How to Sew a Rope Basket

Figuring out how to sew a rope basket has been one of my favorite projects ever because it’s so easy and inexpensive. Presently, I love natural looking fibers like unbleached cotton clothesline. Not only is it super affordable, but the process of sewing in circles is downright mesmerizing once you get the hang of it. Additionally, rope baskets provide great storage solutions. With this in mind, we actually began storing diapers, wipes, creams, etc. in them under our changing table. Consequently, this was a far more attractive look than having everything out in plain sight.

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Tools needed for Rope Basket Sewing Tutorial

Sewing Machine– If you are just getting started sewing, THIS is the machine you need to buy. I personally own a Spiegel that was gifted to me and is no longer being sold, so I did my due diligence in researching the best value for a beginner. The brand is Brother, which is reputable and a leader in sewing machinery. Buy this machine today, and you could be sewing your own pillowcases, curtains and more by next week!

White Thread

100 ft. Cotton Clotheslin e

Step by Step How to Sew a Rope Basket:

Completely unravel the clothesline and place in a basket or bowl on the floor in a loose pile.
Roll the end of the clothesline inward a few times into a circle and pin in place.
Sew a top-stitch across the top.
Use a Zig Zag stitch for the rest of this project. (I set the length on 4, the width on 5 and tension on 3.)
Place the circle under-and to the left of-the presser-foot.
Sew the two outer layers of together while rotating counter-clockwise.
Pinch those two outer layers of clothesline together and continue to sew while rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. (At this point, you may feel more comfortable to speed up.)

cotton rope clothesline being sewn into circle on sewing machine

9. Once you have reached the desired diameter, begin to guide the bottom of your basket upwards toward the sewing machine.

cotton clothesline rope bakset being sewn on sewing machine

11. Sew until desired height, but still leaving plenty of slack left to use at the remaining end of the rope. (STEPS 11-15 Option 1)

12. Place your hand in the space between the top of the basket and loose rope to mark (or pin) your handle.

13. Measure halfway across and also pin so the second handle is evenly placed.

handles on coiled rope basket being made

14. Leave gap for handles and-very slowly-begin to zig-sag stitch again, use your index finger and thumb.

15. Do this until you reach desired height and/or almost run out of rope.

16. Tuck loose end of rope inward and sew into place.

Multiple design options for a DIY Coil Basket

(Option 2 Steps 12-14)

12. Sew until desired height and with enough rope leftover to round the top of the basket halfway.

13. Roll end into a tight circle and zig-zag stitch together in the same fashion as you have been doing for the basket.

14. Hot glue or fabric glue circle to side of basket.

(Option 3 picking up at Step 11)

Sew until you have have enough slack to roll the end of the rope into a circle. Sew an “X” across the circle and hot glue onto the bag (sew picture below)

coiled rope basket made of cotton clothesline

Tips for sewing a coiled cotton clothesline rope basket:

Load 3 bobbins with your thread before beginning. You will need at least 2 bobbins for 100 Ft of clothesline.

I have used a regular-sized needle, but I would suggest a leather or jean needle just to make things go more quickly. I have broken a few regular needles on this project!

If you have gaps in your basket, you can hot glue them together!

What Can a Rope Basket be Used for?

I love giving handmade birthday, Christmas, baby shower and housewarming gifts. This sewing project has proven to generally useful for gifts because you can fill it with goodies and the basket is part of the gift. Unquestionably, handmade gifts like these go over well because they are neutral attractive and useful. Not to mention, they could be sold on etsy or at craft shows.

Furthermore, if you know anyone who is about to have a baby, you could make one (or several) and fill it with diapering essentials. I gifted my Grandmother one for her birthday and filled it with coil rope trivets (more on that below), homemade essential oil room spray, and other little goodies.

In my home, I use rope baskets as storage organizers for our diaper changing station and basically, anything with open shelving. It looks super cute and hides all of the clutter underneath.

More DIY and Sewing Projects from Deerwood + Jones:

HOW TO MAKE NO-HEAT HAIR CURLERS

HOW TO SEW A DRAWSTRING BAG-BEGINNER TUTORIAL