How to Make a Paper Basket from Newspaper

Illustration

Have a stack of old newspapers at home? Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into a useful little basket for craft supplies, stationery, or lightweight decorations.

Making a paper basket from newspaper is an affordable recycling project that needs only a few basic materials. The first few paper tubes may look uneven, but once you get comfortable rolling and weaving them, the process becomes much easier.

This guide explains how to prepare newspaper tubes, create a sturdy base, weave the sides, and finish your basket neatly. You can make a small decorative basket and experiment with different colors once you understand the basic technique.

Illustrative photo of a basket holding rolled newspapers. Photo by Hồng Thắng Lê on Pexels.

Materials Needed to Make a Paper Basket from Newspaper

Gather these supplies before you begin:

• Old newspapers
• White craft glue
• Scissors
• A pencil or thin wooden skewer
• A ruler
• A small bowl or cardboard box to use as a shape guide
• Clothespins or small clips
• Cardboard, optional for a firmer base
• Paint and a paintbrush, optional

Helpful tip: Start with a small basket. A base about 4–6 inches wide is a manageable size for beginners.

Step 1: Prepare the Newspaper Tubes

Newspaper tubes form the strands you will weave together. Try to keep them similar in thickness so the finished basket looks more even.

1. Lay a newspaper sheet flat on a clean surface.
2. Use a ruler to cut it into long strips about 2–3 inches wide.
3. Place a pencil or wooden skewer diagonally across one corner of a strip.
4. Roll the paper tightly around the skewer toward the opposite corner.
5. Apply a small amount of glue to the final corner to keep the tube closed.
6. Carefully remove the skewer.

Repeat until you have around 20–30 tubes for a small basket. You may need more depending on the basket's size and the thickness of your tubes.

If the tubes keep unrolling, add a little glue to the loose corner and let it set. Avoid soaking the paper with glue because overly wet newspaper can tear or lose its shape.

Step 2: Make a Firm Basket Base

The base supports the entire basket. If it is uneven, the finished basket may lean or wobble. For beginners, a cardboard base is an easier alternative to a fully woven base.

Option A: Cardboard Base

1. Cut two matching cardboard shapes, such as squares or circles.
2. Arrange several newspaper tubes around the edge of one cardboard piece. These will become the upright supports.
3. Space the tubes evenly and secure them with small amounts of glue.
4. Place the second cardboard piece over the first, sandwiching the tube ends between the two pieces.
5. Press gently and let the glue dry according to its packaging instructions.

Make sure the upright tubes are spaced evenly before the glue sets.

Option B: Woven Newspaper Base

If you prefer an all-paper base, follow these steps:

1. Place four newspaper tubes vertically on your work surface.
2. Weave four additional tubes horizontally over and under the vertical tubes.
3. Adjust the crossing points to form a balanced grid.
4. Continue adding tubes in both directions until the base reaches your desired size.
5. Check that the corners and edges are reasonably even.

A woven base takes a little more patience, but it gives the basket a continuous paper texture.

Step 3: Bend the Supports and Start Weaving

Once the base is ready, gently bend the outer tubes upward. These upright tubes form the framework for the basket's sides.

1. Choose one tube to use as the weaving strand.
2. Place its end beside one of the upright supports.
3. Pass the weaving tube behind the first support and in front of the next.
4. Continue alternating behind and in front as you move around the basket.
5. Push each completed row gently downward so the weave stays compact.

Keep the upright supports close to their intended positions. If you are using a small bowl or cardboard box as a mold, place it inside the basket and weave around it to help maintain the shape.

Do not pull the weaving tube too tightly. Excessive tension can bend the sides inward, while loose weaving can leave large gaps.

Step 4: Join Tubes and Build the Sides

The weaving strand may not be long enough to go around the entire basket. When it becomes short, join another tube to it.

1. Flatten the narrow end of a new tube slightly.
2. Add a small amount of glue if appropriate for the paper and adhesive.
3. Insert the narrow end into the wider end of the working tube.
4. Allow the joint to grip before continuing.
5. Hide the join inside the weave when possible.

Continue weaving row by row until the basket reaches your preferred height. For a small decorative basket, sides about 3–5 inches high are a useful starting point.

After every two or three rows, inspect the basket from different angles. Correct any leaning supports or uneven sections before adding more rows.

If a tube tears, replace it or secure the joint rather than pulling harder on the damaged section.

Step 5: Finish the Rim

The upper rim holds the sides together and gives the basket a neat finish.

1. Stop weaving when the basket reaches the desired height.
2. Trim the working tube, leaving enough length to secure it.
3. Fold the upright support ends over neighboring supports or tuck them into the existing weave.
4. Apply a small amount of craft glue to secure the tucked ends.
5. Use clothespins or small clips to hold loose sections while they dry.

Work carefully around the whole rim. If one section looks higher than another, adjust it before the glue dries.

Follow the adhesive packaging for drying time. Do not remove the clips or handle the basket roughly until the joints have set.

Step 6: Strengthen and Protect the Basket

A well-woven newspaper basket can hold lightweight items, but paper is vulnerable to moisture and heavy loads.

For extra firmness, you can brush on a thin layer of suitable craft glue if the product instructions allow it. Dilute glue only when the manufacturer permits dilution. Too much water can soften the paper and cause it to lose its shape.

