Looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to create statement lighting for your home? This DIY crochet light is an upcycled lighting project that combines creativity, sustainability, and serious wow factor. 

It all started when my original idea, to upcycle a thrifted bead necklace, went sideways. But that DIY detour led me to something even better: a modern, sculptural rope light inspired by a $2,200 designer version… recreated for under $50!

Crafted from thrifted finds, recycled T-shirt yarn, and a long out of production IKEA cord, this handmade rope light highlights that upcycled lighting can be every bit as beautiful, and much more affordable, than online alternatives. I may be biased, but if you’re into DIY lighting ideas, crochet home decor, or creative yarn projects, I think this one’s a showstopper!

Do It Over Designers

The Do It Over Designers blog Hop is hosted by Ann at The Apple Street Cottage. We’re a group of bloggers who take something old and/or unused and ‘do it over’ into something new. These items can be found in closets, barns, garages, yard sales, thrift stores, you name it! Be sure to check out the projects at the very end of this post!

Funnily enough, last month’s challenge was lighting (we made this featherweight sewing machine lamp). Although this month is a free for all, I was still drawn to create a crochet rope light!

The Original Challenge

Over at The Style Makers Network, this month’s challenge was to rescue something forgotten, tired, or unloved and breathe new life into it. A shoe-in for me! I intended to use this thrifted bead necklace. It sports shades of green (my favourite colour!), albeit suspiciously sticky. No problem, I thought; just a quick rinse to wash off the mystery gunk, right?

Wrong.

The moment it touched water, the green washed off faster than my motivation to upcycle it. With my beloved green colour literally circling the drain, I set the beads, and the idea, aside. But the upcycle gods clearly weren’t done with me yet.

Crochet Light Inspiration

That’s when I stumbled across a jaw-dropping crochet rope light online priced at (brace yourself)… $2,200. Two. Thousand. Two. Hundred. Dollars. American $$’s (that’s over $3,000 Canadian – without tax). For yarn crocheted around a cord. Now, I’m all for fiber art, but this was less ‘lighting inspiration’ and more ‘lightbulb moment.’

Crochet Light Materials

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• Bulb cage
• Hoooked Zpagetti t-shirt yarn
• Crochet hook ( I used 9.0 mm)
• Light cord with switch (approx. 16 ft.)
• Globe electric Edison bulb – I used a clear incandescent but it’s better to use an LED which is safer around the yarn; this amber LED would amp up the vintage vibe!

A quick hunt through my stash and local listings turned up everything I needed:

• A $5 metal bulb cage on Facebook Marketplace (fun fact: it had been listed for a year – clearly it was waiting for me).
• An IKEA light cord I found on clearance years ago after it was discontinued (hoarding for the win).
• And some T-shirt yarn, recycled from left over fabric from the fashion industry and left over from another upcycle project (see our DIY Dream Catcher).

I crocheted in spirals like the Tasmanian devil, of cartoon fame, caught in a yarn-fueled tornado (see 1:55 in this fun classic clip).

But here’s a trick; if you put the spool of yarn onto a lazy Susan, you’ll be able to rotate in the opposite direction anytime the cord gets twisted. I think it’s important to the look of the final product to untwist it as you go. To keep the rotation tight, I put a plastic lid directly on top of the metal. The weight of the spool is enough to keep it steady.

Crochet Lamp

To start, make a magic circle and crochet enough single crochet stitches to encompass the light socket. Tighten against the socket; make sure it’s tight!

Now, crochet a rope. At first, the ever growing length around the cord is manageable. But as the crochet rope grows, put it into a bag to contain it. That will make it easier to turn as you crochet around the light cord.

About the Yarn

Here’s the thing about Hoooked Zpagetti you might not realize. Because it’s recycled, no two spools are really the same. So you could end up with two very different materials in width, fibre content and stretch. When I went to join one spool to another, the new one was noticeably wider.

I wish I had known to scrutinize this in the store when I initially bought the two I had in my stash all those years ago. As I crocheted with it, it was apparent that the yarn was thicker – and slightly more yellow in colour (as you can probably tell below)! And that bugged me! So much so, that I ran out to the store to try to find one that was comparable.

The only spool that came close in the store looked like it was a return and missing yarn! However, I was able to purchase it at a discount. But would it be enough to cover the remaining electrical cord? Luckily it was!

Turns out, the new yarn had a lot more stretch and was so much easier to crochet. After hand stitching the two pieces together, I was happier to continue on.

Just give a little tug and the seam will be hidden as you crochet.

To finish, you’ll need a bodkin.

Weave the tail through the inside to hide the end.

Finishing Touch

Bulb Cage

To finish this diy crochet rope lamp, I’m using the second bulb cage I purchased on Marketplace for only $5. If you didn’t see my first project using these cages, you have to check out this Featherweight sewing machine post!

