How to Make a Braided Hamper

Construct a braided hamper using 2 1/2-inch strips of cotton or cotton blend fabric.

Braided hampers are used for dirty clothing, storage and decoration. A braided hamper is made from strips of fabric such as cotton, cotton blends or denim. The bottom of the hamper is made in the same way as a fabric braided rug (or "rag" rug). The sides are made by stacking the braids on top of one another, similar to the coiling method used in clay pottery. The coils are sewn together with a heavy buttonhole thread and a 2-inch heavy needle.

Things You'll Need

• 7 yards cotton or cotton blend fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread (regular sewing and buttonhole)
• Straight pins
• Set of metal braiding tips
• 2-inch heavy needle

Instructions

1. Measure and cut 99 fabric strips, 2 1/2-inches wide each. Sew three strips together on a bias to create 9 to 12-foot long strips. Roll each strip into a ball for a total of 33 balls.

2. Take three balls of fabric strips and place a metal braiding tip on the free end of each strip. Fold the raw edges in and push the end of the fabric through the nose of the metal tip. Pull the tip down the fabric 3 inches. Match the three ends of fabric together and sew across to secure.

3. Use a three-braid process. Spread the three strips out in front of you so there is a 1-inch gap between the strips. Take the left strip and place it over the center strip. Pull the fold tight against the sewn edge. Take the right strip and place it over the center strip. Pull the fold tight against the previous stitch. Repeat the process until you are 18 inches from the end of each strip.

4. Take three balls of fabric strips and hand sew the end of each strip to a strip from the braiding. Continue the braiding process. Stop when 15 feet of braid is complete.

5. Take the braided end of the strip and begin coiling. Coil the braid around itself and keep it laying flat. Sew the braid together with buttonhole thread. Loop the thread through the braids opposite one another. Continue the process until the coil is 2 feet in diameter. Braid more fabric if needed.

6. Create the sides of the braided hamper by placing the next coil on top of the base. Wrap the coil around the outside edge. Sew the braid to the bottom. Continue coiling the braid and placing it directly on top of the previous coil. Sew into place. Braid more fabric as needed. Continue the process until the hamper reaches the desired height.

7. Fabricate the lid in the same fashion. Start a new braid. Coil the fabric together until it is 2 feet 2 inches wide. Sew the coil together during the coiling process. Build the side of the lid by placing coils directly on top of one another around the lid edge. Make the lid 4 to 8-inches tall. Place the lid on the hamper when complete.

References

• Craftown: Rug Braiding