How to Add a Burlap or Fabric Ruffle to the Inside of a Rusted Half Bucket for Rustic Charm
There’s something irresistible about mixing textures in home decor — and nothing quite says “rustic charm” like a rusted metal bucket paired with soft, frayed burlap or fabric. If you’re looking to dress up one of our rusted half buckets in a sweet, subtle way, adding a ruffle to the inside rim is a quick and easy DIY that adds instant character and coziness. Whether you're styling a shelf, or a centerpiece, this little touch can make a big impact.
Let’s walk through how to do it!
What You’ll Need:
- One of our rusted half buckets
- Burlap ribbon or fabric cut into strips (2-3" wide works great)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Optional: twine or lace for embellishing
Follow These Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cut Your Burlap or Fabric
Measure the inside circumference of your bucket (or eyeball it — we’re going for rustic here!). Cut a length of burlap ribbon or cut your fabric into strips about 2-3 times that length. The extra length allows for that charming gathered, ruffled look. Or cut into multiple shorter strips like I did for an easier way to manage creating the ruffle.
2. Create the Ruffle
To make a simple ruffle, gently pinch and fold the burlap ribbon into pleats as you go. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly even — that’s part of the charm! You can either glue each pleat down one by one or use a needle and thread to loosely gather the edge before gluing. I choose to use my glue gun.
3. Glue in Place
Using a hot glue gun, begin attaching your ruffled fabric or ribbon along the inner rim of the half bucket. Work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry before you get it in place. Keep folding and gluing until you’ve made it all the way around.
4. Add Extra Touches (Optional!)
Feeling extra crafty? Add a bow, a piece of lace, or wrap some twine around the outside for more texture. You can also tuck a seasonal pick, greenery, or a small sign inside the bucket for added charm.
Styling Ideas:
Use the bucket as part of a shelf display.
Hang it on a hook or peg board with greenery spilling out.
Place it on a shelf with mini books, florals, or one of our seasonal wood cutouts tucked inside.
Attach it to a larger wooden background with greenery, seasonal pieces and ribbon.
Add on our interchangeable mini tiles to the front of your bucket for easy decor that you can change our for the seasons or holidays.
Adding a burlap or fabric ruffle is such a simple way to elevate this humble little bucket into a cozy decor piece that works all year long. It's a great afternoon project — no sewing machine needed, just a little glue and a lot of charm.
Have you tried this look? Tag us in your photos or share how you styled your ruffled bucket — we’d love to see it!
