There is nothing quite as welcoming as the comforting aroma of warm baked apples and cinnamon drifting through an autumn kitchen—except perhaps bringing that cozy farmhouse aesthetic directly to your dining table! This easy crochet apple pie hot pad pattern combines playful novelty with serious culinary utility. Featuring a rich cinnamon-apple base, an interwoven golden lattice crust, and an authentic fluted shell rim, this double-thick trivet shields your countertops and dining surfaces from bubbling Dutch ovens and sizzling cast iron skillets while adding irresistible handmade charm to your fall home decor.
Unlike thin novelty pot holders that allow heat to transfer painfully to your hands, this pie hot pad is engineered with safety and longevity in mind. It consists of two separate, heavy-gauge circular disks: a solid thermal backing worked in dense cotton, joined along the perimeter to the decorative pie-filling front disk. Working exclusively in 100% natural cotton yarn ensures complete heat resistance, meaning it will never melt, scorch, or pill under piping hot casserole dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Pie Trivet
- Double-Thick Heat Protection: Two layered cotton discs create a substantial 1/2-inch thermal barrier that protects delicate quartz and butcher block counters.
- Realistic Cottagecore Charm: The authentic woven lattice top and crimped pastry crust border make it a show-stopping conversation starter during holiday hosting.
- Fast & Rewarding Project: Works up in under 45 minutes using standard double and half double crochet rounds.
- The Perfect Fall Hostess Gift: Pair with a jar of homemade apple butter, a wooden spoon, or a pie baking dish for an unforgettable autumn gift basket.
Materials & Sizing Specs
- Yarn: Approx. 55 yards of Medium Worsted Weight (#4) 100% Cotton Yarn in Golden Wheat / Toasted Ecru (Crust & Lattice), and 35 yards in Warm Cinnamon Brown or Ruby Red (Apple / Cherry Filling). Crucial Safety Rule: Never use acrylic, polyester, or novelty synthetic yarns for pot holders, as synthetics will melt under hot bakeware!
- Crochet Hook: US Size G-6 (4.0 mm) ergonomic crochet hook. Downsizing hook size creates firm, compact stitches that prevent gaps.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, locking stitch marker, craft scissors.
- Finished Dimensions: Approx. 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter across the crimped outer crust. Standard size accommodates standard 9-inch pie plates and 10-inch skillets.
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (working in rounds, surface lattice strips, shell stitches).
Step-by-Step Pie Hot Pad Walkthrough
Part 1: The Base Discs (Make 2)
Make Disc 1 in Cinnamon Brown (Filling Base) and Disc 2 in Golden Wheat (Thermal Backing):
Round 1: Magic Ring. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), work 9 hdc into ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-2. (10 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 1 hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each st around. Join. (20 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (30 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in following st, 1 hdc in next st.* Repeat around. Join. (40 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts.* Repeat around. Join. (50 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in following st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts.* Repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
Fasten off Disc 1 (Cinnamon). For Disc 2 (Golden Wheat), do not fasten off yarn; set aside while constructing the lattice.
Part 2: The Lattice Crust Strips
Using Golden Wheat yarn, crochet 6 strips to form the lattice top:
Center Strips (Make 2): Ch 26. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off. (25 sts)
Mid Strips (Make 2): Ch 22. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off. (21 sts)
Outer Strips (Make 2): Ch 16. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off. (15 sts)
Weaving: Lay 3 strips horizontally across the Cinnamon filling disc. Interweave the remaining 3 strips vertically in an over-under-over basket pattern. Tack the ends of each strip neatly along the edge of Round 6 using your tapestry needle.
Part 3: Joining & The Crimped Pie Crust Rim
Place the Cinnamon disc (with lattice side up) on top of the Golden Wheat backing disc with wrong sides facing together:
Joining Round (Working through both layers): Using the working loop from Disc 2, ch 1. Sc evenly through both layers around the entire perimeter, sandwiching lattice strip tails securely inside. Join with sl st. (60 sc)
Crimped Crust Shell Round: Ch 1. Skip 1 st, *work 5 dc in next st (scalloped shell made), skip 1 st, sl st in next st.* Repeat from * to * around 15 times total to create a gorgeous wavy fluted crust edge.
Optional Hanging Loop: At the final shell, ch 10, sl st in base of chain to form a handy hanging ring.
Fasten off securely and weave in all yarn tails between the two discs.
3 Pro Tips for Durable Kitchen Hot Pads
1. Steam Block the Lattice Before Joining: Lightly steam your 6 single crochet lattice strips before basting them down. This prevents them from twisting and ensures the squares lay razor-flat across the filling.
2. Customize Your Favorite Flavor: Swap the Cinnamon Brown filling for Bright Berry Red (Cherry Pie), Deep Terracotta (Pumpkin Pie), or Royal Navy Blue (Blueberry Pie) to celebrate different seasons!
3. Tight Tension Is Essential: Keep your yarn tension firm throughout both base discs. Dense crochet fabric insulates against heat far better than loose stitches.
Autumn Decorating & Kitchen Ideas
- Stovetop Vignettes: Rest on your stovetop beneath a tea kettle or Dutch oven for warm, decorative autumn appeal when not actively cooking.
- Wall Hook Displays: Hang a trio of fruit pie hot pads from copper kitchen rails or peg boards for functional cottagecore wall art.
- Thanksgiving Tablescapes: Place at every centerpiece hot dish station during holiday dinners to protect table linens in festive style.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Washing: Machine wash warm with like colors; 100% cotton holds up exceptionally well to kitchen grease and food splatters.
- Drying: Reshape the fluted shells with your fingers and lay flat to air dry. A quick steam press will restore the crisp lattice finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert an insulated batting layer between the discs?
Yes! If you plan to set 450°F Dutch ovens directly out of the oven onto the trivet, trace your base disc onto a scrap of heat-resistant batting (such as Insul-Bright) and sandwich it between the two crochet circles before crocheting the joining round.
Can I crochet this as a single-layer dishcloth?
You can work Disc 1 and the crimped crust round as a darling single-layer washcloth! However, for resting hot pans on countertops, the double-thick construction is mandatory for heat safety.
What is the best way to keep the fluted shell crust from curling?
Ensure you skip exactly one stitch between each shell and slip stitch as written. Skipping too few stitches causes the rim to ruffle excessively, while skipping too many causes it to cup inwards.
Pin This Pattern for Later
Love this cozy kitchen project? Save this pin to your Fall Crochet & Kitchen Decor board on Pinterest so you have the double-thick pie trivet pattern whenever holiday baking season arrives!
