DIY Plastic Gallon Candy Basket: Upcycled & Adorable!

Updated at: 23/01/2025

Looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to display your candy this Halloween, Easter, or any festive occasion? Tired of the same old store-bought baskets? Then get ready to unleash your inner crafter with this adorable DIY project! We'll transform humble plastic gallon jugs – those ubiquitous containers often destined for the recycling bin – into charming and surprisingly sturdy candy baskets. This upcycling project is not only environmentally conscious but also incredibly versatile; customize your design to perfectly match your party theme or personal style with minimal cost and maximum creativity. Forget expensive and disposable options – let’s create something truly special.

This fun and easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to turn ordinary plastic jugs into extraordinary candy containers, perfect for filling with treats for all your guests. Get ready to gather your supplies and follow our step-by-step instructions to create your own unique and charming DIY plastic gallon candy basket.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Plastic gallon jug
  • Colored tape
  • Fabric (two contrasting colors)
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Protractor
  • Glue
  • Decorative lace
  • Fabric shopping bag
  • Decorative flower
Safety Guidelines
  • Thoroughly clean and rinse all plastic containers before starting. Remove any food residue to prevent contamination and odors.
  • Use appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves, when working with sharp objects like scissors or craft knives.
  • Adult supervision is required, especially when children are involved in any cutting, gluing, or decorating steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gallon

    • Shape the plastic gallon using a protractor to create the handle.
    • Use colored tape to mark a straight margin between the handles, then draw a broader margin underneath to enlarge the handle space.
    • Cut out the marked handle area.
    • Measure the gallon's circumference (22 inches) and depth (3.5 inches + 1.5 inches extra).
    Measure the gallon's circumference (22 inches) and depth (3.5 inches + 1.5 inches extra).Measure the gallon's circumference (22 inches) and depth (3.5 inches + 1.5 inches extra).Measure the gallon's circumference (22 inches) and depth (3.5 inches + 1.5 inches extra).Measure the gallon's circumference (22 inches) and depth (3.5 inches + 1.5 inches extra).
    Prepare the Gallon

  2. Cut and Prepare Fabric

    • One main piece and a contrasting colored piece (23 inches x 3.5 inches).
    • Cut 1/2 inch strips horizontally from the contrasting fabric (7 pieces).
    Cut 1/2 inch strips horizontally from the contrasting fabric (7 pieces).Cut 1/2 inch strips horizontally from the contrasting fabric (7 pieces).
    Cut and Prepare Fabric

  3. Attach Main Fabric & Begin Weaving

    • Attach the main fabric piece to the gallon, securing the uncut strip at the curve.
    • Begin weaving the contrasting strips, pulling one up and two down, fixing them to the basket.
    Begin weaving the contrasting strips, pulling one up and two down, fixing them to the basket.Begin weaving the contrasting strips, pulling one up and two down, fixing them to the basket.
    Attach Main Fabric & Begin Weaving

  4. Weave and Secure the Basket Body

    • Continue weaving and gluing the contrasting fabric strips to create the basket's body.
    • Fix the second layer of contrasting strips, pulling one under and leaving two down. Continue gluing.
    • Tuck extra fabric inside the basket and secure.
    Tuck extra fabric inside the basket and secure.Tuck extra fabric inside the basket and secure.Tuck extra fabric inside the basket and secure.
    Weave and Secure the Basket Body

  5. Decorate and Finish

    • Decorate the handle with lace.
    • Cover the curved piece with lace to conceal joints.
    • Attach a decorative flower to the lace closures.
    • Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.
    Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.Measure the basket's volume. Use a fabric shopping bag of similar size, cutting it to fit above the basket's top. Glue the edges and insert into the basket, gluing the ends.
    Decorate and Finish
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Tips

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting

Reason: Using dull scissors or not paying attention to the cutting line can result in a lopsided or uneven basket.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and carefully follow the template lines for precise cuts.

2. Weak Handles

Reason: Not reinforcing the handles or using insufficiently strong tape can lead to the handles ripping off under the weight of candy.
Solution: Reinforce the handles with extra layers of tape or glue, and consider using thicker handles made from more durable materials.

FAQs

What kind of plastic gallon jugs work best for this project?
Clear plastic jugs are ideal as they allow the candy colors to show through. Look for jugs that are relatively sturdy and free of cracks or significant damage.
How do I safely cut the plastic jug without hurting myself?
Use sharp, heavy-duty scissors or a craft knife designed for cutting plastic. Always wear safety glasses and cut on a stable surface away from your body. Consider using a ruler or other cutting guide to ensure straight lines.
What can I use to decorate my finished candy basket?
Get creative! You can use paint, ribbon, stickers, washi tape, markers, or even fabric scraps to personalize your candy basket. Consider adding a handle using sturdy wire or ribbon.