Would you believe this rope throw basket started out as a dollar store laundry basket? Add some rope, paint, fabric and a glue gun and you can make this stylish rope basket in less than an hour!
I created my Metallic Rope Throw Basket in partnership with DecoArt. As always, all opinions and ideas are 100% my own.
UPDATE: Check out how I transformed this basket into a cozy sweater basket!
Reason #642 that I love fall is cuddling up in cozy throw blankets. We really love throw blankets around here. So much so that if you walked into our living room, you might think that there was a herd of kids hiding somewhere underneath what would appear to be a collapsed fort of throw blankets on the couch. Nope, no kids under there… it’s just a menagerie of throws. I try to eliminate the fort look by styling the blankets draped over the corners of the couch, but that doesn’t work so well with the quantity we’re talking about here.
When You Can’t Find it, Make it!
I love the look of a throw blanket draped in a rope basket on the fireplace hearth. As so often seems to be the case when you know exactly what you want, you can’t find it! That was my situation with the throw basket I had envisioned. But you know that isn’t going to stop me, it’s just an excuse for me to make a DIY basket!
I’m loving all things copper and all things jute right now, so I decided to marry them for my blanket basket. Follow along with me and make your own!
DIY Metallic Rope Throw Basket
Supplies:
- Round laundry basket (I got this one at the dollar store… it was .96 cents… ?)
- 1 jar Americana Decor Metallics in Copper (If you need me later, you can find me splashing this color on everything in my house. Obsessed.)
- About 50 feet of ½” Jute rope
- 1 yard felt, fleece or muslin
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Utility knife
- Paint brush
How to Make a Metallic Rope Basket :
1. With your hot glue gun, attach the felt to the base of the laundry basket, folding and gluing pleats as you go.
2. Cut off excess material around the side and glue the seam up to the top of the basket. You don’t want to cut off the felt at the top, you’ll use it later.
3. Starting at the base of the basket, hot glue the rope and wrap around the entire basket, stopping when the top is tucked just under the lip of the basket.
4. Fold the felt back so that it is hanging outside of the basket. Using a utility knife, cut off the top rim/handles of the laundry basket.
5. Tuck the material back into the basket and poof! It’s your basket liner!
6. Now for best part, the paint! I color block painted the throw basket with a very subtle ombré, starting by adding a small amount of Americana Decor Metallics in Copper to my paint brush by dipping the brush in the jar and wiping off excess.
Starting my color block about a quarter of the way down from the top, I dry brushed the copper paint, starting at that point and working my way down to the base of the basket.
After the entire bottom color block was painted in the wash of copper, I went down to the base of the basket to build up the color. I really smooshed (technical term) the paint at the bottom, gradually lightening the smooshing and lessening the amount of paint I used as I worked my way up, creating the subtle ombré.
And that’s it, that easy! I really love the contrast in not only color, but in finish and texture as well. This throw basket is exactly what I imagined in my mind, but cost way less than had I actually been able to find it in a store and I had fun creating it. Win and win for the win!
This rope basket is screaming to hold a throw (or 4), don’t you think?
If you’re a huge fan of copper metallic too then you may love this DIY Copper Globe Terrarium, my DIY Concrete Planter Bookends and this no-sew pillow!
So are you as excited for throw blanket season (a.k.a fall) as I am? Stay cozy friends!
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Lisa says
if I did, I’d do exactly what you have done. They are so fun and such a great pop of color against the white walls. And if you get bored, you can just rip it off and start over! Visiting from Redo It Yourself Inspiration party.
Lydia says
Thanks so much Lisa!
DIY Crafts says
What a cool idea, thanks for sharing great idea, I’ll add this in my next to do list. Thanks again 🙂
Lydia says
Thanks so much! I’d love to see your finished basket! 🙂
Julie Briones says
Such a lovely and smart makeover! Love the copper color you used! We would love to have you link-up on Tuesdays at Homestyle Gathering!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Julie!
