How to Make a Hanging Glass Jar Holder (Easy DIY Jar Sling)
If you’re looking for a simple and creative way to hang flowers or votive candles, this DIY hanging glass jar holder is one of the easiest projects to try. Using just a length of cord and a basic knotting technique, you can make a beautiful jar sling in minutes.
The first time you make one, it may take a few extra minutes to get the hang of the knot. But after a few tries, you’ll be able to make a jar sling in less than a minute. It’s one of those small projects that quickly becomes second nature, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again. For your first try, I found it helpful to use a thicker cord.
We’ve used these for everything from casual outdoor dinners to holiday gatherings, and they’re one of those simple details that always draws attention.
What is a jar sling?
A jar sling is a simple way of using cord or twine to create a hanging holder for a glass jar. It’s based on a traditional bottle sling knot, which is designed to securely hold and suspend a bottle or jar without slipping.
It’s a practical technique, but also a beautiful one, especially when used with glass jars, candlelight, and a few garden flowers.
Materials you’ll need
- 80″ of twine or cord (macrame cord or heavy twine work well too so just look for something that’s 4mm in thickness)
- A small jar
Useful tools:
- Scissors
- Clear tape
I often save Maille Mustard jars. I love the shape, and since Dijon is a staple in our homemade salad dressing, we always seem to have a few on hand. They’re the perfect size for a votive candle or a small arrangement of flowers.
Where to find glass jars
If you don’t already have jars at home, there are so many good places to look.
Thrift stores and tag sales are always worth checking. I often find vintage French canning jars at places like Goodwill or local flea markets, and finding one for under a dollar always feels like a small win.
You can also find a variety of jars at stores like Walmart or Target, especially in the canning section. Some have a bit of texture or pattern, while others are simple and clear. Both work beautifully.
What type of cord works best?
It’s a good idea to start with a heavier cotton cord while you’re learning. A 4mm macramé cord is especially easy to work with and helps you see the structure of the knot more clearly.
Once you’re comfortable with the technique, you can experiment with different materials like twine or thinner cord depending on the look you’re going for.
I originally loved the idea of using twine to coordinate with linen napkins and colorful glassware, but I found that macramé cord made the process much easier, especially when making several at a time.
How to make a hanging glass jar holder (step-by-step process)
These step-by-step photos show exactly how to tie a simple bottle sling knot to create a hanging glass jar holder. Once you’ve made one or two, the process becomes quick and intuitive.
Here’s a simple overview of the steps, followed by photos (with directions on the photos), and a video showing the process.
- Cut an 80-inch piece of cord and tie the two ends together. Lay the cord out on a table with one big loop and then a smaller loop coming up from the bottom that’s crossing over to form an X.
- The middle or smaller loop needs to be about the same height as the jar.
- Place the jar on top of the X with the smaller inside loop.
- Take the top part of the outer loop and put it under the smaller loop.
- Pull the cord up and out making a larger loop.
- Keep the X you formed in place as that is where you will sit the jar.
- Take the large outer loop from the top and pull it over to the bottom.
- The outer loop is now at the bottom.
- Reach inside each smaller loop and grab the outer cord, and pull both sides up and evenly.
- Now pull the two ends to tighten around the jar.
- Now you’re ready to hang.
The structure of the bottle sling knot allows the cord to tighten evenly around the jar, creating a secure hold without slipping.
Step-by-step photo directions for making a simple DIY glass jar sling
Watch the video if you need help visualizing the process.
Ways to use hanging glass jar slings
We are using our glass jar slings filled with a small votive or a few flowers with an over-the-table rod from Terrain. I love the soft glow of candlelight in glass that instantly makes a table feel more inviting.
They’re perfect for:
- Outdoor dining and garden parties
- Casual entertaining at home
- Hanging candle holders for ambient lighting
- Simple floral displays
- Holiday tables and special occasions
A simple project you’ll do again and again
This is an easy DIY project that takes just a few minutes but ends up being surprisingly useful. Once you know how to make a jar sling, you can adapt it using different jars and cords according to the occasion.
It’s simple, functional, and lovely, which, in the end, are often the things that matter most.
In my experience, it’s better to use votives in plastic rather than metal. The metal heats up and can break the glass, depending what type of glass you use. These are delightful. Thank you for the tutorial.
Hi Vickie,
I would think the plastic wold melt before the glass would break, no? I use all types of jars with little metal votive candles and have never had one break! They only last about 4-5 hours.