Recycled Fabric Twine Upcycled Planter

Reuse your old plastic containers to make this attractive upcycled planter. It’s a great way to upcycle plastic plant pots or old food containers, and it also uses recycled scrap fabric as well!

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I’m always looking for nifty ways to use my recycled handmade scrap fabric twine and today I have a project that not only uses recycled fabric scraps, but saves an old yoghurt tub from heading to the trash pile.

I’ve been holding onto the empty tubs that my favourite yoghurt comes in, because they are the perfect size to store pencils and other random craft bits.

Today I decided that they would also make the perfect small planters for my growing succulent collection, ideal to cover up ugly plastic pots and prevent water damage to surfaces.

So easy to make, once your twine is prepared, it only takes a few minutes to glue it and you are done!

If you aren’t a plant person, why not use this upcycled container, to hold pens or other craft supplies. The possibilities are endless.

I’m really enjoying hunting out unusual succulent plants, it must be my collectors instinct.

I found this one at a local flea market, I don’t know its name but it’s very interesting and I love how the little baby plants shoot right out of the branches.

When it grows a bit larger I’ll replant it into a bigger pot.

If you want to plant directly into this pot for outdoor use, punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage, but keep in mind that the fabric may become a bit mildewy if it gets too wet.

Check out what else I’ve made with Recycled Scrap Fabric Twine:

• Fabric Twine Spiral Mat
• Scrap Twine Recycled Christmas Ornaments
• Vintage Saucer Chair Makeover
• Fabric Twine Gift Wrap idea

How to make an Upcycled Planter with Fabric Twine

I always have lots of fabric scraps on hand to make lengths of twine. Twisting up bits of leftover fabric into recycled rope is a practical, fairly mindless craft, that you can do while watching TV or a movie.

Any fabric scraps are suitable, but the most useful scraps are fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide).

The best twine material is a light weight woven cotton, or poly-cotton blend fabric. Jersey and stretch fabric can be used but doesn’t work as well.

Get the full instructions for how to make upcycled scrap fabric twine (with instructional video).

If you don’t fancy making your own scrap twine, you can purchase pre-made twine from various Etsy sellers, or use regular rope, cord or even really chunky yarn instead.

You will need:

• Plastic food container (washed) – It doesn’t matter if it has print on it as you will cover it up with the twine, glass will work too
• Handmade scrap fabric twine – full tutorial with video here – about 4m
• Hot glue gun
• 3-4 glue sticks
• Scissors

How to:

Caution: Hot glue can burn so please be careful. If you get hot glue on your skin run it under cold water immediately.

1. Make your fabric twine. I used about 4m in total, but the amount you need will depend on the size of your container.

2. Starting at the top, glue on the twine and work all the way down in a spiral. Glue on a bit at a time until you are done. Depending on the plastic your container is made of the heat of the glue may warp the sides so use the glue sparingly.

All done! Making this cool upcycled planter was so easy!

Want more sustainable recycled craft ideas? I have over 40 craft projects and sewing tutorials that feature recycling and upcycling – CLICK HERE