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A DIY T-shirt plant hanger is a simple way to reuse an old jersey shirt and display a plant without buying a new holder. This knotted design takes about an hour to make and can be customized with beads. Choose a round pot or bowl that sits securely in the finished hanger, and check that you have a suitable hook before you begin.
Materials for a DIY T-shirt plant hanger
Gather these supplies before cutting the fabric:
- Jersey fabric from an old T-shirt
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Beads, if you want to decorate the knots
- A plant and a round bowl or plant pot; a woven basket with a plastic liner can also be used
- A hook for hanging the finished holder
Using materials you already have can keep the project inexpensive. Make sure the pot or basket is a suitable size for the plant and can sit level inside the knotted fabric.
Cut and prepare the T-shirt strips
Cut the jersey into eight strips, each about 1.5 inches wide. If you prefer narrower strips or find the fabric difficult to cut evenly, strips about 1 inch wide can also work. Try to keep the pieces similar in width so the hanger looks balanced.
Stretch each strip individually before knotting it. This helps the jersey curl and gives the strips a more consistent appearance. Trim uneven edges if you like, but a perfectly neat finish is not essential for this relaxed fabric project.
Knot the hanging basket
Bring all eight strips together and tie a knot at one end, leaving a few inches of fabric beyond it. Avoid pulling the knot as tight as possible at this stage; it will tighten as the holder takes shape.
Separate the strips into four pairs. Tie one knot in each pair about 2 inches below the large starting knot. Keep the knots at roughly the same height to help the pot hang evenly.
You can add a bead or several beads after tying a pair, if desired. Since jersey stretches, avoid forcing the fabric tightly around the beads. The plant’s weight will help settle the holder once it is in place.
For the next row, make new pairs by bringing together neighboring strands from the first row. Tie each new pair about 1.5 inches below the previous knots. Continue crossing one strand from each neighboring section so the connections form a net-like pattern around the pot.
Tie one final row of pairs about 1.5 inches below the second row. The spaces between the knots should create a series of diamond shapes. Keep the spacing consistent, but don’t worry if the handmade pattern is not perfectly uniform.
Fit the pot and hang the finished holder
Test the holder with a round planter, which can sit naturally within the diamond-shaped net. You can leave the fabric ends as they are for a casual look or trim them while the holder is supported over a pot to create a neater finish.
Place the actual planter and plant inside the holder, then tie the fabric ends together above it. Check that the pot is seated properly and sits level before lifting it. An uneven fit can make the planter hang at an angle.
The holder can be suspended using an extra piece of tightly secured fabric at the back, or the top knot can be made long enough to hang over a hook. Before adding the plant, confirm that the hook and knot are secure and appropriate for the combined weight.
Personalize your upcycled plant hanger
This project makes use of an old shirt and leaves room for personal touches, such as adding beads or adjusting the fabric ends. It can also be a thoughtful handmade housewarming gift. — LaTonya
A DIY T-shirt plant hanger is a practical way to repurpose jersey fabric while creating a customized display for a plant. Take time to check the knots, the pot’s position, and the hanging point before putting it on display.
