DIY Jumper Basket: Upcycle Your Old Clothes!

Updated at: 26/05/2025

Tired of overflowing laundry baskets and the guilt of tossing out perfectly good clothes? Transform those unwanted sweaters, t-shirts, or even jeans into a stylish and functional jumper basket! This upcycling project is not only a fantastic way to reduce textile waste and save money, but it's also a rewarding craft for all skill levels. You'll be surprised at how easily you can breathe new life into old fabrics, turning potential trash into a treasured item for your home. Plus, the unique character of your repurposed clothes will give your basket a truly personal touch, making it a one-of-a-kind addition to your laundry room or bedroom.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps of creating your own unique DIY jumper basket, using only a few basic materials and your old clothing. Ready to transform your old clothes into a beautiful and practical storage solution? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to begin upcycling!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Jumper (old or unwanted)
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun
  • Fabric stiffener or PVA glue
  • Bucket
  • Wire hanger or stiff wire
  • Wooden dowels
  • Optional: Old belts for handles
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp, clean scissors to prevent injury and ensure clean cuts. Never attempt to cut fabric while distracted.
  • If using a sewing machine, ensure you are familiar with its operation and safety features. Always unplug the machine before cleaning or making adjustments.
  • Be mindful of any loose threads or fabric edges that could pose a choking hazard, especially if the basket is intended for a child or pet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jumper

    • Cut off the sleeves of the jumper straight down, not diagonally.
    • Glue the sleeve seams shut on the inside, ensuring the jumper is inside out.
    • Repeat for the other sleeve.
    • Cut across the top of the jumper to make it straight, removing the shoulder bits.
    Cut across the top of the jumper to make it straight, removing the shoulder bits.Cut across the top of the jumper to make it straight, removing the shoulder bits.Cut across the top of the jumper to make it straight, removing the shoulder bits.Cut across the top of the jumper to make it straight, removing the shoulder bits.
    Prepare the Jumper

  2. Create the Basket Base

    • Cut down one side of each arm to create an open patch.
    • Cut a semi-circle/oval shape across the top of the arms, lay them over each other and cut them down the middle.
    • Glue the two long ends of the arm pieces together (right side to right side).
    Glue the two long ends of the arm pieces together (right side to right side).Glue the two long ends of the arm pieces together (right side to right side).Glue the two long ends of the arm pieces together (right side to right side).
    Create the Basket Base

  3. Attach the Base to the Jumper

    • Glue the bottom base (created in step 7) to the frayed edges of the jumper's bottom, all the way around.
    Glue the bottom base (created in step 7) to the frayed edges of the jumper's bottom, all the way around.
    Attach the Base to the Jumper

  4. Secure the Zipper (if applicable)

    • Ensure the zipper (if present) is in the middle and won't get caught in the gluing process.
    • Secure the zipper with a generous amount of glue.
    Secure the zipper with a generous amount of glue.Secure the zipper with a generous amount of glue.
    Secure the Zipper (if applicable)

  5. Stiffen and Shape the Basket

    • Place a bucket inside the jumper to maintain its shape while applying fabric stiffener or PVA glue.
    • Apply several coats of fabric stiffener or PVA glue to all sides of the basket to add sturdiness.
    Apply several coats of fabric stiffener or PVA glue to all sides of the basket to add sturdiness.Apply several coats of fabric stiffener or PVA glue to all sides of the basket to add sturdiness.
    Stiffen and Shape the Basket

  6. Add the Hanging Loop

    • Create a wire loop from a hanger or stiff wire.
    • Glue the top edge of the basket to the wire loop on the inside to keep the basket open.
    Glue the top edge of the basket to the wire loop on the inside to keep the basket open.Glue the top edge of the basket to the wire loop on the inside to keep the basket open.
    Add the Hanging Loop

  7. Add Structural Support

    • Glue wooden dowels to the bottom and sides of the basket for structural support.
    Glue wooden dowels to the bottom and sides of the basket for structural support.
    Add Structural Support

  8. Add Optional Handles

    • Add optional handles (e.g., from old belts).
    Add optional handles (e.g., from old belts).
    Add Optional Handles

Read more: Sew a Lined Expandable Storage Bag: Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Use an old jumper you're not wearing anymore.
  • Turn the jumper inside out when gluing seams for a neater finish.
  • If using a heavy jumper, more fabric stiffener/PVA glue might be needed for support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unsuitable fabric

Reason: Stretchy or thin fabrics like jersey or silk may not hold their shape well and the basket may sag or tear.
Solution: Choose sturdy, tightly woven fabrics like denim, canvas, or heavy cotton for a more durable basket.

2. Incorrectly securing the seams

Reason: Weak or poorly sewn seams can lead to the basket unraveling or falling apart, especially under the weight of jumpers.
Solution: Use strong stitching, reinforce stress points with extra layers of fabric, and consider using a sewing machine for more durable seams.

FAQs

What types of clothes work best for making a jumper basket?
Thick, knit fabrics like sweaters, sweatshirts, and even thick t-shirts are ideal. Avoid flimsy materials that might tear easily. The thicker the fabric, the sturdier your basket will be.
What if my old clothes are stained or have small holes?
Don't worry! You can strategically place stained or damaged sections on the inside of the basket where they won't be visible. Small holes can often be incorporated into the design or hidden with careful stitching.