A few leftover paper cups and a stash of scrap yarn are all you need for this DIY paper cup yarn basket. The cup’s cut strips act as a built in weaving loom, so you end up with a sturdy, textured mini basket in well under an hour and for almost no money.
Upcycling doesn’t have to look makeshift. Dressed up with daisy lace, faux pearls and tiny flowers, these baskets work as spring table decor, Easter or party favor holders, or a pretty desk organizer for small trinkets.
Below you’ll find the full step by step tutorial, including two rim and handle variations from the video so you can pick the look you like best.
Why You’ll Love This Upcycled Craft
- Beginner friendly weaving: The vertical paper strips work as spokes, so the over and under motion stays even with very little effort.
- No special tools: Scissors and basic adhesive are enough. Everything else is probably already in your craft drawer.
- Endlessly customizable: Swap soft acrylic yarn for braided cord, and dress the rim with floral ribbon, pearl beads or 3D flower appliqués.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Supplies You’ll Need
- Disposable paper cups: Standard 8 oz or 9 oz cups work best.
- Yarn or braided cord: Medium weight acrylic yarn or thicker braided craft cord.
- Scissors: Sharp craft scissors for clean vertical cuts and trimming.
- Adhesive: Thin double sided tape, plus a hot glue gun for heavier embellishments.
- Handle core: A floral wire stem, pipe cleaner or stiff bendable plastic strip.
- Embellishments: Daisy lace trim, white pearl beads, miniature 3D resin or clay flowers, and dried baby’s breath or faux greenery for display.
Method 1: Classic Daisy Trimmed Yarn Basket
This first version uses soft yarn and trims the top cup tabs for a clean, lace-bordered edge.
1. Cut the Cup into Weaving Spokes
Use scissors to make vertical cuts all the way around the cup, starting at the top rim and stopping at the bottom base ridge. Aim for an odd number of strips so the over under pattern alternates automatically on every round.
2. Anchor the Base with Double Sided Tape
Wrap a strip of thin double sided tape around the bottom exterior edge of the cup, just below the slits. Peel off the backing, press the end of your yarn onto the sticky band, then wind the yarn tightly around the base two or three times to build a neat foundation.
3. Flatten the Strips and Start Weaving
Set the cup upside down on your work surface and press the cut strips outward so they splay flat like sunbeams. Weave your yarn over one strip, under the next, rotating the cup as you work around the base.
4. Shape the Basket Walls
After 3 to 4 flat rounds, gently bend the strips back upright, keeping steady tension on the yarn. Keep weaving in and out around the spokes, and push each row down with your fingers so no paper shows through. Let the middle bow out slightly for a rounded, woven belly.
5. Trim the Rim and Add Lace
When your weaving sits about half an inch below the top of the cup, secure the yarn end. Snip off the exposed white paper tabs flush with the top row of yarn, then glue a strip of daisy lace trim around the upper rim to hide the cut edges.
6. Attach the Yarn Wrapped Handle
Wrap a flexible strip or wire from end to end with matching yarn and curve it into an arch. Secure both ends to the inside walls of the basket with hot glue.
Method 2: Beaded Pearl Handle and Folded Rim
Want a sturdier rim without cutting the paper tabs? Try the second technique from the video, shown here with lime green braided cord.
- Weave the base and sides. Cut the cup, anchor the cord at the base, flatten the spokes and weave upward just like Method 1.
- Fold and tuck the rim. Instead of cutting off the leftover tabs, fold each short tab inward over the last row of cord and tuck it inside the basket wall. This locks the weave in place.
- Make a half-beaded pearl handle. Wrap one end of a stiff green floral wire tightly with cord. Thread 8 to 10 white pearl beads onto the center of the wire, then wrap the other end with cord to lock the pearls in place.
- Embellish and fill. Bend the wire into a handle and attach it to the basket. Dot the outside of the weave with tiny 3D flowers and fill the inside with dried baby’s breath.
Tips for Better Results
- Keep tension even. Pulling too tight makes the cup walls cave in; too loose leaves gaps. Aim for snug but not strained.
- Use a dab of glue to secure the yarn end. A small drop of hot glue keeps the finish from unraveling.
- Don’t use it for liquids. These baskets are for dry items such as candy, trinkets and dried flowers, since moisture will soften the paper.
Creative Ways to Use Your Paper Cup Baskets
- Spring and Easter table settings: Fill each mini basket with pastel candies or chocolate eggs and set one on every plate as a take home place card.
- Craft room desk organizers: Group color coded baskets to hold paperclips, stitch markers, buttons or beads.
- Mini floral centerpieces: Tuck in a small bundle of dried baby’s breath or faux blossoms to brighten shelves and windowsills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size paper cup works best for a yarn basket?
Standard 8 oz or 9 oz paper cups are ideal. They’re sturdy enough to hold their shape and small enough to weave in under an hour.
Why do I need an odd number of strips?
With an odd number, the yarn automatically alternates over and under on each round, so you never have to adjust the pattern. With an even number you’d end up going over the same strips every time.
Can I use something other than yarn?
Yes. Braided cord, twine, embroidery floss, raffia and thin ribbon all work. Thicker materials fill the walls faster, which is helpful for younger crafters.
Rate This Craft
How would you rate this cute paper cup basket from 0 to 10? Tell us in the comments whether you prefer the daisy lace trim or the pearl beaded handle, and pin this tutorial so it’s ready for your next craft day!
