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.

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