DIY: Learn How to Make a Knotted String Hanging Planter from Recycled Materials

Final Knotted String Recycled Jar Planter with Succulent

Or keep it old school!

Final Knotted String Recycled Jar Planter with Succulent

Instead of lugging your recyclables outside for collection this week, why not rummage through to gather materials for this unique hanging planter project? For this fun DIY decoration, you'll use string to knot a custom plant holder for a recycled container. Jam jars, plastic takeout containers, and yogurt cups can all be repurposed into a modern and functional hanging planter.

Materials for DIY Plant Holder

Step 1: Gather your materials – Recycled containers (glass jam or sauce jars, plastic takeout containers, or yogurt cups are ideal) – String or twine (cotton, hemp, or nylon). We used basic cotton twine but you could punch it up with colored nylon string – Plants (succulents and vines work well) – Sand and/or pebbles for plant drainage – Potting soil – Scissors

Cut String For Planter

Step 2: Cut twine Cut twine or string into 8 equal lengths of approximately 24-34 inches (depending on how large your container is). Knot the ends.

Divide String

Step 3: Start knotting Lay out the string on a flat surface and divide the 8 strings into 4 pairs. Knot each pair approximately 3 inches from the base. Take the two ends (left and right) and knot them as well to complete the circle.

Knotted String Holder For Mason Jar

Step 4: Keep knotting

Keep creating a row of knots by repeating this step 2-4 inches above your first row of knot (depending on how wide your container is - wider containers will require a larger space). Do this by knotting together two strings from alternating rows so that your second row of knots consists of the opposite pair of strings (see picture). Remember to take the two spare ends and knot them together after each row to complete the circle.

Check Spacing Of Knots

Step 5: Test the size

Test the size of your knotted plant hanger by draping it over your container. Then you can either add additional knots or finish the plant holder.

Plastic Takeout Container

Check knot spacing on each different container you try.

Drainage for Plants

Step 6: Planting Plant your succulent, vine, cactus, or other plant. Start by adding a layer of sand and/or pebbles to the bottom of the container. This will promote healthy drainage for your plant since these containers do not have an open bottom.

Succulent Planted In Recycled Plastic Cup

Cover the pebbles with a layer of potting soil.

Mason Jar Succulent

Gently add a plant to the soil and tamp down into the container.

Mason Jar String Plant Holder in Window

Step 7: Hang your planter Gently pull your new knotted string plant hanger up over your recycled container. The final step is knotting all 8 strands together at the top for hanging. Add a hook to hang from a window, shelf, or the ceiling.

Tiny Plant String Holder

Variations: You can adapt this plant holder method as creatively as you like. Try a tiny plant container!

Large Plant String Holder

Try a large plant container!

String Holder For A Rock

Try making a holder for a rock or other natural object!