We just remodeled our bathroom (photos coming soon). The bathroom wastebasket was still an eye-sore, with its grocery bag liner hanging out, so I came up with this solution.

I used size 7 needles and 4-ply acryllic yarn for the first one. Most any washable yarn will do, but choose something with a little spring to it, since you'll be stretching it over the top of the wastebasket.

I chose a checkerboard pattern to add a little interest, but it comes out fine if you just knit away (garter stitch) or experiment with something fancier, like a popcorn-type stitch. I wouldn't advise getting too carried away with anything complex because this is a wastebasket, not the focal point of a room. Most people won't even look at it, let alone notice a complex knitting pattern.

It doesn't take much yarn--less than half a skein.

Click here for instructions:

For my second project, I used sport-weight yarn and a simple garter stitch. This was for the wastebasket in the den that has a lip, so I put the band underneath the lip instead of around the top.

For my third project, I made a sash and tied a square knot in it. This one's my fave.

Click here for instructions.

Add a few squirts of your favorite fabric freshener, essential oils, or cologne to make it smell nice.

This is a great way to use up the leftovers from an afghan project--matching wastebasket bands for the same room.