Looking for burlap sack uses? This is one of the most useful pieces of material to have on hand, here are 15 ideas for burlap sack uses to get you started.
Burlap Sack Uses (Not Just a Bag of Potatoes)
If you have a stack of burlap sacks sitting in the barn, garage, or mudroom, you are holding one of the handiest homestead “materials” out there. Burlap is tough, breathable, and easy to cut, fold, sew, staple, or tie. That means you can use it for everything from storing produce to protecting plants, plus a whole lot of rustic DIYs for the home.
In this post, you will find 20 practical burlap sack uses for the homestead, garden, and farmhouse decor, with quick tips so you can actually do the project without hunting all over the internet.
Quick answer: What can you do with burlap sacks?
You can reuse burlap sacks for produce storage, garden protection, simple sewing projects (tote bags, aprons, pillows), and rustic home decor (curtains, wreaths, table runners). Pick clean, odor free sacks for indoor projects, and use heavier, rougher sacks for outdoor jobs like frost protection and weed control.
Before you start: A quick burlap sanity check
Not all sacks are equal, and your nose knows.
- Choose clean sacks for anything that touches food or goes inside your home. If it smells strongly, skip it.
- Shake it out outdoors, then brush off dust and loose fibers.
- Spot clean only for most sacks (some inks can run). A light mist and sun drying usually helps.
- Cut the seams first if you want flat fabric. Most sacks open up into a nice workable sheet.
Before we begin, we thought you’d enjoy this infographic! Save it for later, or share it with your friends!
And now for details…
1. Store food
This may be the most obvious solution, but I think it’s still worth mentioning. Stock or move your produce in them.
2. Burlap for Gardening
Did you know that burlap is the most under utilized item in gardening? You’ll be surprised with all the great uses it has for your garden.
3. DIY Burlap Market Bag
This is an easy sewing project that will save you money on a market bag. Get the tutorial here.
4. Garden Tipi for Toddlers
Something easy you can assemble in the garden or even indoors. The kids will surely love this! See how you can make it here.
5. Painted Grain Sack Burlap Vase
Make a cute vase from burlap. Tutorial here.
6. Burlap Sack Apron
An upcycling project you can make. How cute is this?
7. DIY Curtains
Make your own curtains. This is something simple that will add a rustic look to your home. Perfect for the kitchen. See tutorial here.
8. DIY Decoupaged Coffee Sack Furniture Cabinet
For this burlap sack idea, a little decoupage goes a long way. Get the tutorial here.
9. DIY Burlap Messenger Bag
Make a great companion for your trips. It’s so cute and easy to make. Check it out here.
10. Burlap Handbag
In case you’re not feeling the messenger bag tutorial, this handbag will be great.
11. Burlap Coffee Bag Pillow
I love how these pillows turned out! Using burlap coffee bean bags is a great way to get fun prints. Get the tutorial here.
12. Coffee Bag Bulletin Board
You’ll know exactly where to post your important messages and reminders when you make this DIY bulletin board. See how here.
13. Fabric Box
Make a burlap box, and store your items the shabby-chic way. Here’s how.
14. Grain Sack Chair Upcycle
Thi upholstery project will give your dining tables that wonderful rustic-farm feel! Get the steps here.
15. Pottery Barn Grain Sack Lamp Shade
This lampshade is a pottery barn hack you’ll be glad you made! Full tutorial here.
16. Burlap Christmas Stockings
This burlap Christmas stocking could be your new favorite craft! It’s not only a great way to recycle burlap sacks but it’s also a great arts and crafts activity for those with kids! Get the full tutorial here.
17. Burlap Wreath
Wreaths are amazing decorations for our homes, but have you tried making a wrath from burlap sacks? It looks great and you can change it easily according to the season! Get the tutorial here.
18. Burlap Pumpkins
For Halloween or Thanksgiving, or any other time of the year! You can make these burlap pumpkins easily to decorate your house. Get the DIY tutorial here.
19. Rustic Burlap Pencil Holder
You might be bored with the way your pencil holder looks today but you don’t need to throw away! Give it a new life with this DIY burlap idea! Here’s how to do it.
20. Burlap & Lace Table Runner
For a fall wedding, or a thanksgiving dinner, or just for daily usage this burlap and lace table runner could be your new favorite item! Here’s the DIY instructions.What do you think of these burlap sack uses? Did we miss any? Share with us in the comments!
Want to see how to make a burlap tote bag? Watch the video tutorial from spoolsandbobbins:
Keep a few sacks on hand, you will use them
Burlap sacks are one of those simple homestead staples that quietly earn their keep. Store food, protect plants, sew a bag, wrap a vase, make a wreath, then do it all again next season. Once you start saving sacks, you will find yourself reaching for them the same way you reach for twine or mason jars.
Ready to put those sacks to work? Pick one project, start small, and you’ll be amazed how far a little burlap goes. Check out our other upcycling and garden DIY guides next, and let us know what you want us to test on the homestead.
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FAQ: Burlap sack questions people actually ask
Are burlap sacks safe for food storage?
They can be, as long as the sack is clean, dry, and does not have strong odors or unknown residues. If you are unsure what it previously held, use it for non-food projects.
Can you wash burlap sacks?
Some burlap can be gently rinsed or spot cleaned, but many sacks shed fibers and inks can bleed. Spot clean, sun dry, and shake out thoroughly.
How do you get the smell out of burlap coffee sacks?
Air them out in the sun, brush them well, and try a light vinegar-water mist (test a small corner first). Some coffee scent can linger, which many people actually like for decor.
What is the difference between burlap sacks and gunny sacks?
They are often used interchangeably. “Gunny sack” is a common name for large coarse fiber sacks traditionally made from jute or similar natural fibers.
How long does burlap last outdoors?
t depends on moisture, sun exposure, and thickness. Outdoors, burlap can break down over time, which is great for some garden uses, but not ideal if you need a long-term barrier.
What is the easiest DIY project to make with a burlap sack?
A no-fuss start is a wreath, pillow cover, or market bag, because the shapes are simple and the material does not need perfect precision.
