Cover Old Laundry Baskets In Chunky Yarn To Make The Cutest Planters

If you decided to ditch your bulky laundry basket for a space-saving alternative or have a tattered and broken container in need of replacement, you might consider just chucking that old leftover bin in the trash. Try to resist the temptation, because you'd be missing out on a golden upcycling opportunity, and all it takes is some chunky yarn! Weave the yarn through the gaps in the basket to make a soft, cozy, and cute planter. The yarn will cover any discolored plastic or scratches, while the basket provides an easy-to-use planter-friendly frame. When it's done, you can place your potted plant into the basket or add a liner and use the basket itself as a planter.

You don't need to know how to crochet or knit in order to complete this hack. The experience would be helpful though, especially if your laundry basket is uniquely shaped or has smaller gaps. Aside from the color and texture of the yarn, the thickness should be a top-of-mind consideration. Avoid getting anything significantly thicker or thinner than the holes in your laundry basket. Yarn that's too thick may not fit, while yarn that's too thin could leave gaps.

In addition to your basket and chunky yarn, you may want scissors and a plastic liner (such as a large trash bag). An appropriately large crochet hook is helpful but not necessary. The plastic liner ensures that your yarn stays clean and dry when you care for your plant. If you don't already have a plant, there are several practical low-maintenance indoor plants that'll match your home's atmosphere and the new planter's design.

Before getting your yarn out, check your laundry basket for potential problems. You won't need to worry about damage from weather and the elements like you would with the laundry basket planter for the vegetable garden, but any broken pieces should still be repaired with glue. Choose a fun yarn color or combination to make a whimsical planter that meshes with your style and the included greenery. To start your planter, tie a loose slip knot at the end of the yarn, forming a loop. Bring some of the yarn through the loop, forming the next loop in the chain. The loops will go over the outside of the basket, while the long end of the yarn will stay on the inside, securing it in place. Don't worry, the yarn can be easily untangled if you make a mistake, and your plants won't mind if the planter is uneven.

If desired, you could also cover the basket's horizontal plastic lines by bringing the yarn up over it, forming a loop, and hooking that loop through the one beneath it. Use the same technique to cover the top rim, or tie your yarn off underneath it if you're leaving the horizontal parts exposed. You can even create a new handle out of a chain of yarn.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the process, consider using a simple over-under weave without loops. You can also just wrap the yarn around the outside of the basket and hot-glue it in place. Attach a plastic lining to the inside to keep the soil and water from damaging the yarn, drill a drainage hole in the bottom if needed, and then add your plants.