Let the basket dry completely before deciding whether it needs another coat. Test any paint, glue mixture, or clear sealer on a spare newspaper tube first because some products may affect the ink or color.

A compatible craft sealer may provide additional surface protection, but it will not make an ordinary newspaper basket reliably waterproof.

Important: Keep the finished basket in a dry indoor area. Use it for lightweight items such as stationery, ribbons, or craft supplies—not heavy objects, wet items, or food that touches the paper directly.

Step 7: Paint and Decorate Your Basket

Once the basket is completely dry, you can leave its natural newspaper pattern visible or decorate it.

• Natural look: Keep the newspaper print visible for a recycled, rustic appearance.
• White finish: Use suitable white craft paint for a clean, simple design.
• Colorful stripes: Alternate two or three complementary colors.
• Ribbon trim: Attach ribbon around the rim after the basket is dry.
• Fabric lining: Add a removable liner for a softer decorative finish.

Apply paint in thin coats and allow each coat to dry before adding another. Test the paint on a spare tube first to check whether the newspaper ink bleeds.

Creative Ways to Use a Newspaper Basket

A finished basket can help organize small items around your home. Choose uses that suit its size and strength.

Illustrative photo of a woven basket used to organize supplies. This is an example of a storage idea, not a handmade newspaper basket. Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.

• Store pens, pencils, and sticky notes on a desk.
• Keep ribbons, yarn, and small craft supplies together.
• Arrange lightweight accessories on a shelf.
• Use it as a decorative gift basket.
• Display artificial flowers.
• Make matching baskets in different sizes for a craft corner.
• Use it as a decorative cover for a separate waterproof plant pot, keeping the paper basket dry.

Avoid placing the basket where it may get splashed or exposed to damp conditions. Newspaper and ordinary craft glue are not designed for prolonged contact with water.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Use the table below to identify common problems and make adjustments while you are weaving.

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Loose tubes	Paper was not rolled firmly enough	Roll with steady pressure and secure the end
Uneven sides	Weaving tension changes between rows	Check the shape regularly and adjust early
Basket leans	Upright supports are uneven	Straighten the supports before continuing
Weak base	Base has insufficient support	Add a cardboard base or more supporting tubes
Glue marks	Too much adhesive was used	Apply small amounts and remove excess carefully
Torn paper	Tubes were bent sharply or pulled too hard	Work gently and replace damaged tubes
Rim comes loose	Tube ends were not secured	Tuck the ends in and clip them while drying
Paint changes the ink color	Paint reacts with the newspaper print	Test it on a spare tube first

The easiest time to correct a problem is when you first notice it. If the basket starts leaning, fix the supports before adding several more rows.

Tips for a Better Result

• Roll tubes to a reasonably consistent thickness.
• Prepare extra tubes before starting the basket.
• Use a mold if you are finding it difficult to keep the sides straight.
• Keep the weaving tension firm but gentle.
• Use small amounts of glue at joints rather than soaking the paper.
• Let the basket dry fully before painting or decorating.
• Choose a use that matches the basket's strength and keeps it dry.

Your first basket may have a few uneven rows. That is normal for a handmade project. With practice, you will get better at rolling the tubes, controlling the shape, and finishing the rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many newspaper tubes do I need for a small basket?

Around 20–30 tubes can be a starting point for a small basket, but the exact number depends on its dimensions, tube thickness, and weaving pattern. Prepare extra tubes so you do not have to stop midway.

Can I make a newspaper basket without a wooden skewer?

Yes. A thin pencil or another smooth, narrow rod can help you roll the paper. Choose a tool that is comfortable to hold and easy to remove.

How can I make the base stronger?

A cardboard base is a convenient option for beginners. You can also add more supporting tubes and keep the weave compact. Avoid loading the basket with heavy items.

Can I paint a basket made from newspaper?

Yes. Use suitable craft paint after the glue has dried completely. Test it on a spare tube first because some paints can cause newspaper ink to bleed.

Can I make a newspaper basket waterproof?

Do not assume that glue or a clear sealer will make it waterproof. Even with a protective coating, keep the basket away from standing water and damp environments.

Is a newspaper basket safe for storing food?

Use it for decorative purposes or dry household items instead. Newspaper ink, glue, and finishes may not be suitable for direct food contact. India's food safety regulator, for example, advises against using newspaper for wrapping or storing food.

Final Thoughts

Making a paper basket from newspaper is a practical way to reuse old paper and create a handmade organizer with inexpensive materials. Start with a small base, keep the upright supports evenly spaced, and work patiently as you weave the sides.

Once you understand the basic method, you can try different shapes, colors, and rim styles. A little practice will help you create baskets that look neater and suit your home or craft space.

Remember to keep your finished basket dry and use it for lightweight items. That way, you can enjoy your recycled creation without expecting ordinary newspaper to behave like a waterproof or heavy-duty basket.

Want more ideas? Browse our Crafts and Home DIY categories.

Sources and Further Reading

• Food Packaging Forum: Newspapers should not be used for food contact, India food safety authorities urge
• IANS: FSSAI warns food vendors against using newspapers for packaging
• Pexels (source of the stock photos in this article)

Always follow the instructions on your glue, paint, and sealer packaging.