I love a thrift-store find that solves a real-life problem, and this one absolutely does. By turning an old metal toast rack on its side and crocheting chunky slate blue yarn through it, you can make a sturdy little tablet stand that looks surprisingly polished on a desk, kitchen counter, or homework station. It has that cozy handmade texture I always gravitate toward, but it also feels practical enough for everyday use.
This is a great project if you’re comfortable with basic crochet stitches and want something fast, useful, and budget-friendly. As someone who’s usually juggling work, recipes, and a million tabs open at once, I appreciate projects like this that come together in one sitting and actually earn their keep. It’s especially perfect for back-to-school season, when everyone suddenly needs a spot for a tablet during homework, reading, or video lessons.
Materials
1 metal toast rack, approximately 7 to 8 inches wide with 5 to 6 slots
Instructions
1. Clean the toast rack thoroughly with warm soapy water, dry it completely, and turn it on its side so the curved base becomes the stand and the slots angle backward to support the tablet.
2. Measure the width and height of the side area you want to cover with crochet, then crochet a small test swatch to confirm that your stitches make a dense fabric that won’t sag too much.
3. Chain 11 to 13 stitches, depending on your rack’s height, and work single crochet rows until you have a rectangle long enough to weave through the full width of the toast rack.
4. Fasten off, leaving a 16-inch yarn tail, and use the yarn needle to weave the crocheted rectangle over and under the metal dividers so it forms a cushioned sling across the side of the rack.
5. Pull the panel snug so it sits flat without bowing too tightly, then stitch the starting and ending edges around the outer bars of the rack to secure the crochet in place.
6. Add extra whip stitches at any points where the panel shifts, especially near the front lip and the back support, so the tablet will stay steady when leaned against it.
7. Test the angle with your tablet, and if the opening feels too loose, crochet a short strip of 6 single crochet rows and stitch it across the lower front area as a stopper ledge.
8. Stick rubber bumpers onto the bottom contact points of the rack and onto any metal spots where the tablet may rest, pressing firmly so they protect both the desk and the device.
9. Set the tablet into the stand, check that it doesn’t slide or wobble, and trim or tuck in any visible yarn ends for a clean finish.
Variations & Tips
Color swap: If slate blue doesn’t match your space, this looks beautiful in cream, sage, charcoal, or even a school-color combo if you’re making it for a student desk.
Yarn choice: Chunky cotton or a cotton-blend yarn will give you a firmer finish than a very soft acrylic, which can stretch more over time.
Rack size: Toast racks vary a lot at thrift stores, so bring a quick tablet measurement with you if you can. I look for one that feels solid and has evenly spaced dividers with no sharp bends.
Desk protection: Don’t skip the rubber bumpers. They make the stand feel more stable and keep the metal from scratching a table or countertop, which is especially helpful if the stand gets moved around a lot.
Make it faster: If you’re short on time, use simple single crochet for the whole project. It creates a dense panel quickly and gives the stand a clean, modern look.
Gift idea: This makes a great practical gift for a student, teacher, or anyone who follows recipes or video calls on a tablet. I’d pair it with a cute notebook and call it done.