With our easy, no-macrame tutorial, you can create unique hanging planters from upcycled denim or leather. Transform old materials into stylish plant pot hangers and add a touch of eco-friendly charm to your home decor.
Updated June 24
Growing up in the tropical splendour of a home without traditional ceiling beams and the white underside of roof tiles, I was always fascinated by the lush hanging planters that dangled gracefully from above.
While those were macrame creations my mom expertly crafted, my take on DIY hanging plant holders is made differently. Inspired by necessity and creativity, I’ve created unique hanging planters from recycled materials (instead of the traditional rope plant hanger)—specifically denim and leather.
These are not your typical macrame knots hanging from the ceiling but a blend of upcycled sophistication that elevates any indoor environment. Recently, I transformed a worn-out leather sofa and used denim from old jeans to craft these bespoke DIY hanging plant holders, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of boho vibe to their space without the complexity of traditional macrame techniques.
I also used some of that leather sofa to make a boho leather DIY vase.
You probably don’t have an old leather sofa to cut up. However, you don’t need much leather for this project. An old leather handbag or jacket (real or faux) would also work.
Upcycled Hanging Pot Holders
Crafting your DIY hanging plant holder from recycled denim and leather is an easy project and a fantastic way to infuse your living space with greenery and style. Whether you opt for all-denim, all-leather, or a combination, these hanging planters offer a unique and personalized touch to house your favourite plants.
They accommodate different sizes of plant pots, making them versatile for any indoor environment. I used tin can planters for my DIY plant hanger to keep up with the upcycling vibe. This project allows you to creatively repurpose old materials like a tattered leather jacket or worn jeans and contributes positively to sustainable living practices by reducing waste.
So, grab those simple materials, and let’s give those small plants a charming new home with your DIY touch! This is an easy way to engage your green thumb and enhance your indoor plant collection, providing a great way to integrate more live plants into your home.
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Materials Used
- An old piece of leather (real or faux). A piece from an old leather jacket, sofa or bag will do. You will need a piece approximately 20 cm in diameter. For a denim recycled hanging planter, you will need a piece of denim of the same sort of size.
- Denim seams from an old pair of jeans
- Tin can or another planter
- Leather hole puncher or Crop-A-Dile
- Superglue or needle and thread
- Wooden curtain ring
- Xacto knife and cutting mat
- Cutting pattern, free to download here.
- Fabric glue for the denim hanging planter only.
How To Make A Leather Indoor Hanging Pot Holder
Step 1: First, download and print out the cutting template. This template is designed for a planter the size of a standard tin can. To make a larger or smaller hanging planter, adjust the size of the pattern before printing.
Step 2: Next, tape the template to the leather piece. Place this on top of a cutting mat. Using an Xacto knife, cut out the pattern. Cut from the centre circle out, just cutting the solid lines.
Step 3: The dots on the template highlight where to punch the holes. Use either a leather hole punch or a Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in the leather. Leave the holes as they are or add coloured eyelets.
Step 4: To hang the recycled hanging planters use denim seams from an old pair of jeans. However, a leather thong or twine would work just as well.
Cut four denim seams so they are all the same length. Thread one seam through the hole in the leather and then either sew or glue it in place. Repeat with the other three seams and holes.
Step 5: Secure the other end of each denim seam to the wooden curtain ring. Again, use a needle and thread or superglue to hold it in place.
Step 6: You only need to add the tin can planter. Putting pebbles in the bottom of the tin can planter will not only help with drainage. The weight will also help the indoor recycled planter hanger hang well.
To give these recycled indoor hanging planters a boho look, how about adding tassels? Here, you can see how to make denim tassels.
How To Make Denim Recycled Hanging Planters
I also made some recycled hanging pot holders from denim scraps and leather. To prevent the denim from fraying, I covered it with fabric glue. Once the glue has dried, I cut out the denim plant holders like the leather pot holders.
I cut leather strips for the denim plant holders to use as the hanging string. Again, you can use denim seams or twine for this.
Again, I added an upcycled denim tassel to the bottom of the recycled hanging planters.
The velvet upcycled planters I made also look good with these hanging plant pot holders.
Other Planter Ideas
You could also make these hanging plants using other upcycled fabrics, such as old T-shirts and sweaters.
I used real plants in these upcycled planters; however, if you don’t have green fingers, I have a great tutorial for DIY tropical paper leaf plants that will look just as good in these planters. You also can make a fun embroidered canvas of a hanging plant.
For other wall-hanging vase ideas, check out these broken China teacup DIY wall vases and these cute plastic bottle planters.
If you liked these Boho recycled hanging planters, you will probably like these other Boho and leather craft ideas.
Interior Design
Sunday 10th of January 2021
Thank you so much. It is really so simple to make it. I loved boho vibe to much!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 11th of January 2021
Thank you, yes very quick and easy to make.
Puppy Foodie
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
i will try from an old pair of jeans
Claire Armstrong
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
Good luck and have fun.
Cecilia
Monday 6th of May 2019
Such a fun planter, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Tuesday 7th of May 2019
Thank you, Cecilia. I'm pleased you liked them.
Maria
Monday 6th of May 2019
Great diy project and love the recycling! And the fact that it offers another way to display plants makes my heart sing! Thanks for sharing.
Claire Armstrong
Monday 6th of May 2019
Thank you, Maria. You can never have too many plants.
Julie
Sunday 5th of May 2019
Very cool, I saved our old leather sofa too, I've been able to use it for all sorts of things! These are a really fun twist on traditional macrame.
Chona Doria
Friday 8th of March 2024
@Julie,
Claire Armstrong
Sunday 5th of May 2019
Thank you, and a lot easier than macrame.