I love a project that turns something awkward and outdated into something you’d actually want sitting on the patio, and this one does exactly that. By flipping an old metal satellite dish upside down and crocheting thick cotton rope through the existing holes, you can make a surprisingly stylish summer cover for an outdoor fire pit. It keeps leaves and debris out when the pit isn’t in use, and it adds that handmade texture I’m always drawn to when I’m trying to make an outdoor space feel finished without spending a fortune.
This is a great project for anyone who likes practical DIYs with a creative twist. If you know basic crochet stitches, you can absolutely handle it, and even if you’re newer to crochet, the thick rope and pre-drilled dish holes make the process easier than it sounds. I’m always looking for projects I can chip away at after work, and this kind of repetitive stitching is honestly perfect for winding down on a weeknight.
Materials
1 old metal satellite dish, 24 to 30 inches wide, with existing edge holes or mounting holes
Instructions
1. Clean the satellite dish thoroughly with degreasing cleaner and a cloth, then let it dry completely so the rope won’t pick up grime while you work.
2. File down any sharp metal edges around the rim and holes, then smooth them with 120-grit sandpaper so the cotton rope won’t snag or fray.
3. If you want a cleaner finished look, spray paint the dish and let it cure fully according to the can directions before adding any rope.
4. Measure the diameter of the fire pit opening and compare it to the dish; the cover should sit over the opening with at least 1 inch of overlap all around.
5. Place the dish upside down so the center dome rises upward, and decide which side will be the top of the finished cover.
6. Tie the cotton rope securely through one outer hole with the polyester twine, leaving a 4-inch rope tail on the underside, and clip it in place to keep the starting point stable.
7. Work single crochet or slip stitches through each hole around the outer edge, using the rope as your yarn and the dish holes as your foundation row.
8. Continue the second round by crocheting into the first round stitches instead of the metal holes, spacing the stitches evenly so the rope begins to form a web across the dish.
9. Add a few increases as needed if the rope starts pulling too tightly toward the center; if it ripples, remove one or two stitches in the next round to flatten it back out.
10. Keep crocheting in rounds, spiraling inward over the dish until most of the metal surface is covered and only a small circle remains at the center.
11. For the center, thread the rope through the final stitches with the yarn needle, pull snug to close the opening, and knot it securely on the underside.
12. Weave the rope tail under several stitches on the underside, trim the excess, and add a small dot of outdoor adhesive if you want extra security.
13. Check the fit on the fire pit, and if you want the cover to sit a little quieter on metal or stone, add rubber feet or bumpers evenly around the underside rim.
14. Finish by spraying the crocheted surface lightly with clear outdoor sealant if desired, then let everything dry completely before placing it outside for regular use.
Variations & Tips
Use a different rope color: Natural cotton is my favorite for a summery look, but black, navy, or sage rope can make the cover feel more modern and hide dirt better.
Try a stitched pattern: If basic single crochet feels too plain, alternate single crochet and chain spaces for a more open lace-like design, just make sure the cover still blocks larger debris.
Check weather exposure: Cotton rope looks beautiful, but if your patio gets soaked often, store the cover under shelter when not in use so it lasts longer.
Match the pit size first: Before you crochet too far, test the dish on your fire pit. I’ve learned the hard way that a “close enough” fit is rarely close enough once the project is finished.
Stabilize the start point: Binder clips help more than you’d think with thick rope. They basically act like an extra set of hands, which I appreciate when I’m squeezing in a project after a long workday.
Keep it decorative only: This cover is meant for a cooled, unused fire pit. Always wait until the fire pit is completely cold and clean before placing the cover on top.