Bobbie Johnson says
I love this so much, the finished product looks amazing! I have featured this on my holiday DIY gift roundup. You can see it here. https://adollarearned.com/quick-easy-diy-christmas-gifts-family-will-love/ Feel free to share!
Lydia says
Thanks so much for and for including it in your holiday gift roundup!
Malisha Mishel says
How sweet! I have fallen in love with it!!! I’m an avid DIYer and always try to be busy with some new projects. Was searching for a unique idea of making a Rope Throw Basket. Yours made me stop and crazy to do it asap! In a hurry to start. Wish me a good luck Lydi! 🙂
Lydia says
Thanks so much Malisha, that is so sweet of you! Good luck, I’d love to see it when you’re done! Have fun! 🙂
Lisa says
Awesome Idea!! Thank u for sharing.
Lydia says
Thanks so much Lisa! xo
Susan says
This is so awesome I love it.susan
Lydia says
Thank you so much Susan, that is so sweet of you! 🙂
Alexis says
Question I have a basket like this but it’s rectangler would this still work?
SimpleMama says
I have a question. Does the basket use all 50 feet of the rope or could you do several baskets with the 50 feet?
Lydia says
Hi there! I used most of it, I think there was about 2 feet left. Although if you chose smaller baskets you could easily do more than 1 with 50 feet! 🙂
Sue says
What a wonderful idea! Found this on Hometalk and came to your site. I have a bench I’m refinishing for my Coastal bath and wanted to put baskets underneath for laundry. Boy, are rope baskets expensive on-line! This is perfect for the bench!! I’m going to make the inner liner removeable so I can wash it.
Thanks!!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Sue, I’m so glad that my project inspired you, that makes my day! That’s the one regret that I have is that I didn’t make the liner removable. I’m going to make a summery version one though so I won’t make that mistake again! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for stopping by!
Terry Ann says
How would you complete this project making the liner removable?
Lydia says
Hi Terry Ann! I had a reader send me a photo of one that she made with a removable liner. She followed the tutorial as is but then attached velcro around the inside top of the basket and velcro on a pretty fabric that she attached as a liner.
LeeGads says
Lydia, thanks for response to a removable liner inquiry. Would I use less fabric then since it would not need to cover the entire inside. Apologies if this is an elementary question – I love DIY and a novice at this so uncomfortable with projects that don’t have detail instructions like you’ve provided on the basket.
Lydia says
Hi there, no worries it’s not elementary at all! Yes I think you could get by with a half yard for just doing in inside liner. You will still need something to cover the outside of the basket though to glue the rope to. Even just felt would work for that. I hope that helps and let me know if any other questions come up!
Tammy says
While adding the rope, I would like to have 2 rope handles. Any suggestions?
Lydia says
Hmmm that’s a good question Tammy, I’m sorry that I’m not quite sure how you would do that. It’s a great idea though! Please check back and let me know what you come up with! 🙂
Iliahi says
You could make flat strap handles from the same woven fabris as the basket liner
Lydia says
That’s a great idea, thanks! 🙂
Kelley says
It a rope handle, but I cut up an old leather belt that was falling apart. Glued it between the rope and liner. Worked beautifully to make nice leather handles.
Lydia says
Love that idea! Thanks so much Kelley, I’d love to see it! 🙂
Quiana L Pope says
Hi!!
Do you make these to sell? I would love to have one but diy is not my forte!!
Lydia says
Hello Quiana! I don’t actually make them to sell but I promise that even if DIY isn’t your forte that you could make this! 🙂 Thank you so much for the nice compliment!
Kathy says
This is a fabulous basket! About how much muslin did you use for the lining (# of yds)?
Lydia says
Thanks Kathy! I used 1 yard.
Emily says
Hi Lydi! What an adorable basket. I think I’m going to try this. I have a question though. There’s pins on Pinterest going around for a chunky knit blanket like this one…
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/297870962838647937/
The yarn that they use is very big. I’m wondering if the yarn would work to make the basket, or if it would be too big?
I love your basket though, can’t wait to make it. (I wasn’t planning on making it metallic, so that’s why I was thinking of subbing the yarn)
Thanks!
