DIY, Knock-offs, Organizing solutions

DIY Wire Baskets

I have wanted wire baskets forever! Ever since seeing them in a lovely Pottery Barn catalog. But $20-$30 for a single large basket? Uhhh, yeah right, even if my husband said “honey I want to buy you something special” I’d have to say no… are you kidding, do you know how many beautiful things I could stretch that $30 into? Or the $60 it takes to own three or four! So you can’t imagine how thrilled I was to discover that you can make your own DIY wire baskets! 

I know many of you have been waiting for this tutorial, ever since I featured my first set of baskets in the upstairs hall storage post here. Then I made gold basket  above which I featured in my bookcase makeover here. So finally I’m sharing the how-to!


This tutorial is best shown, so watch my video on a simple method for making your own basket, then below you will find technique tips, and instructions to make a faux leather handle. Happy viewing!

This project definitely requires some cultivation of skill, but once you get into the swing of it, it is doable! Be sure to wear hefty gloves so you don’t get cuts and scrapes!


TECHNIQUE TIPS

I first saw DIY wire baskets via Turnstyle Vogue and began making my own version. It took a while for me to share because I wanted to perfect the technique. This method reduces the number of raw edges that will be exposed. Just to help you get it right the first time, here are a few tips to aid along the way:

  • Sharp Wire Cutters: Always use sharp shears, it keeps cut wire from being too jagged or frayed. 
  • Unfurl Wire Roll: Before cutting your pieces out, lay the roll face down and carefully straighten it out as much as possible. This will make cutting an easier process. 
  • Keep All Cuts Flush: Cut as close to the edge of spine of the criss -crossed wire as possible. This ensures no sharp wires will protrude out of your basket. 
  • Bend on the Spine: Every time you bend the wire, do so at a spine and not in between two rows. Always make your bend as square as possible as opposed to curved. This lends to a professional finish. 
  • Reinforced Top Tip: When doubling over what will be the top of your basket, be sure to bend on the spine, and make the squares line up.
  • Weaving Tip: Don’t think of this quite the same as sewing. Rather than pulling your wire through by the top (as you would thread), gently guide the wire (and any kinks or loops) through by the top, then middle portion. Once you have brought the wire through the square pull taut by the base of the wire (not top).
  • Take Your Time: Once you get the hang of it you can breeze through making baskets in 20 minutes, but how precise you are determines how good your basket looks! 
  • Spray Paint: Customize your baskets with a coat of your favorite color spray paint, and finish with a coat of clear protective spray paint. 

DIY-Wire-Basket-how-to

DIY LEATHER HANDLE

You could cut out handles, you could attach a wire handle, or a rope handle. You are only limited by your imagination. Personally I love the look of a leather handle on baskets and bins, and to make my own required a bit of faux leather fabric and 5 minutes!
Follow the pictured instructions:
Faux-leather-handle
 
I hope you love your baskets as much as I love mine!
Shop Supplies
 Having difficulty located the supplies to make these baskets? I’ve got you covered!



 
 
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Welcome to my blog! I'm Ursula, and I admit it, I'm a DIY junkie. Well, I have to be! I've got expensive taste, but no decor budget! I hope to inspire you to make your house beautiful, organized, and a great place to grow and love!
by | 42 Comments

42 Comments on DIY Wire Baskets

  1. Lydia Saunders
    August 20, 2017 at 12:12 pm (3 years ago)

    Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! I can’t wait to get started on my wire basket!

    Reply
  2. divya sharma
    March 8, 2017 at 3:26 am (3 years ago)

    Great idea. Thank you so much for sharing. Now I can save more things. Thanks again.

    Reply
  3. Miss Hanson
    September 27, 2016 at 1:15 am (4 years ago)

    This is a great tutorial… many thanks for guiding us through each of the steps to make a perfect wire basket!:)

    Reply
  4. Linda
    July 9, 2016 at 11:13 am (4 years ago)

    This is such an outstanding video with clear instructions! I’m SO doing this. And guess what – they are many more projects by this young lady on her blog so be SURE to check THEM all out. WOW. I’m just so impressed with what she tackles and the clear instructions on how to do it. Am adding her to my list to follow!

    Reply
  5. Christina
    April 26, 2016 at 7:25 pm (4 years ago)

    Hi, do you know how you can make a slimmer basket wall mountable?

    Reply
  6. Luna
    March 5, 2016 at 9:30 pm (4 years ago)

    Thank you! I made one today and it was so easy and cheap! Hardware cloth for $7 and wire for less than 5! No idea you could make wire baskets so easily.

    Reply
  7. Stacey
    May 15, 2015 at 2:17 pm (5 years ago)

    Ursula, they’re wonderful! I’m going to definitely be making some of these. Just awesome.

    Reply
  8. Kelly
    January 7, 2015 at 11:24 am (5 years ago)

    AWESOME SAUCE!! Sharing across my social media 🙂

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      January 7, 2015 at 6:46 pm (5 years ago)

      Aw, thanks! And thanks for the shoutout!!

      Reply
  9. Courtney @ Crafts by Courtney
    January 5, 2015 at 9:33 pm (5 years ago)

    This basket is seriously the cutest! Wow I just loved the video, you did such a great job explaining the process!

