Scalloped Tray Crochet Pattern

This cute and simple scalloped tray is a quick and easy crochet project. It’s perfect for holding small items like eye glasses and crochet hooks, but also easy to adjust to a larger size as well.

I noticed recently that scallops seem to be on trend right now. They’re on trays, mirrors, baskets. They show up a lot in wicker and wood, but they aren’t too hard to achieve with a crochet hook. This is a trend that is easily incorporated into the crochet design world.

How to Crochet a Scallop

In crochet design, all you need to do to create a scallop is to crochet a “shell” stitch. A shell stitch is achieved by first skipping a number of stitches (the number depends on the height of your shell). Then you put a number of tall stitches into the next stitch (usually double crochet or taller). The number of stitches chosen just has to be a large enough group to create an arch of fabric that fans out from that center stitch that they are all crocheted into. Then skip the same number of stitches and slip stitch into the next stitch. And repeat.

Crocheting with Braided Cord

For this crochet scalloped tray pattern, I opted to use a braided chord rather than yarn. I made this choice for two reasons.

For one, the braided chord is a little more like rope than yarn. It is thicker and more stiff. I wanted these characteristics so that the base of the tray, and the scallops on the side, would better maintain their shape.

The other reason is that braided chord tends to have a more organic and textural feel. I felt like it matched the style of many scalloped items on the market right now, which are often made of wood or wicker.

The one downside of working with braided cord is that the thickness and stiffness also makes it hard on your hands. It can definitely take some effort and can be tiresome. With a smaller project like this, I think it is worth the momentary discomfort. But for a larger project I might not feel the same.

The Pattern

If you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free printable pdf version of this scalloped tray pattern you can find it here at my Etsy shop.

Add this scalloped tray pattern to your Ravelry favorites HERE.

Materials:

• 50 Yards Yarn Bee Braided Basics XXL 4 mm braided cord (55% cotton/ 30% Polyester/ 15% Viscose, 8.82 oz/250g, 71yds/65m) color Natural
• US P/ 11.5 mm Crochet Hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Large Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Gauge:

After Round 4, work will be approximately 4.25” across.

Finished Size:

9” diameter

Abbreviation Key:
(ch) chain
(sk) skip
(sl st) slip stitch
(sc) single crochet
(sc blo) single crochet back loop only
(dc) double crochet
** Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed

Pattern Notes:

I tend to crochet tightly. If you feel you are crocheting more loosely you can move to a smaller hook (or larger if you crochet even more tightly). Some people find they even need to go down two hook sizes to meet my gauge.

Photos are included in the instructions for key points that are the most difficult. There are not photos for every step, so be sure to read the instructions carefully and refer to the photos for additional assistance when applicable.

Chain 1 at the start of the row does not count as a stitch, except for the very last round.

As your work gets larger it may feel like it is warping a little. As long as you can straighten it out so that it sits flat and straight, it will be fine. The trick is to get enough tension so that it keeps its form, but not so much that it curls even when pressed out flat.

Pattern:

Round 1: Ch 2. Place 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <5>

Round 2: Ch 1. 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <10>

Round 3: Ch 1. *Sc in same st. 2 Sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <15>

Round 4: Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in next st. 2 sc in next st. *Sc in each of next 2 sts. 2 Sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <20>

Note: At this point your work should be approximately 4.25” across.

Round 5: Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in each of next 2 sts. 2 sc in next st. *Sc in each of next 3 sts. 2 Sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <25>

Round 6: Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in each of next 3 sts. 2 sc in next st. *Sc in each of next 4 sts. 2 Sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <30>

Round 7: Ch 1. Sc in same st. Sc in each of next 4 sts. 2 sc in next st. *Sc in each of next 5 sts. 2 Sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <35>

Round 8: Ch 1. Sc blo in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc of round. <35>

Round 9: Ch 2 (counts as a stitch). 2 dc in same st. *Sk next st. Sl st in next. Sk next st. 5 dc in next.* repeat around to last 2 sts. Sk next st. sl st in next. Skip join and place 2 more dc in same st as first 3 sts of round. Join with sl st to first dc. <9 scallops>

Finish off and weave in ends. Straighten out base and edges so that base lies flat and edges are straight.