DIY Indoor Hanging Plant Holders Using Old Clothes

You don’t need to buy expensive macramé hangers or trendy plant accessories to add style and greenery to your home.

In fact, one of the most creative and affordable ways to display indoor plants is by making your own hanging plant holders using old clothes you no longer wear.

Whether it’s a T-shirt with holes, a pair of stretched-out leggings, or a scarf from the back of your drawer, you can repurpose fabric into functional, stylish plant hangers. It’s a sustainable, zero-cost project that adds charm to your space—and keeps old textiles out of the landfill.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make several styles of DIY hanging plant holders using only items you already have at home.

Why Use Old Clothes for Plant Holders?

Repurposing clothes into plant holders is an excellent solution for plant lovers on a budget. Here’s why:

• Zero cost: You already own the materials
• Eco-friendly: Reuse instead of throwing away
• Customizable: Choose colors and textures that match your decor
• Beginner-friendly: No sewing required for most styles
• Unique and personal: No two hangers will be the same

Plus, fabric plant holders are lightweight, gentle on pots, and easy to adjust or replace.

What Clothes Work Best?

Not all clothing materials are equally suited for making plant hangers. Here’s what works well:

Ideal fabrics:

• Cotton T-shirts: Stretchy and easy to cut into strips
• Leggings or yoga pants: Very elastic and durable
• Scarves: Long and decorative
• Sweatpants: Thick, strong fabric for heavier pots
• Ties or belts: Already shaped for tying and knotting
• Old shoelaces: Great for smaller holders

Avoid fabrics that are:

• Slippery (like silk or satin)
• Very thin or brittle
• Easily frayed or torn

If the fabric has holes or stains, don’t worry—it will be cut and knotted in a way that hides imperfections.

Basic Tools You’ll Need

All of these are likely already in your home:

• Scissors
• A ruler or measuring tape (optional)
• Safety pins or clips (to hold fabric during assembly)
• A hook, nail, or curtain rod to hang the finished product

No sewing machine or crafting kit required!

Basic T-Shirt Plant Hanger (No-Sew)

This is the most popular and easy design. You’ll cut an old T-shirt into strips, then tie knots to hold the pot.

Steps:

1. Cut the shirt into strips: Cut across the bottom of the T-shirt to make long loops. Each strip should be about 2–3 cm wide and as long as possible.
2. Make your cords: You’ll need 6 to 8 strips. Stretch them out so they curl naturally.
3. Group and knot: Gather all strips together and tie a tight knot at one end. This will be the bottom of the holder.
4. Divide and tie knots: Split the strips into pairs and tie a knot about 10–15 cm from the bottom.
5. Repeat: Take one strip from each neighboring pair and tie again about 10–15 cm higher, forming a net.
6. Finish at the top: Gather all the strips at the top and tie together in a big knot or loop to hang.

Tips:

• Use different colored shirts for a multi-tone design
• Adjust the distance between knots for different pot sizes
• Trim the ends for a clean look or leave them loose for a fringe effect

Macramé-Style Hanger with Leggings

Leggings are elastic and strong, perfect for macramé-style hangers without needing rope.

How to do it:

1. Cut 4 long strips from the leg (about 1.5 to 2 cm wide).
2. Fold each strip in half and loop through a key ring or metal ring (optional).
3. Follow the same knotting method as above or look up simple macramé knot guides (square knot, spiral, etc.).
4. Create 2–3 layers of knots, depending on how large your pot is.

Because leggings stretch, this style holds heavier pots with ease and looks sleek.

No-Knot Hanging Holder with a Scarf

For a quick, elegant solution, use a long scarf or fabric belt.

Steps:

1. Lay the scarf flat and place the pot in the center.
2. Pull opposite ends of the scarf up and tie securely above the pot.
3. Use the remaining ends to tie a hanging loop or bow.
4. Adjust the knot so the pot hangs evenly.

This method is perfect for small planters or to create a “hammock” look with minimal effort.

Hanging Pouch from a Shirt Sleeve

Want to make a pouch-style hanger? Use the sleeve of a long-sleeve shirt or hoodie.

Steps:

1. Cut the sleeve off at the shoulder seam.
2. Sew or tie the wrist end shut (if it’s not already closed).
3. Turn inside out and add your pot.
4. Use the open end to tie the hanger onto a hook.

This “sock-style” pouch is great for trailing plants like spider plant pups or pothos cuttings.

Decorative Touches Using What You Have

Once your plant holder is assembled, add character with leftover materials.

Ideas:

• Wrap twine or yarn around the top knots
• Tie beads, buttons, or charms into the strips
• Dye the fabric naturally using coffee, turmeric, or beet juice
• Braid multiple strips together for a boho look

Get creative! Every hanging holder can become a unique piece of art.

Where to Hang Your DIY Plant Holders

These lightweight hangers can be placed in many parts of your home:

• In front of windows for sunlight-loving plants
• From curtain rods—no extra hooks needed
• On wall-mounted hooks in any room
• From ceiling hooks using a drill or adhesive solution
• Above bathtubs or sinks (perfect for ferns and humidity-lovers)

Make sure the spot gets enough light and can safely support the weight of the pot.

Best Plants for Hanging Holders

Not all plants work well in hanging setups. Choose trailing or compact varieties that don’t need constant watering.

Great choices:

• Pothos
• Spider plant
• English ivy
• String of pearls
• Tradescantia
• Peperomia
• Ferns (if humidity is high)

Use lightweight pots and don’t overwater—no one wants dripping plants!

Maintenance and Safety Tips

• Check knots and fabric monthly for wear and tear
• Water gently using a squeeze bottle or small cup
• Place a saucer in the pot to catch excess water
• Avoid overloading—fabric holders are sturdy but have limits

If you notice the fabric stretching or loosening, reinforce with extra knots or retire it before it becomes a hazard.

Make it a Group Project

These DIY holders are simple enough for kids, roommates, or friends to make together. Host a plant-and-craft day where everyone brings an old shirt and goes home with a custom hanger.

You can also turn it into a creative gift idea: pair a DIY holder with a propagated plant and you’ve got an amazing homemade present.

Final Thoughts: Upcycle and Green Your Space

There’s something uniquely satisfying about turning old clothes into beautiful plant holders. Not only are you giving new life to something that would have been tossed away, but you’re also making your home greener, more personal, and more stylish—without spending anything.

DIY indoor hanging plant holders are a simple project with big results. With just scissors, some worn-out clothes, and a few minutes, you can transform your plant display and express your creativity at the same time.