The Adorable Way To Style A Plain Basket Using An Old Sweater

If you've ever tried to downsize your closet, you may have encountered an emotional hurdle that makes getting rid of clothing items difficult, even if you are following expert tips for decluttering your closet like a pro. Holding onto an old sweater that has damage or no longer fits may seem irrational, but the attachments people form to clothing are real. Luckily, there are some ways to repurpose an old sweater and turn it into beautiful home decor that keeps your beloved sweater near without it taking up valuable space in your closet. Instagram user @redeux_style shows one example, which involves turning a sweater into a cover for a plain basket. 

Sweaters can be crafted from cashmere, chambray, cotton, and other materials that give your home the perfect cozy look and feel, and a chunky knit only adds to the comfortable look. This makes old sweaters a surprisingly good choice for adding detail and interest to an otherwise plain basket. This small upgrade does more than just change the look, though. It also adds functionality to your basket by acting as a liner. Wicker baskets can snag items stored inside, and woven designs with holes can allow small items to fall through, but basket liners add a protective layer.

To make this transformation, you'll need a sweater, scissors, and a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch capability. Nearly any sweater style and material can work, but make sure that the sweater size and basket will work together. The torso of the sweater will be just over the length of the liner, and the width of the torso should stretch over the basket.

With your DIY supplies gathered, it is time to prepare the sweater. Start by washing it according to its directions to ensure that it is fresh and clean after storage. Typically, this involves turning the sweater inside out and submerging it in cold water with a gentle detergent. Be sure to rinse the sweater thoroughly, press the sweater with a towel to absorb excess water, and lay the sweater flat to dry. If there are any holes, you should take the time to darn them before transforming the sweater into a basket cover in order to achieve a polished look.

Take your clean, fixed sweater, and turn it inside out. Then, use your sewing machine to create a zigzag stitch near the armhole of each sleeve that separates the torso of the sweater from the sleeves. Remove the sleeves from the sweater by cutting along the zigzag stitch on the sleeve side, so that the torso portion retains the stitches. This prevents the knit from unraveling.

Next, you will need to seal the neck opening of the sweater to complete the liner shape. You can do this with another zigzag stitch or even just a rubber band looped around to create a temporary closure. Finally, place the neck of the sweater in the basket and fold the hem over the basket, almost like you would a garbage bag in a bin. The result will be cozy, chic, and more protective for any items you store inside, and if you like the look, you can learn more about how to use baskets in your home for stylish storage.