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      January 6, 2015 at 9:39 am (5 years ago)

      Thank you! Haha, glad it wasn’t too hard to follow. 😉

      Reply
  11. Georgina
    December 31, 2014 at 2:45 pm (5 years ago)

    QUESTION: What kind of wire did you use to make the basket? Chicken wire perhaps.

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      December 31, 2014 at 11:08 pm (5 years ago)

      I actually used hardware cloth… you’ll find it right by the chicken wire in your hardware store. 😉

      Reply
  12. Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story
    September 10, 2014 at 11:15 pm (6 years ago)

    OMG! Ursula, I’ve wanted those baskets too for so long. Thank you for sharing how to DIY them. Definitely pinning to my TO DO list. Will let you know how it goes.

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      September 11, 2014 at 7:04 am (6 years ago)

      Thanks Vidya,
      I had wanted wire baskets for a long time too! 😀

      Reply
  13. Kimm at Reinvented
    September 10, 2014 at 7:06 pm (6 years ago)

    Wow, these are amazing! I can’t wait to make some! And you, my friend, are a natural in front of a video camera!! 🙂 See you Sunday!

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      September 10, 2014 at 10:09 pm (6 years ago)

      Thanks Kimm… I’m looking forward to it!!

      Reply
  14. Unknown
    August 27, 2014 at 1:04 pm (6 years ago)

    I just LOVE this! Do you think it would be sturdy enough to hold a bunch of records?

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      August 27, 2014 at 7:54 pm (6 years ago)

      Thank you! Yes, as long as you use the thick wire (the ones with the larger holes) and place a piece of wood at the bottom. I do this for the baskets that hold my books!

      Reply
      • Sandra G
        October 2, 2014 at 5:47 pm (5 years ago)

        Are you able to give me an idea of what you mean by “thick wire”? What gauge wire is the wire screening that you are using?

        Reply
        • Ursula Carmona
          October 6, 2014 at 12:04 am (5 years ago)

          I have actually used quite a variety of hardware cloth! From the smallest available gauge to half inch squares and up… Both baskets featured here are different sizes of hardware cloth. It’s really all about what style you are looking for. 🙂

          Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      July 14, 2014 at 7:52 pm (6 years ago)

      Aw, thank you Erin, that is so sweet of you to say!

      Reply
  16. MomHomeGuide.com
    July 9, 2014 at 12:14 pm (6 years ago)

    Looks great! I actually have some of this wire left over from my DIY flower tower at home. I will have to try this! See you at Haven!

    Reply
  17. monkey
    July 5, 2014 at 12:40 pm (6 years ago)

    ursula wow woman you are fantastic loved your bathroom and now these baskets are so dang cool thanks again xx

    Reply
  18. Alexis Middleton
    June 10, 2014 at 12:56 pm (6 years ago)

    WOW! These are so cool and that leather handle is the perfect touch. Thank you, thank you for linking up with us at The Makers. 🙂 Off to pin!

    Reply
  19. Stacy Harper
    June 10, 2014 at 12:51 pm (6 years ago)

    Well this is awesome – I just wish I had seen it months ago! I have redone my dining room in industrial farmhouse and am currently working on a revamp of the den in the same style. I hope you will stop by http://www.anygirlcandoit.com and check out some of my stuff – dining room reveal will go live on Monday. Just added you on bloglovin too – I want to see more from you!

    Stacy
    http://www.anygirlcandoit.com

    Reply
  20. Beth – Sew DIY
    May 13, 2014 at 4:55 pm (6 years ago)

    This is really cool! It reminds me of an art project I did years ago where I sewed panels of wire mesh together.

    Reply
  21. Nancy
    April 25, 2014 at 11:06 am (6 years ago)

    I’m sure I’m one of many who found this via Centsational Girl. I love the baskets and definitely want to try them out! Your tutorial and tips are great

    Reply
  24. Shannon
    April 8, 2014 at 8:50 pm (6 years ago)

    I LOVE this idea!! Great tutorial and project. Vintage Industrial Farmhouse is my favorite look.
    xo,
    Shannon
    http://www.akadesign.ca

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      April 9, 2014 at 8:53 am (6 years ago)

      Thank you Shannon! Congrats on moving forward in CWTS!! You are rocking it girl!

      Reply
  25. Laura
    April 8, 2014 at 2:49 pm (6 years ago)

    Ursula, I love the baskets and the diy instructions. The baskets are very professional looking and are just perfect for a need I have! The youtube video was just great. Your instructions and presentation were excellent!

    Reply
  26. Barbara M
    March 28, 2014 at 5:46 pm (6 years ago)

    Ursula, I just watched your basket video. Great explanation. My fingers hurt already, though LOL! Seriously, they are lovely. Would you spray paint the hardware cloth before making the basket or after it is complete? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ursula Carmona
      March 28, 2014 at 6:47 pm (6 years ago)

      Thank you! Lol, yes it can be hard on your hands, it helps to have a second person help hold it.
      Definitely spray AFTER you complete the basket.

      Reply
    • Barbara M
      March 29, 2014 at 5:52 pm (6 years ago)

      That makes sense. I was thinking about it after I asked the question and decided that if the hardware cloth was painted first the paint would probably need to be redone after all of the bending and twisting plus the wiring to hold the pieces together.

      Reply

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