Just a quick row of crochet along the bottom edge. Then the bulb cage just clamps right to the light socket by tightening the two screws.

And when I insert an Edison bulb and plug it in? Magical! A gorgeous, upcycled crochet rope light is born.

So fun! The best part is that it can be arranged in all sorts of configurations. Just be sure to keep the yarn away from an incandescent bulb (if not using LED) when styling it as it can get hot! Arrange on a desk or even display on the wall – like the original inspiration photo.

You can style it like this – but ONLY If you use an LED bulb (again making sure there isn’t direct contact with the yarn):

Their cost? $2200. My own upcycled take on this project? Priceless. But in reality, my cost was less than $50. The light bulb was the most expensive item and the only thing I didn’t upcycle.

So while my green beads are in timeout, this twisty, textured light fixture is basking in the spotlight. Who knew that washing off one idea could light the way to something even brighter?

Learn to Crochet

Are you interested in learning more about how to crochet home decor? If you love the idea of creating a crochet light, but have no clue how to crochet, you’re in luck! We’re taking part in a Fall digital bundle and our contribution is Beginner Crochet – Learn the Basic Stitches: your step-by-step guide to mastering the basics, even if you’ve never picked up a hook before.

For less than it would cost to purchase our eBook on its own, you get the entire bundle for just $9.99 if you use the coupon code FALLFUN. And the even better news? All our commission is donated to Alzheimer’s research, so you can feel good about treating yourself!

For another take on crochet lighting, check out our crochet pendant light and crochet lampshade!

Pin Crochet Light

If you found this project inspiring or helpful, why not share the love? Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too! Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Do It Over Designers

Now, our talented blogger friends have some amazing and inspiring DIYs for you! Don’t forget to visit these posts for more upcycled do-it-over transformations!

• Sum of Their Stories
• Color Me Thrifty
• Vintage Style Gal
• The Apple Street Cottage
• Birdz of a Feather (that’s us!)
• Exquisitely Unremarkable
• Modern on Monticello
• Pandora’s Box
• Purple Hues & Me
• Unique Creations by Anita

Crochet FAQs

How to make crochet look good?

• Use a high quality yarn; use a yarn that stands up to wear and tear.
• Maintain a consistent tension
• Be sure different skeins are an exact or close colour match
• Weave in ends neatly
• Use the right hook size. Too loose can look sloppy, while too tight is hard to crochet. Going down a size or two for something like this crochet light will actually look better.
• Count your stitches to ensure you haven’t accidentally dropped any.
• Finishing touches; borders, edging, embellishment can refine the look and hide imperfections

Why is crochet making a comeback?

Personally, I  think that crochet is DIY with a cool factor, but even high end designers are embracing crochet on the runway! Making something from scratch (and posting it) feels empowering; and a little rebellious in a world of fast everything.

Crochet isn’t just “grandma’s craft” anymore. It’s embraced across all genders and identities, with room for self-expression at every level. There’s been a huge uptick in do-it-yourself crafting and crochet fits right in, appealing to makers of all ages. It’s portable, affordable, and beginner-friendly. Handmade crochet offers a sustainable, mindful alternative. You can upcycle yarn, avoid overproduction, and make garments that last. Crochet allows for full creative control; colours, textures, shapes, making each piece unique.

More importantly, it’s a mental health win. Crochet offers a break from screens, eases anxiety, and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment; key to coping in a fast-paced digital world. Even celebrities, and Olympic champions like Tom Daley, are onboard.

What is the most useful thing to crochet?

Tote Bags & Market Bags

• Reusable, washable, and eco-friendly; perfect for groceries, books, or crafting supplies.
• Stylish and functional, with endless design potential.

Dishcloths & Scrubbies

• Quick to make and actually better than store-bought versions.
• Durable, washable, and perfect for zero-waste kitchens.

Blankets & Throws

• Ultimate comfort item; cozy, long-lasting, and customizable in size and colour.
• Great for gifting and home decor.

Storage Baskets

• Practical for organizing shelves, drawers, or craft supplies.
• Sturdy cotton yarn or t-shirt yarn makes them hold their shape.

Hats & Beanies

• One of the most-worn handmade items.
• Useful in all seasons, especially if made with breathable cotton or cozy wool.

Phone or Tablet Covers (see our crochet phone covers eBook here)

• Quick and protective.
• Offers style and function while reducing waste from buying synthetic cases.

Reusable Face Pads

• Eco swap for cotton rounds.
• Soft, washable, and great for skincare routines.

Hot Pads & Coasters

• Everyday kitchen essentials that double as cute decor.
• Also useful as small scrap-busting projects.

Functional Home Decor

• Crochet lampshades, pendants, or lantern covers soften light, add ambiance, and become an instant focal point.