Hi, I’m Cre! If you’ve never made a coiled basket before, this is the perfect place to start. All you need is cord, filler, a needle and a pair of scissors. Below I walk you through every step, from wrapping the very first coil to finishing off your basket, and the full video tutorial is right here too.
Want everything in one box?
My beginner coiled basket kits come with the cord, filler cord, needle and a video tutorial, so you can start your first basket today.
Watch the full video tutorial
What you need
- Braided macrame cord. I use 5mm cord in the video, but 3mm or 4mm is easier if you’re just starting out. Try my 4mm Braided Ribbon Cord.
- Filler cord (cotton piping). 9.5mm (3/8 inch) or 6mm both work. I use my 3/8-inch Cotton Filler Cord.
- A small needle with an eye big enough for your cord. I use this Darning Needle Set.
- Scissors.
Tip: Coiling is very forgiving, so you can experiment with what you have. For the core, clothesline, rope, raffia or even pine needles work. For wrapping, try t-shirt yarn, jute twine, raffia or regular yarn.
How to make a coil basket, step by step
1. Cut your cord
Cut a length of macrame cord. You don’t need to measure exactly. I just grab a good bunch. You can always add more cord later (I show you how in step 6).
2. Thread the needle
Slip one end of your macrame cord through the eye of the needle.
3. Wrap the filler cord
Hold the filler cord about 3 inches from the end and start wrapping your macrame cord tightly around it. Keep the wraps close together so none of the white filler shows through.
4. Make the center coil
- Fold the wrapped section in half and squeeze it tightly.
- Keep wrapping the macrame cord around the folded filler.
- Push the needle through the middle of the folded coil and pull it through to secure it.
- Pinch the coil with your thumb and keep wrapping. I usually wrap four times before stitching again.
- Push the needle through the middle again and pull to tighten the coil and close any gaps.
5. Build the base
Keep repeating the same rhythm: wrap the filler (I do four wraps), then take your needle into the round right below and pull it through. Round by round, this builds a flat base. Keep going until the base is as big as you want it.
6. Add new cord when you run out
When your cord gets short, wrap the old cord once more and tuck it under the filler. Line up a new piece of cord next to it and start wrapping with the new piece, catching the old end underneath so it stays secure. After a few wraps you can snip off any stray ends.
Want everything in one box?
Running low on supplies? My kits include enough cord and filler to finish a full basket, plus the video tutorial.
7. Shape the sides
Once your base is the size you want (I did five rounds for this basket), gently lift the coil forward as you keep wrapping. This makes the sides start to rise. Keep going round by round and the basket will take shape on its own.
8. Add handles (optional)
Where you want a handle to start, keep wrapping the filler without stitching it to the round below. I did 17 wraps for each handle. Then go back to stitching into the round below until you reach the other side, and make your second handle the same way.
9. Finish your basket
- Trim the end of the filler cord at an angle so it tapers.
- Wrap the macrame cord around the tapered end until it is completely covered. It may take a few extra loops to make it neat.
- Slide the wraps over to cover any small gaps.
- Weave the end of the cord back into the side of the basket, or tie a knot and trim it.
And that’s it, your first coiled basket is done! Once you get the rhythm of wrap, wrap, stitch, you’ll want to make them in every color.
More coiled basket ideas
- 13 Easy DIY Coiled Basket Tutorials for Beginners
- 5 Ceramic and Wooden Bases to Elevate Your Coiled Baskets
- How to Coil an Easter Basket
Want everything in one box?
Ready to make your next one? Pick a beginner coiled basket kit in yarn, t-shirt yarn, raffia or jute.
