Looking for a beautiful and functional way to dry herbs or flowers? This easy DIY hanging herb rack is not only practical, it’s a great way to upcycle materials you might already have at home!
Instead of buying new supplies, consider repurposing what you’ve got: old embroidery hoops from the thrift store, lace doilies from a garage sale, or even produce bags and scrap fabric you were planning to toss. With just a few items and some creativity, you can turn leftover materials into something both sustainable and stylish.
Plus this rack is collapsible! When you’re not using it, simply unhook it from its hanging spot and store it flat. Perfect for saving space in small homes, apartments, or anywhere storage is limited.
What You’ll Need:
• Embroidery hoops (various sizes work best)
• Fabric (tulle, lace doilies, or repurposed produce nets)
• Twine or string
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Fresh herbs or flowers
Step 1: Prepare Your Hoops
Begin by separating the inner and outer hoops. You’ll be using the outer hoops for now. Arrange them by size, place the largest at the bottom and smallest at the top to create a visually pleasing pyramid shape when hung.
Step 2: Tie the Twine
Cut three equal lengths of string (you can use a ruler for accuracy).
Tie each string to the bottom hoop, spacing the knots evenly around the edge. Double knots work best to keep things secure.
Repeat this for each level, tying the strings to the next hoop 4 inches above the one below. Keep the spacing consistent for balance. When you reach the top, leave some extra string to create a hanging loop and tie a final double knot.
Tip: Make sure all knots are aligned vertically so your rack hangs straight. You can also trim off the excess string at the bottom.
Step 3: Add the Fabric
Take the inner hoops you set aside and stretch your fabric over each hoop. Press the outer hoop over the fabric to sandwich it tightly in place. Adjust and tighten the hoop screw if needed for a snug fit. You may need to tighten and cut the fabric by hand here, especially if you are using produce nets. If you are using doilies I wouldn’t suggest to cut those. I personally love the look how the lacy fabric drapes over the sides.
If you’re having trouble aligning the hoops while assembling, hang the rack temporarily to give yourself more room to work between levels.
Step 4: Hang It Up
Choose a spot with good air circulation and sunlight. A window latch, curtain rod, or ceiling hook works great. Just make sure it’s a place you’ll remember to check in on your drying herbs.
Bonus: When you’re done using it, just unhook and store it flat! Since the hoops stack easily and the fabric folds down, it takes up hardly any space.
Step 5: Add Your Herbs and Flowers
Now for the fun part, lay out your herbs and flowers across the fabric layers. The holes in the doilies or tulle allow for good airflow and even drying. Some lace styles even let you thread stems through the openings!
Not only is this rack effective, it’s also a lovely display piece that brings nature indoors.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re concerned about dust or bugs, consider adding a cover! Check out my lamp shade food net tutorial, it pairs perfectly with this project.
