I have a hard time throwing away any old towel that still has good thick cotton in it, even if the corners are frayed or there’s a stain that won’t budge. Out here, we were taught to use things up proper, and braided towel fabric makes a wonderfully sturdy basket with a soft, homespun look that feels right at home in a kitchen, mudroom, or on the porch during harvest season.
This woven towel harvest basket is a practical little project for anyone who likes useful handmade things and doesn’t mind giving worn linens a second life. The beauty of it is that the same absorbent looped texture that made the towels handy in the first place also gives the basket body, grip, and that generous, cushy look once the braids are coiled and stitched together.
Materials
4 old bath towels, standard size 27 x 52 inches, in rust, cream, or other coordinating colors
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the towels first, then trim away thick hems, hardened edges, and badly worn spots so you’re working with soft, flexible terry cloth.
2. Cut the bath towels into long strips 3 inches wide, joining shorter sections as needed by overlapping ends by 1 inch and stitching them together to make three continuous bundles of strips about 18 to 20 feet long each.
3. Stretch each strip lightly with your hands and roll the raw edges inward as you go, which helps the braid look fuller and keeps loose threads from sticking out.
4. Gather three strip bundles together, clip one end to the table or pin it in place, and braid firmly but not tight so the braid stays thick and flexible.
5. When one strip ends, tuck in the tail, overlap a new strip by 1 inch, and keep braiding; stagger the joins so the braid doesn’t get bulky all in one place.
6. Make one long braid about 50 to 55 feet long for a roomy harvest basket, then stitch the end securely and dab a little fray check on the last join if needed.
7. Coil the braid tightly into a 7-inch flat circle for the basket base, sewing through the side loops of neighboring braid rows with upholstery thread every 1 inch to lock the coil together.
8. Continue coiling and stitching, but after the base reaches 12 to 13 inches across, stack each new braid row directly on top of the outer edge instead of beside it so the sides begin to rise.
9. Shape the walls with your hands as you sew, keeping the basket gently flared at the bottom and slightly tucked inward near the top so it stands nicely and holds its form.
10. Build the sides until the basket is about 8 inches tall, using clips every few inches if needed to hold the braid in place before each section is stitched.
11. For handles, leave a 5-inch span unstitched on one side, arch the braid upward to form a loop, then stitch it back down; repeat directly across from it for a second handle.
12. Wrap each handle with a 2-inch-wide strip from the hand towel, folding the raw edges under as you go, and stitch the wrap in place for a smoother, stronger grip.
13. Finish the rim by folding the final braid tail under by 1 inch, tucking it neatly against the basket edge, and sewing it down with small tight stitches so the join disappears into the rim.
14. Go back over the base, handles, and rim with extra reinforcing stitches anywhere the basket will carry weight, then steam lightly with an iron or shape by hand and let it sit overnight to settle.
Variations & Tips
Color Planning: If your towels don’t match exactly, alternate light and dark strips within each braid bundle; that mottled look is forgiving and gives the basket a handsome old-fashioned harvest feel.
For a Firmer Basket: Use slightly narrower 2 1/2-inch strips and braid more tightly; that makes a denser rope and helps the walls stand straighter.
For Laundry or Toy Storage: Keep braiding and coiling until the base is 15 inches wide and the sides are 12 inches tall, then add broader handles with extra wrapping so the basket can take more everyday hauling.
Joining Strips Neatly: I like to avoid knotting towel strips because knots create lumps; a simple overlapped seam stitched flat is stronger and sits prettier in the finished braid.
Cleaning the Finished Basket: Spot clean when needed, or hand wash gently in cool water and reshape while damp; because it’s towel cotton, it freshens up better than many fabric baskets.
Gift Basket Idea: This makes a lovely housewarming basket filled with garden vegetables, kitchen towels, or jars of jam, and it has that honest handmade look folks tend to remember.