I love a project that looks a little bit odd in the middle and absolutely brilliant by the end, and this crochet wall hanging is exactly that kind of craft. We’re taking a plain white dollar store trash can, cutting 12 evenly spaced slots into it, and using those openings as the structure for a thick, textured cotton-yarn hanging that ends up looking sculptural, modern, and surprisingly high-end.
This is a great project for anyone who enjoys easy crochet, upcycling, or home décor that actually fills a wall beautifully without costing much. I’m a big fan of crafts that can live on my kitchen counter for an evening or two while dinner simmers, and this one has that perfect balance of simple repetition and a dramatic finished payoff.
Materials
1 white plastic dollar store trash can, 10 to 11 inches tall and about 8 to 9 inches wide at the opening
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the trash can, then decide which end will be the top of the wall hanging; I like to hang it upside down so the wider rim becomes the bottom and gives the piece a fuller drape.
2. Measure around the narrower end of the trash can and mark 12 evenly spaced slot positions about 1 inch below the rim; make each slot 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch tall so bulky cotton yarn can pass through easily.
3. Carefully cut out the 12 slots with a craft knife, then smooth every cut edge with sandpaper so the yarn won’t snag while you crochet.
4. Cut 24 strands of cotton yarn, each 36 inches long, and fold each strand in half so you have plenty of fringe to fill the hanging densely.
5. Attach your working yarn to one slot and single crochet evenly around the top edge, working through each slot and around the plastic between them to create a secure first round anchored to the can.
6. Continue crocheting 3 to 4 rounds of single crochet and half double crochet through the slots and around the can, increasing slightly at every other slot so the stitched section begins to soften the shape without pulling tight.
7. At each slot, lark’s-head one folded yarn strand through the crocheted edge so you build a full row of fringe all the way around the can; add a second strand in every other slot if you want extra density.
8. Crochet another round above the fringe attachments, chaining 3 between every slot to create open arches that add texture and help the hanging flare out attractively.
9. Work one final decorative round of single crochet into each chain space, then fasten off and weave in the yarn tail with a yarn needle.
10. Trim the fringe into a deep rounded V or soft semicircle, keeping the center longest at about 14 inches below the can and the sides slightly shorter for a polished wall-hanging shape.
11. Slide the wooden dowel through the upper inside of the trash can just beneath the slot line, or tie it securely across two opposite slots, so the piece hangs straight and keeps its shape.
12. Tie the cotton cord to both ends of the dowel to make a hanging loop, fluff the fringe with your fingers, and steam lightly from a distance if needed to relax the cotton and even out the drape.
Variations & Tips
For more texture: Mix in a second cotton yarn thickness or add a few rows of puff stitch before attaching the fringe for a chunkier, more layered look.
For a softer shape: Use a slightly thinner plastic can and increase the crochet rounds to 5 or 6 so the yarn becomes the star while the can still gives structure underneath.
If you don’t crochet often: Stick with all single crochet and chain spaces; that simpler stitch combo still gives a really polished result and is much easier to keep even.
For color changes: Cream is beautiful and clean, but natural, warm taupe, or soft sage cotton yarn all work well if your home décor leans earthy.
To prevent snags: Don’t skip sanding the slot edges; I’ve learned the hard way that one rough plastic corner can shred cotton yarn surprisingly fast.
For fuller fringe: Add more strands than you think you need, especially near the center bottom, because dense fringe is what makes this piece look intentional and boutique instead of flimsy.
For apartment decorating: This hangs nicely from a removable wall hook and fills that awkward narrow wall space beside a pantry, desk, or entry bench really well.