Lydia says
Hi Emily! Thank you so much!I’ve seen those blankets, they look so cozy! I’d love to try one sometime. I think it may be a little too big of a loop so it would be difficult to get it tightly wrapped. I’d love to see what you end up making though, that is a fun idea!
Sara says
Wonderful👍🏻
Lydia says
Why thank you very much Sara! 🙂
Dana Byerwalter says
Thank you so much for this lovely tutorial! I’ve linked out to you from the FaveCrafts Blog: https://www.favecrafts.com/blog/fc/new-diy-storage-solutions/ Have a great day!
Lydia says
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! 🙂
Brittany Roraff says
Do you think drop cloth would work just as well?
Lydia says
Hi Brittany! Yes that would work just fine!
Rita says
What a cool idea and so thrifty and useful too! Thank you for the tutorial. Now I have to go try it!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Rita! I’d love to see it when you’re done, I’ve seen so many creative variations on it from readers it’s inspired me to make a dozen more!
Genie says
What an awesome idea. I too am on a copper kick. I have several copper bowls I found at a yard sale and I have decorated with them in my bathroom and living room. Although I have containers for all my throws already, I’m thinking of painting them. I am going to try the rope craft on my plastic laundry basket in my main bath. It stays hidden until laundry day, but when its out its ugly. I’m pumped!
Lydia says
Yay I’m so glad you’re going to make one! I’d love to see a picture when you’re done! 🙂
Annemarie says
What a gorgeous basket! Thanks for the tutorial! I came over from Feathered Nest Friday. Would love it if you join my link party too. Best wishes, Annemarie
Lydia says
Thank you so much Annemarie! I hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Hannah says
If anyone is still on here… I was wondering… could this rope technique be used on an old broken basket? I was thinking about rope inside and out instead of the fabric because I will be using it as a dirty clothes basket.
Lydia says
Hi Hannah! Absolutely! That would be a great way to salvage an old broken basket! I’d love to see it when you’re done! 🙂
Hannah says
When when I thought about it… putting dirty clothes in there… how am I going to clean it? So my new plan is to do the outside and make the fabric inside removable so that it can be washed too. I finally have all my materials and plan on starting the project soon. Thanks for the reply 🤗
Lydia says
That’s a fabulous idea! I’m going to do that for my next one!
Jane @SustainMyCraftHabit says
Such a beautiful DIY. Love the touch of copper! So glad I found this at the #HomeMattersParty. Pinned for later!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jane!
Beverly says
What a great idea. Love the copper color, great choice.
Bev
Lydia says
Thank you so much Beverly! I’m on a major copper kick and don’t want it to end! 🙂
Kat says
Hello😁I love DIY rope projects like this, but my dilemma is that rope seems to be rather $$$ everyplace I look, which then defeats the purpose of DIY’ing…do you have tips for affordable “rope-shopping”? Thx!
– Kat
Lydia says
Hi Kat! I’ve been able to find it cheap at Hobby Lobby and with a 40% off coupon it is quite a deal!
Susan says
What a gorgeous project! I can see myself making these as Christmas gifts next year. I’d love if you’d share it at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party at Organized 31.com
Lydia says
Thank you so much Susan! I plan to do the same next Christmas! 🙂
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
Love this project. Definitely pinning for later. Thanks for sharing.
Lydia says
Thank you so much Donna!
Cynthia says
I would have never guessed that this started out as a Dollar Store basket. I love it and I love the paint also. Great job. I would love it if you would share it at the This Is How We Roll link party. It is live now. Head over to Feeding Big and link up
Lydia says
Thanks so much Cynthia, the dollar store is my fav spot for inspiration! 😉
MEDINA GRILLO says
seriously love this idea – I’ve seen it so many times on pinterest 🙂 Well done
Lydia says
Thank you so much Medina! It was seriously easy to make!
Julie says
Ooo, I love how you got that ombre effect, I was thinking at first you’d used several different colours of rope. That is just so clever, looks so pretty,
Lydia says
Thanks so much Julie! It turned out to be kind of an impromptu decision and worked pretty well! 😉
Wendy says
What a great idea. And it looks so chic!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Wendy!
