Baskets are an organization and decor staple; you can never have enough! They’re a perfect spot to plop your pillows and blankets, stick a potted plant, or hide some junk when you need to do a quick house pick up before guests arrive.
Because there is no such thing as too many baskets, I decided to add another to my collection with this upcycle of a Dollar Tree laundry hamper to a DIY burlap basket for my office space!
Now, let me show you how to upgrade a plain laundry basket into a stylish burlap basket for your home!
Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Burlap Basket
Thank you to Kenarry: Ideas for the Home for sponsoring this post. The project and opinions are my own. Also, this post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.
- Kenarry: Ideas for the Home Loose Weave Burlap Ribbon: 5 inches x 10 yards roll
- Small laundry hamper (I bought mine at Dollar Tree; here is a similar one)
- Scissors
- Plastic spray paint in the color of your choice
- Small wooden tag
- Paint pen
- Yarn pom poms
How to Make a Burlap Basket from a Laundry Hamper
Before I give you instructions, I have to show you the plain old laundry basket that I bought at Dollar Tree. So simple, right?
Step One: Spray Paint the Laundry Basket
I started by spray painting the laundry basket with spray paint that adheres to plastic. My favorite type of plastic spray paint is this brand, but I had to use a different kind from Target for my project. The Target spray paint worked just fine in case you were wondering.
After I spray painted, I let the basket dry for a looooong time to make sure it really stuck to the plastic hamper, and I plotted the best way to transform it from a laundry basket to a pretty basket.
Step Two: Cut Burlap Ribbon Into Strips
Once it dried, I grabbed some soft burlap ribbon that is extra wide at 5″ across, and that has sewn edges to reduce fraying. This burlap ribbon comes in a 10 yard roll, which is the perfect size for this project!
To begin, I cut a piece that measured 1.5 times longer than the circumference of the laundry hamper base.
Step Three: Weave the Burlap Ribbon
Then I began weaving the burlap ribbon in and out of the slots in the bottom row of the laundry hamper.
Step Four: Cut the Excess Burlap
When I got all the way around the base of the basket, I tied off the ends on the inside of the basket and cut off the excess burlap ribbon.
Step Five: Repeat the Process
Next, I cut another piece of burlap ribbon and moved up to the next row of slats on the basket; repeating the steps above and making sure to start my weaving one column of slats to the right in order to offset the weaving pattern.
I did this until all of the basket was woven with burlap ribbon!
In all, I probably used about 8 yards of the burlap ribbon, so I’m glad this spool came in such a long length!
To finish off this burlap basket, I added a little hang tag that reads “Cozy Things,” and some pom poms. Pom poms are my fave.
Can you believe how easy it was to transform a plain laundry hamper into a pretty burlap basket?
Jasper couldn’t resist posing for this photo shoot. He’s a big fan of this DIY burlap basket. 🙂
Next time you see one of those small laundry baskets at the store, make sure to pick one up and transform it into a cute piece of functional decor for your home!
And please make sure to pin this post to share the love!
-Bre
Bre says
This is such a genius idea Bre! Love it. And I want to steal Jasper 🙂
Bre says
Thanks, Bre! And no way – you’ve got Oaks to keep you busy! 🙂
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
What a great idea, Bre! Gives a plain basket such a nice touch!
Bre says
Thanks, Kendra!
Amanda Fettig says
I love it!! And you’re right, you can never have enough baskets. 🙂 Such a clever way to use the burlap!!
Bre says
Thanks so much, Amanda!
Erin says
Bre! This is a great upcycle!! I think it would be a good alternative to a plant pot for a Christmas tree! Pinned and saved 😀 <3
Bre says
Oh that is a great idea, Erin! Especially since the basket is plastic – any Xmas tree goop wouldn’t ruin it!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
Love how this turned out, Bre! Such a simple way to completely change the look of that basket.
Bre says
Thanks, Amy!
Erica @ Dwell Beautiful says
What an adorable upcycle! I just love how you totally transformed the hamper into something so cute and functional. Such a great project!
Bre says
Thanks, Erica!
Seana Turner says
Love this little project, Bre. I’m not sure there is no such thing as too many baskets… I have been in houses where I’m an urging the client to do some “letting go,” but this is a great way to transform an affordable basket into something pretty. I had no idea there was spray paint for plastic. I’m always learning from you!
Bre says
YES! Baskets are the best! They are an absolute must have for a tidy home! 🙂 So glad you like this project, Seana! And yes – now go spray paint all the plastic. 🙂