Update a Plastic Laundry Basket With Colorful Rope

A basic plastic laundry basket is transformed with colorful stripes of rope. Experiment with a variety of colors and varieties to match your style.
A basic, inexpensive plastic laundry basket is made whimsical and colorful with stripes of rope. Look for fun rope in your local hardware store. Experiment with a variety of colors and thicknesses to match your decor.

Rope Basket

A basic, inexpensive plastic laundry basket is made whimsical and colorful with stripes of rope. Look for fun rope in your local hardware store. Experiment with a variety of colors and thicknesses to match your decor.

Materials Needed:

  • plastic laundry basket
  • rope in various colors
  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue sticks
  • scissors

Start by Gluing Rope

Turn the basket upside down. Glue the end of the first rope onto the basket.

Wrap Rope Around Basket

Start wrapping the first rope around the basket by placing strips of hot glue and then pressing the rope into the glue.

Wrap First Color + Glue

Wrap and glue until the first rope section reaches a width you like.

Wrap and glue until the white rope section reaches a width you like.

Rope Basket

Wrap and glue until the white rope section reaches a width you like.

Wrap Second Color + Glue

Start with the next color. Wrap and glue until it reaches a width you like.

Continue Alternating Colors

Continue to alternate colors, creating a colorful stripe pattern. Use ropes of varying thickness to create texture and interest.

Wrap Rope on Basket Rim

Wrap and glue the rope under the rim of the basket. Then, start wrapping and gluing the rope onto the rim of the basket.

Hold Blankets, Laundry + More

Use your finished basket to hold blankets, towels in the bathroom or even laundry in your kids' rooms.

Next Up

How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger

By using basic supplies from the hardware store, you can make this easy DIY macrame hanger to display your favorite houseplant. This project can be adjusted to fit any planter, and since the rope is polyester, you can also hang this project outdoors.

How to Make a Rope Rug

Use thick rope and silicone paint to create a chic doormat that will add a splash of color to any entryway. The polyester rope and smooth paint are durable enough for snow-covered boots or wet spring shoes.

Turn Instant Photos Into Eye-Catching Wall Art

Like Polaroids of the past, Fujifilm Instax photos are the new wave of instant photos. Group pics from the same day or event for keepsake decor you can make in a snap.

Turn Leaves and Foliage Into DIY Canvas Wall Art

Look to your backyard for the main materials for this artwork project. A few clippings of foliage and some spray paint transform a blank canvas into bright, modern wall art.

Create Herringbone Wall Decor With Washi Tape

Use colorful paper tape to create a geometric pattern — perfect for renters or kids' bedrooms. When you're ready for a new look, it's easily removable and won’t damage your walls.

How to Make a 'Broomba': A Robot Vacuum Turned Into a Halloween Witch’s Broom

Turn your robotic vacuum into the life of your Halloween party by transforming it into a self-moving witch's broom.

Preserved Moss Wall Art

New and longtime gardeners alike will love this easy, green wall art project from Hilton Carter's latest book, Wild Creations: Inspiring Projects to Create Plus Plant Care Tips & Styling Ideas for Your Own Wild Interior.

Make a Tie-Dye Shower Curtain

It only takes 24 hours to brighten up a basic bathroom.

Make Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters to Display Your Fave Succulents

Learn how to make clay pinch pot hanging planters, perfect for mini succulents, with just a few materials and this easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Use This Easter Peeps Hack to Make Slime Without Glue

Only three ingredients needed. No glue necessary.

What's New in Handmade

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.