There is something mighty satisfying about turning a tired old household piece into something cheerful and useful, and this little serving tray does exactly that. In this project, I crochet thick sunshine yellow yarn right through an old metal window screen frame to make a sturdy late-summer outdoor tray, complete with handles on each end. It has that happy, make-do spirit I grew up with, where nothing with a bit of life left in it went to waste.
If you enjoy easy crochet, upcycling, or just giving porch season one more pretty touch before autumn rolls in, this is a fine project to try. It is especially nice for folks who are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and want a practical piece that feels handmade in the best way. I can just picture this one carrying iced tea and little plates of cookies out to the patio table.
Materials
1 old metal window screen frame, approximately 12 x 18 inches, with screen mesh intact and frame in good shape
Instructions
1. Wash the metal window screen frame with the soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry it completely. Check that all corners are tight and that there are no sharp burrs along the frame.
2. Trim away any loose or damaged screen material, but leave the main screen panel firmly held inside the frame. If the screen feels slack, tighten it as much as you can so your crochet work has a steady base.
3. Measure the inside opening of the frame and decide which short ends will hold the handles. Mark the handle placement so each one sits centered on the end of the tray.
4. Attach the handles to the outside of the short ends using the screws, washers, and nuts. Tighten them firmly, but do not crush or bend the frame.
5. Tie the yellow yarn securely to one corner of the screen near the inside edge of the frame. Pull the tail through a few screen openings and knot it well so it will not slip loose.
6. Work single crochet stitches through the screen mesh openings, moving back and forth across the frame to build a solid base. Use one screen hole per stitch or every other hole if the mesh is very fine, keeping the tension even so the tray stays flat.
7. Continue crocheting until the entire screened center is covered with dense stitches and very little mesh shows through. If you need to join a new length of yarn, weave the ends in firmly on the underside with the yarn needle.
8. Crochet a border around the inner edge of the metal frame by wrapping stitches over the frame and joining them into the crocheted center. This softens the edge and helps the tray feel more finished in your hands.
9. Reinforce any loose sections by threading extra yarn or cotton cording through the edge stitches and around the frame, then tie off securely underneath. Add small zip ties on the underside only if the frame needs extra stability.
10. Weave in all remaining yarn tails, trim them neatly, and inspect the tray for snags or wobble. Give the tray a gentle shake and set a few lightweight items on it to make sure it feels balanced before using it outdoors.
Variations & Tips
Color change: If sunshine yellow is not your style, try wheat, soft white, or a stripe of golden yellow and leaf green for an end-of-summer look. I find bright colors especially pretty against weathered patio furniture.
Handle option: Drawer pulls or short cabinet handles work nicely if you cannot find tray handles. Just make sure they are smooth to the touch and wide enough for a comfortable grip.
Yarn choice: Use a synthetic or cotton-blend bulky yarn if the tray will live outdoors often. Wool is lovely, but it can felt or sag if it gets damp in the morning air.
Best use: This tray is ideal for napkins, tumblers, sandwiches, or a little plate of bar cookies, but I would not use it for very heavy dishes. Because it is a crocheted upcycle, it is strongest with lighter porch and picnic items.
Frame tip: The sturdiest results come from a smaller window screen frame rather than a large one. In my experience, around 12 x 18 inches is a good size that feels useful without getting floppy.
Finishing touch: If you want a cleaner underside, cut a piece of felt or outdoor fabric to fit the back and stitch or glue it lightly in place. That little extra step makes the tray look even more polished.