Burlap is a coarse woven fabric made from the fibers of jute, hemp, or other plant material. While it may seem like an unusual choice for creative projects, burlap can actually make for some beautiful DIY decor and accessory additions when used thoughtfully. Here’s an in-depth look at how to incorporate lovely burlap into your handmade crafts and home decor.
Selecting and Preparing Burlap Fabric
When starting a burlap project, it’s important to choose the right type and quality of material. Look for tightly woven burlap with a finer thread count, which will have a smoother finish and more polished look. Raw, unwashed burlap has a rustic, natural vibe, while pre-washed burlap is softer and works better for projects that will get a lot of handling.
Once you’ve selected your burlap fabric, wash it on a gentle cycle and air dry to eliminate any sizing or starch and make it easier to work with. You may also want to press it with an iron on low heat to smooth out wrinkles and creases before cutting and crafting.
Crafting with Beautiful Burlap
With its earthy, organic texture, burlap makes a lovely addition to all different types of DIY and handmade projects. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this versatile material:
Burlap Accent Pillows
Burlap pillow covers instantly add cozy farmhouse flair to any space. Cut burlap to size, hem the edges, and use fabric glue or hand stitching to attach piping or other trims. Leave the back overlap open for a removable cover, or add a zipper for a tailored finish.
Burlap Wall Hangings and Signs
From cute coffee shop chalkboard signs to inspirational wall art, stenciled and painted burlap makes a wonderful backdrop. Use fabric paint pens to add letters, shapes, and patterns. For large hangings, mount the finished piece on a wood plank cut to size.
Woven Burlap Baskets
Burlap’s durability and woven texture lends itself perfectly to basket weaving. coil, twine, or braid burlap strips to form bowls, trays, and storage containers. Trim with ribbons or raffia for a playful touch.
Burlap Garlands and Buntings
Cut burlap into triangle flags or long strips and join them together to create swooping garlands, party pennants, or photo backdrop banners. They add easy vintage charm to mantels, shelving, and tablescapes.
Burlap Flowers and Wreaths
Handcrafted burlap flowers are a lovely natural decoration. Cut petal and leaf shapes from burlap, gather and shape them, then tack to wire stems with hot glue. Cluster into bouquets or wreaths for a pretty display.
With the right preparation and creative use, humble burlap can become a beautiful addition to your handmade crafts and home accents. Experiment with different natural dyes, embellishments, and shapes to make burlap creations that add rustic flair to any space.
Caring for Burlap Projects
Burlap’s rugged durability makes it perfect for lots of DIY projects. However, there are still a few special care instructions to follow to help your burlap creations last.
Handling and Cleaning
Avoid excessive handling of burlap items, as the looser weave can catch and snag. Gently vacuum pieces to remove dust and debris. For more thorough cleaning, lightly spot clean stains with a mild detergent and cold water. Air dry flat.
Sunlight and Moisture
Frequent sun exposure can fade and dry out burlap fibers. Place burlap decor out of direct light when possible, especially lighter colored fabrics. Avoid hanging burlap pieces in damp areas like bathrooms to prevent mildew growth.
Maintenance and Storage
Check burlap creations frequently for any loose threads, damaged areas, or openings along seams and handles. Re-secure with fabric glue or minimal stitching for invisible mends. Store folded flat in cool, dry spaces.
Ironing and Pressing
When needed, use a medium iron setting to lightly press or touch up wrinkles and creases on the backside of burlap projects. Avoid direct contact with decorative front sides to prevent scorching, shine, or impressions.
With proper care, your handcrafted burlap accents can stay looking beautiful for many years of use and enjoyment!
Common Questions about Crafting with Burlap
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about working with burlap fabric for DIY projects:
How do you soften and prevent burlap from fraying?
Washing, drying, and pressing burlap before starting your project will help soften the fibers and minimize fraying. Be sure to hem or surge any raw edges, and apply fabric glue or sealant when finishing to prevent fraying long-term.
What can you use to stiffen burlap?
For burlap shapes and decorations that need more structure and stability, brush on some wood glue. It will dry clear and firm to help stiffen the material without compromising the look. Starch sprayed on the backside can also help stiffen small burlap pieces.
How do you dye or paint burlap?
Look for specialty burlap dye made for natural fibers, or use all-purpose fiber reactive dye. For best results, soak the burlap in a hot dye bath for 30-60 minutes until saturated. Acrylic craft paint can also adhere well to burlap’s texture when applied in thin layers.
Can you stitch or sew burlap fabric?
Burlap’s open weave makes it tricky, but not impossible, to sew by machine. Use a sharp needle and longer stitch length. Add seam finishers or extra stitches at the edges to reinforce seams and prevent extensive fraying. Hand sewing also works well.
What can you decorate burlap with?
Burlap’s neutral tone and texture pairs beautifully with all kinds of embellishments. Try fabric paint, stencils, embroidery floss, ribbons, lace, pom poms, natural elements like leaves or flowers, painted wood pieces, or any trims that match the style of your project.
With the right techniques, burlap can become a lovely addition to your handcrafted home decor and accessories. Experiment and have fun crafting beautiful creations with this natural, versatile fabric.
Conclusion
Despite its humble, coarse beginnings, burlap can be transformed into beautiful DIY projects and accents for the home. With careful selection, preparation, and creative use, burlap’s earthy aesthetic shines through in items like pillows, wall hangings, baskets, garlands, and more. While burlap requires some special handling, proper care will keep your handmade burlap creations looking lovely for years. If you’ve been curious about working with burlap, don’t be afraid to explore all the possibilities of this natural fabric. With an open mind, you may be surprised just how beautiful burlap can be!
