There is something mighty satisfying about turning a little stack of empties into something useful, and this crochet school supplies tower does exactly that. We take plastic coffee creamer containers, cut the bottoms out, stack them together, and crochet around and through them with thick teal yarn to make a sturdy organizer for pencils, markers, scissors, and all those little desk odds and ends that seem to wander off on their own.
I have always had a soft spot for practical make-do projects like this. It reminds me of the old habit of saving jars, tins, and crocks because “that might come in handy,” and sure enough, it usually did. This project is especially good for anyone who likes easy upcycling, beginner-friendly crochet, or getting back-to-school spaces tidy without spending much money.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the coffee creamer containers well, remove any lids and seals, and let them dry completely so the yarn stays clean and the plastic is easy to handle.
2. Use the marker and ruler to trace a cutting line around the bottom of each container about 1/2 inch above the base, then carefully cut the bottoms out with the craft knife and scissors.
3. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper so there are no sharp spots that might catch the yarn or your fingers.
4. Stack the containers one on top of another, lining up the sides as evenly as you can, then clip them together with binder clips so the stack stays steady while you crochet.
5. Starting at the top edge, make a slip knot and anchor the yarn by wrapping it over the rim and holding the tail inside, then work single crochet stitches evenly around the top opening so the yarn grips the lip firmly.
6. Continue crocheting around the outside of the stacked containers in a spiral, pulling the yarn snugly so it hugs the plastic and locks the three containers together as one tower.
7. At the seam where one container meets the next, crochet a tighter round and catch a little extra yarn around that join to strengthen the middle and keep the tower from shifting.
8. Keep working downward until the full stack is covered, adjusting the stitches with your fingers as needed so the rows sit neatly and the plastic does not show much through the yarn.
9. When you reach the bottom edge, crochet one final even round around the opening to create a tidy rim, then cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
10. Pull the tail through the last loop, weave it back through several stitches with the crochet hook, and tuck the end inside the tower so it is secure and hidden.
Variations & Tips
Shorter tower: If you only need space for pens and pencils, use 2 containers instead of 3 and reduce the yarn to about 90 yards.
Color change: Try using two yarn colors and switch shades at each container seam for a striped back-to-school look that children can spot across the room.
Extra stability: If your containers are a little flimsy, add a few dabs of hot glue between the stacked sections before crocheting so the tower feels more solid.
Beginner crochet tip: Single crochet is the simplest stitch for this project because it makes a dense fabric that covers the plastic well and holds its shape nicely.
Smoother edges: Take your time sanding the cut rims well; in my experience, that one small step makes the whole project easier and keeps the yarn from snagging halfway through.
Desk use ideas: This tower works nicely for crochet hooks, paintbrushes, knitting needles, kitchen utensils, or mail, so it is worth making more than one once you get the hang of it.