Burlap seemed to have endless possibilities, adding a warm, rustic charm to every detail.
Since then, burlap rolls have become my go-to material for any DIY project. It’s budget-friendly, easy to work with, and brings a natural, cozy feel to any creation.
But before diving into the ideas, let’s first explore what a burlap roll is and why it’s so popular for DIY projects.
What Is a Burlap Roll?
A burlap roll is a long, rolled-up piece of burlap fabric, designed for easy storage and use. Burlap is a sturdy, woven material typically made from natural fibers like jute or hemp. It’s known for its earthy texture and neutral color, making it ideal for rustic or farmhouse-style designs.
Burlap is durable and flexible, thanks to its natural fibers, which makes it perfect for a wide range of creative projects.
The popularity of burlap rolls among DIY enthusiasts stems from their versatility. You can cut them to any size, shape them easily, and use them for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Burlap rolls come in various widths and can even feature decorative edges, such as lace, colored trim, or patterns, depending on your desired style.
Now that you know what burlap rolls are, let’s explore some easy and fun DIY projects you can make with them!
5 Simple DIY Projects Using Burlap Rolls
Do you have a burlap roll but aren’t sure how to use it? Here are 5 easy and creative ideas to transform burlap into practical and stylish items.
1.Table Runner:
For family dinners, I wanted to elevate the table without buying an expensive tablecloth. I unrolled the burlap, cut a long strip, and placed it down the center of the table.
Result: It instantly made the table look polished, even with everyday dishes! The burlap added a warm, inviting feel that worked for any season. Adding candles or flowers made it extra special.
How-To:
- Measure the length of your table and add a few inches for draping.
- Cut straight along the fabric’s weave to avoid fraying.
- Fold the edges under and glue them, or use fabric tape to secure them.
- Iron the burlap on low heat to smooth it before placing it on the table.
2. Wreath:
Creating a burlap wreath is simpler than it looks! For my front door, I wove burlap through a wire wreath frame, fluffed the loops, and added fake flowers and pinecones. It’s a fun weekend project that adds a welcoming touch to your home.
How-To:
- Use a wire wreath frame from a craft store.
- Cut or fold the burlap and weave it through the frame to form loops.
- Fluff and arrange the loops for a full, even look.
- Attach decorations like flowers or ribbons using floral wire or hot glue.
3. Wall Art or Sign:
On a rainy day, I decided to make a sign for my kitchen. I stretched burlap over an old picture frame, stenciled the word “Gather,” and added fake greenery. The result was better than expected! Burlap’s texture is perfect for sign backgrounds and fits most home styles.
How-To:
- Stretch burlap over a wooden frame, corkboard, or old canvas. Secure it with staples or glue.
- Use stencils and acrylic paint to add letters or designs.
- Let the paint dry completely before hanging.
- Add decorations like small wood slices or artificial flowers for extra dimension.
4. Gift Wrapping:
I once ran out of wrapping paper before a birthday party and used burlap instead. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever wrapped! The texture, paired with a nice ribbon, gave it a special feel. Plus, it’s reusable!
How-To:
- Cut a burlap square large enough to wrap your item.
- Fold it like regular wrapping paper and secure it with hot glue, twine, or ribbon.
- Add a small sprig of greenery or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
- Use a gift tag made from kraft paper or wood for a rustic look.
5. Chair Bow or Sash:
For a backyard dinner party, I used burlap strips to create simple chair bows. I tied the strips around the chair backs in bows, and it instantly made the space feel party-ready! This idea works well for weddings and baby showers too.
How-To:
- Cut burlap into strips matching the width of your chairs.
- Tie each strip into a bow or simple knot around the chair back.
- Add a small flower, greenery, or tag to the center of the bow.
- Use wide burlap ribbon rolls for a neater, more polished look.
Burlap Basics Simple Tips
Burlap is a natural, rough fabric that adds a charming rustic look to DIY projects. But because it’s a bit coarse, it can be tricky to work with. Follow these easy tips to make crafting with burlap much less messy and frustrating!
1. Pre-Wash Your Burlap Before you start your project, it’s a good idea to wash the burlap fabric first. This softens it up, reduces shedding (loose fibers coming off), and makes it easier to handle. Just use mild detergent, wash it gently (like in a sink or by hand), and let it air dry. Don’t put it in a hot dryer.
2. Work With the Grain (The Direction of the Weave) Burlap is a woven fabric. You’ll see clear lines running vertically and horizontally. These are the “grain lines.”
- Cutting: Always cut along a horizontal or vertical grain line. Cutting straight along a grain line keeps the edge neat. Cutting across the grain lines makes the edge fray (come apart) very easily.
- