Add a soft, tactile layer to ordinary baskets using a simple looped-yarn technique. With just a few minutes and basic supplies, you can transform inexpensive containers into custom, handcrafted storage pieces that feel cozy and look unique.
This method is perfect for plain baskets that need a little personality. It’s budget-friendly, easy to learn, and highly customizable. Below you’ll find what you need and step-by-step instructions to create your own woven loop baskets.
Materials Needed for Woven Loop Baskets
- Basket that’s flexible enough to allow a yarn needle to pass through (choose a simple shape so the loops stand out and avoid overly thick walls)
- Thick yarn or wool roving (the sample uses a pearl grey from a hand-knit supplier)
- Large-eye yarn needle or tapestry needle
- Scissors
Tip: The baskets shown were affordable IKEA boxes. When selecting a basket, pick one with a plain surface and a thickness that makes piercing with a needle manageable.
How to Make Woven Loop Baskets
1. Decide on a loop pattern before you start. Options include covering the whole basket in loops, creating spaced horizontal lines, or adding a border along the top.
2. Thread a long length of yarn onto your needle and push it through the basket from the inside to the outside. Start with a generous length—about 5–6 feet for a medium basket is a good starting point, though this will vary depending on basket size. Knot the inner end of the yarn on the inside of the basket to secure it.
3. Pull the yarn back through from front to back, leaving a loop of yarn on the outside. Leave enough yarn in the loop to fit two fingers (adjust loop size to your taste). Aim for a loop width of roughly 1/4 inch between the loop ends for a neat, consistent look. The wider the loop spacing, the more pronounced each loop will appear.
4. Continue making loops in your chosen pattern, repeating the process until the basket reaches your desired look. When a length of yarn runs out, knot the inner end on the inside of the basket and begin a new length the same way—always secure ends inside the basket to keep them tidy and stable.
5. When the entire design is complete, finish with a strong double or triple knot on the inside of the basket to secure the last piece of yarn. Tuck or trim excess yarn neatly. Your basket is now ready to use.
These looped baskets work beautifully for general storage—craft supplies, mail, and everyday clutter—or as decorative planters if you line them with a plastic tray or pot liner first.
The planter version shown has only a few rows of loops and feels especially charming. Try different densities of loops, colors, and loop sizes to discover which style you prefer.
Photography Brittni Mehlhoff
Ways to use your looped baskets
- Organize craft supplies like yarn, scissors, and small tools
- Store mail, keys, and everyday essentials in an entryway
- Keep bathroom items tidy—just add a waterproof liner if needed
- Create a decorative planter cover—use a plastic liner to protect the basket
- Group similar items on shelves for a consistent, handmade look
Will you try this simple home-decor DIY? These baskets are fast to make, highly customizable, and a great way to add texture and warmth to your storage solutions.