Deb says
Wonderful Idea! How much felt did you use, 1/2 yard, 1 yard??
Thanks!!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Deb! I used 1 yard of felt.
Vicki says
Wow! Very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
Lydia says
Thanks so much Vicki!
Margaret says
WOW, what a fantastic idea. I already have the rope, just couldn’t decide what to do with it. I’ll be moving into a new home soon, just MIGHT have to make one..
Thanks for your great instructions and for sharing with us.
Lydia says
Thanks so much Margaret! That’s perfect! I just love when I have something laying around and find a use for it! Good luck with your move and I’d love to see pictures if you make one! 🙂 Happy holidays!
Tatiana Nascimento says
Bom Dia, não entendo nada no seu idioma, também não sei se você entende o meu.
Mas eu adorei a ideia e ja fiz aqui na minha casa ficou lindo.
Eu sou do Brasil.
Ducelia says
Oi Tatiana, eu sou brasileira , mas moro no Estados Unidos a 26 anos.Gostei muito qdo li seu post, mesmo sem falar a lingua.Eu tbm adoro decor, e estou preparando pra fazer esse cesto agora.Acredito que Lydia, nao respondeu pelo idioma.Mas ela faz coisas lindas e praticas, continue de olhe nos post dela.Um grande abraço conterrânea. Ducelia.
Karen says
Love this basket! I will be making one soon! I am curious – is there a reason that you didn’t cut off the rim & handles first?
Lydia says
Thanks so much Karen! I’d love to see yours! Funny you ask that, I have no reason other than I didn’t think to do it before hand. 🙂
Brenda Brooks says
I would imagine that it gave the basket some stability as you worked since you were working from the bottom up.
Lydia says
That it did Brenda!
Roberta says
So fun! I am sharing this to Pinterest.
Lydia says
Thank you so much Roberta! Happy Holidays! 🙂
Emily says
I need one of these baskets in my life! So gorgeous, and so easy, too 🙂
Lydia says
Thanks Emily! Yes it was soooo easy!
Kassie says
What an wonderful idea, and it looks GREAT!! I am obsessed with blankets so this is 100% up my alley! I can’t wait to try it!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Kassie! And hurray for another blanket hoarder! 😉 Let me know how it turns out, I’d love to see it! 🙂
Joan says
I am a bit confused. The directions for the basket lining are not clear to me. Is there a bottom on the lining? The lining is the extra fabric from the outside piece? I appear to be the only one that didn’t get this part, and I feel kind of dumb. lol
Lydia says
Hi Joan, thanks for reaching out and PLEASE don’t feel dumb! You’re exactly right, the lining is the extra fabric folded in from the outside piece so there isn’t a traditional tailored bottom, it’s just kind of folded in there (which is fine since you don’t see the bottom anyway with the blanket(s) in there. I hope that makes sense? Let me know if I can help any further!
Karin says
Oh Joan..so glad you asked that question …I was having trouble with that too…and now that you’ve explained it Lydia…I’m ready to go! Merry Christmas fellow crafters
Isobel Conradie says
Just two questions – does that mean that the felt has to be twice the depth of your basket, Lydia – that is to cover the outside of the basket, and when the rope is glued down you use the rest of the felt for the lining? Lastly, did you also glue the felt on the inside at the bottom of the basket?
Thank you for your reply – I have two of these baskets and would love to tackle them soon!
Lydia says
Hi Isobel! The felt doesn’t actually go all the way to the bottom of the basket, the excess is just kind of draped in there. You can’t tell that it doesn’t go all the way since there’s a blanket in it though. 🙂 I had another reader tell me she made a couple as gifts and actually glued the fabric to the inside and outside so that the entire inside of the basket was lined with decorative fabric. She sent me photos and they looked great that way! I hope that answers your question? If not let me know! Thanks for stopping by, I’d love to see it when you’re done! 🙂
Beth says
This is such a fabulous and beautiful basket! I have included it in my most recent blog post, “Christmas Gifts You Can Make”! Thank you so much for sharing this creation! Come visit my blog to see: https://talesfromwalnutstreet.wordpress.com/2016/11/14/christmas-gifts-you-can-make/
Lydia says
Thank you so much Beth! I checkout your post – so many great ideas, I can’t wait to try them! Thanks very much for including my basket! 🙂 Happy holidays!
