There’s something especially satisfying about turning a humble dollar store find into a piece that looks right at home on a late-summer table. This crochet cocktail napkin holder starts with a plastic fly swatter of all things, but once the handle is trimmed away, the grid becomes a sturdy little base for thick coral pink yarn. The finished piece has that cheerful handmade look I’ve always loved, and it’s just the sort of project that makes people lean in and ask, “Now what did you make that from?”
I’m fond of projects like this because they use simple materials and a little patience to make something useful and pretty. If you know basic crochet stitches and can work carefully around a plastic grid, you can make this in an afternoon. It’s a lovely project for end-of-summer entertaining, porch suppers, or just brightening up the kitchen counter with a pop of warm color.
Materials
1 plastic fly swatter, approximately 4 1/2 x 5 inches at the grid, handle removed
Instructions
1. Cut the handle off the fly swatter as close to the base as possible using wire cutters, then trim any rough plastic edges with scissors so the grid sits flat and feels smooth to the touch.
2. Turn the swatter so the cut end faces down and test where it will become the bottom of the holder; glue the 4 metal washers across the lower inside area to add weight and keep the piece from tipping.
3. Cut the felt to fit over the weighted area on the back side, then glue it in place to cover the washers neatly and create a cleaner finish.
4. Make a slip knot and join the coral yarn through one outer hole of the plastic grid, then work single crochet evenly around the outside edge by pulling yarn through the openings and wrapping the plastic frame.
5. Continue single crocheting through the grid holes and around the frame until the entire outer edge is covered, keeping the stitches snug so the plastic no longer shows much from the front.
6. At the bottom edge, work an extra row of single crochet back and forth across the lower 1 1/2 inches to build a slightly thicker band that helps support the napkins.
7. Fold the covered swatter gently into a shallow curved or slightly squared U-shape, bringing the two sides upward so the center forms the base and the open top can hold folded cocktail napkins.
8. Add a few anchoring stitches through adjacent grid holes near each lower corner to help the shape hold, then weave in the yarn tail securely with the yarn needle.
9. Slide in a small stack of cocktail napkins and adjust the curve until the holder stands evenly and the napkins are supported without flopping forward.
Variations & Tips
Use a softer shape: If your fly swatter plastic is flexible, make a gentle curve instead of sharp corners. I find that softer lines look especially pretty on a casual supper table.
Try a different yarn texture: T-shirt yarn or chunky cotton yarn both work well here. Cotton gives a tidy, crisp finish, while softer yarn makes the holder look cozier and more relaxed.
Match the season: Coral pink has that warm late-summer charm, but this same idea is lovely in sage green for spring, bright red for Christmas, or cream for everyday use.
Keep stitches even: Work firmly but not so tight that the plastic bends while you crochet. If the yarn pulls too hard in one spot, the holder can twist when you shape it.
Add extra weight if needed: If you use thick cloth napkins or keep this outdoors on a breezy porch, glue in 2 more washers before covering the back with felt.
Dress it up: A small crocheted flower, shell edging, or simple bow stitched to one side can make it feel even more special. My generation never minded a little extra trim when the table needed brightening.