Most people toss these plastic milk jugs… he cut them up and added rope and now this is everywhere

3 minutes read

“Most people toss these plastic milk jugs… he cut them up and added rope and now this is everywhere” — and for a very good reason! Transforming ordinary plastic milk jugs into beautiful hanging baskets is an incredibly eco-friendly and creative way to repurpose everyday household waste.

These versatile little baskets are completely customizable and can be used to hold small plants, store craft supplies, or organize random items around the house. By taking an afternoon to follow this simple guide, you will not only reduce the amount of plastic waste leaving your home, but you will also create something genuinely practical and stylish. It is a fantastic way to add a touch of handmade, DIY charm to your living environment.

Where to Hang Your New Baskets

These DIY hanging baskets look absolutely amazing in a rustic, farmhouse, or bohemian setting. Here are a few ways you can use them:

In the kitchen: Hang them near a sunny window to hold an indoor herb garden.
In the bathroom: Use them as a clever storage solution for toiletries, cotton balls, or makeup brushes.
In the sunroom or living room: Fill them with small potted plants, like trailing ivy or succulents, to bring the outdoors in.

The clear or frosted plastic of the jugs paired with natural rope creates a lovely, neutral palette that complements almost any home decor style. If you want a fun pop of color, you can simply place brightly colored pots or vibrant decorative elements right inside the transparent baskets.

Plastic Milk Jug Hanging Baskets: The Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started is easy, and you probably already have most of these supplies lying around the house!

Materials You Will Need

4 empty plastic milk jugs (gallon or half-gallon size)
30 feet of natural jute or sisal rope
A good pair of craft scissors
A hole punch (or a drill with a small bit)
A ruler or measuring tape
A permanent marker

Step-By-Step Directions:

Prep the jugs: First things first, rinse and dry your empty milk jugs thoroughly. You want to make sure they are completely clean with no lingering milk residue!
Mark your cutting line: Using your permanent marker and a ruler, carefully draw a horizontal line all the way around each jug. Make the line about 5 inches up from the bottom of the jug.
Make the cut: Carefully cut along the marker line to remove the top portion of the jugs. You will be left with four open, bowl-like containers.
Punch the holes: Take your hole punch (or drill) and make three holes around the top edge of each plastic container. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced so your basket hangs completely flat and balanced.
Prep the rope: Grab your scissors and cut your natural rope into twelve separate lengths, each measuring about 2.5 feet long.
Attach the rope: Thread one piece of rope through each of the holes you just punched. Tie a very secure, tight knot on the inside of the plastic jug to hold the rope firmly in place.
Create the hanging loop: Bring the three ropes from a single jug together at the top. Make sure they are perfectly even, and then tie them together into one large knot about 1 foot above the rim of the jug. This large knot creates the loop you will use to hang your basket.
The finishing touches: Trim away any frayed or excess rope above your top knot, and hang your beautiful new baskets in your favorite spot!

Fun Variations & Pro Tips

The best part about DIY projects is making them your own. If you want to customize your hanging baskets to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic, here are a few fun ideas:

Add a splash of color: Consider painting the outside of the plastic milk jugs. Just be sure to pick up a spray paint that is specifically formulated to bond to plastic so it doesn’t chip or peel over time.
Switch up the rope: Instead of natural jute, try using brightly colored nylon cord, chunky yarn, or patterned ropes for a more vibrant, modern look.
Get crafty with beads: Stringing wooden or glass decorative beads onto the ropes before you tie your final knot can really enhance the bohemian aesthetic and give the baskets a cool, macrame vibe.
Make it multi-functional: For a little extra utility, try attaching small adhesive hooks to the bottom of the plastic jugs. This gives you a great place to hang lightweight, everyday items like your car keys, lanyards, or small kitchen utensils!