Carolyn says
I’m going to start on a basket right away. I love it!!!!
Lydia says
Yay I’m so glad! I’d love to see it when you’re done! 🙂
Jen says
Hello, I love your basket! CAN you please tell me the thickness of the rope. Sorry if you had mentioned that. 🙂
Thanks,
Jen
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jen! The rope is 1/2″.
Colette says
Which dollar store did you get the basket and what are the dimensions so I can try to find something like it.
Nicoya says
They have those baskets at Dollar Tree. You can get it there, cheapest you will find it. $1.00, cant beat that!
Lydia says
Exactly Nicoya! That’s where I got mine too! So many treasure can be found at Dollar Tree, right? 🙂
Lydia says
Hi Colette, I got it at the Dollar Tree and another reader mentioned she found one there too. It’s about 15″ in diameter and 13″ tall (after I cut the rim off).
Beth says
Love this basket to pieces! How cute! And it seems so easy, I think I’ll try making one, too!
Lydia says
Thanks again so much Robin! 🙂
Sandra Mota says
Lindo, adorei.
Daisy says
Just love your basket, will definitely be making one or three or more. Thanks soooo much.
Lydia says
Thanks Daisy! I’d love to see your finished project! 🙂
Danica says
I’m not much of a DIY person but I really love this idea! I might just have to try it out!
Lydia says
Even if you don’t consider yourself a DIY-er it’s an easy project Danica, I hope you give it a try! 🙂
Robin says
I am in love with Americana Decor’s Rose Gold! I may need to try it on a basket like this. This is such a great idea!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Robin! I love that one too! All of the metallics for that matter! 🙂
Brittany Goldwyn says
I feel the same way about Americana Decor Metallics in Antique Bronze!
Lydia says
I love that one too Brittany!
Kristen says
This is such a great idea! I also love the ombre affect you gave the basket. Nicely done!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Kristen, I really appreciate that! 🙂
jen says
Hi Lydia,
these baskets look great! May I how thick is the jute that you used? I was on amazon and saw various thicknesses.
Appreciate your help..
Jen
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jen! The jute is 1/2″. I’d love for you to email me or take me in your finished project, I’d love to see it!
Brandy says
Can you use regular paint? I have some left over from a dresser diy project and wud like to make the basket to match!
Lydia says
Hi Brandy! Yes, absolutely! Any type of paint should work as long as it is high in pigment and an opaque finish. I’d love to see your finished project. 🙂
Lisa says
Where did you buy the rope?
Lydia says
Hi Lisa! I got it at Michael’s!
Erin Trimbull says
I have several laundry baskets like this I’d love to try to make this. How hard was it
Kyla says
This is soooooo clever! Would have never thought that was a plastic basket!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Kyla! xo
Sue says
That is AHHMAZING!!
I need a blanket basket..can’t wait to see if mine turns out as great as yours:)
Lydia says
Thank you so much Sue! I’d love to see how your’s turns out!
Jessica {Six Clever Sisters} says
What a neat idea!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Jessica! 🙂
Eileen says
It looks so professionally couture. Better than anything I saw at the parade of homes.
Lydia says
Wow thank you so much Eileen, I greatly appreciate your kind words!
Whitney allen says
I think I have just found my Christmas gifts! Started making gifts last year (small terrariums) . These are perfect. Getting supplies tomorrow
Lydia says
Thank you Whitney! Yay I’m so glad! I’d love to see them when you’re done!
Chris says
I seem to be the only one confused about what part of the basket you’re cutting. Could you please explain this a bit more for this new Dyi’er?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Lydia says
Hi Chris! I just cut the top rim of the basket off (the part that sticks out) so that the rope would lay flat on the entire basket.