DIY No-Sew Rope Baskets

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diy no sew rope baskets
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These chic DIY rope baskets come together easily with Elmer’s new CraftBond® Hot Glue Gun and Less Mess Glue Sticks (no more drips & glue strings!)!

DIY Coiled Rope Baskets

These DIY rope baskets are the perfect way to make your own customized storage and organization solutions! They can be made in a vast array of shapes and sizes, and they’re surprisingly strong and sturdy!

Supplies to Make a No-Sew Rope Basket
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What You’ll Need:

Use Elmer's Hot Glue to Coil a Rope Base for the Basket

I began by forming a tight coil of rope to serve as the base of my basket. I used my new Elmer’s CraftBond® Hot Glue Gun to glue the rope together every inch of the way, and I was pleasantly surprised that the “Less Mess” glue sticks really do live up to their name – I had NO dripping or messy glue strings during the entire time that I was working on this project! (Honestly, if you’ve ever used a glue gun before, you should realize that’s practically a miracle!)

How to Make a No-Sew Rope Basket with Elmer's Hot Glue

I covered a metal pail with a sheet of parchment paper to provide a layer of protection and to form a barrier against the glue. When my coiled rope base was the same size as my metal pail, I started wrapping the rope tightly around the pail (gluing the rope every step of the way!) to form the shape of my basket. When the basket was as tall as I desired, I simply removed the pail from the inside – easy peasy!

Optional to Sew the End of the Rope for Added Stability

Okay, okay, I know that I said this is a “no-sew” project, and it totally CAN be…but, for added strength and stability, I chose to stitch the end of my rope closed since the piping cord has a tendency to unravel at the ends. You can also use the hot glue to create a finished end piece.

Rose Gold Italian Leather Handles on a No-Sew Rope Basket

I love the natural color of the cotton rope basket, but I also wanted a little bit of glam and shine, so I added two handles made of of luxurious rose gold leather. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Interior of a No Sew Coiled Rope Basket
Coiled Rope Bowl
Chic No Sew Rope Basket with Leather Handles

I’ve discovered that this basket size is incredibly handy for lots of different applications, so I’m planning on making a bunch more! This one is currently home to some of my favorite vintage sheet fat quarters, and it makes me happy every time I see it!

Coiled Rope Basket with Rose Gold Leather Handles

Speaking of vintage sheets, I decided to try my hand at a second version of the rope basket, based off of the fabric-wrapped baskets that my mom used to sell at craft fairs when I was a kid.

Vintage Sheet Fabric Strips

I started by cutting a vintage sheet into 1.5″ strips (note: I used about 1/3 of a full sized flat sheet).

Fabric Covered Rope

Wrap the fabric strips around the length of rope, and use your super awesome Elmer’s CraftBond® Mini High Temperature Glue Gun every 1-2 inches to adhere the fabric to the rope.

Making a No-Sew Rope Bowl

Using the same method that I used for the natural rope basket, I started with a base coil, and then built upon my vessel (in this case, a medium-sized Pyrex bowl) to form the shape of the basket.

Fabric Rope Basket with Handles

I omitted using hot glue from two 4″ long sections along the top coil of rope, and allowed them to bow up gently to create handles.

Vintage Fabric Wrapped Rope Basket

I love the way that it turned out, and it’s the perfect size for storing all of my spools of polka dot ribbon!

Vintage Fabric Wrapped Basket

I can see a LOT more of these vintage fabric covered baskets in my future as well! Maybe I’ll even mix and match my fabrics next time (just like my mom used to do!)!

DIY No Sew Rope Baskets and Bowls
DIY No Sew Rope Basket with Leather Handles

For more fun craft ideas, be sure to sign up for the Elmer’s Newsletter and check them out onTwitter, Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest! Happy crafting!

diy no sew rope basket

DIY No-Sew Rope Baskets

These DIY rope baskets are the perfect way to make your own customized storage and organization solutions! They can be made in a vast array of shapes and sizes, and they’re surprisingly strong and sturdy!
4.84 from 6 votes
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Yields: 1 Basket

What You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  • Cover a metal pail with a sheet of parchment paper to provide a layer of protection and to form a barrier against the glue. 
  • Begin by forming a tight coil of rope to serve as the base of the basket. Working in small sections, use the hot glue gun to glue the rope together as you coil it.
  • When the base is the desired size (slightly bigger than the base of your pail), place the pail on top of it and begin to coil the rope vertically, using the shape of the pail to help you structure your basket.
  • When the basket reaches the desired height, cut the rope and use the hot glue gun to firmly adhere the end of the rope to the basket. Remove the pail from inside the basket.
  • To add handles, cut a strip of leather to size and attach to the basket with hot glue.
Did You Make This?Mention @HeidiKundin or tag #hihmakersclub on Instagram to show off your awesome work! ♥
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45 Comments

  1. I want to try these baskets and was wondering how the glue holds up to the handling of the baskets in time. I love this diy.

    1. It holds up great! I have several baskets that I use all the time for different things, and I have been using them frequently for at least 10 year now, and they’re still going strong! 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    These look like so much fun. I have had the maerial to make one for some time but for sewing. And now that my sewing machine is being repaired, this is perfect. I love the fabric covered one too and definitely have stray fabric looking for a good home. Thanks, Cathy

  3. Could wax paper or freezer paper be used instead of the parchment paper? They are less expensive. Thinking about doing as a group craft program.

    1. Hi Katie, I think either of those would also work, but using the shiny side of freezer paper might be the better choice out of those two options. 🙂