing in a closed drawer.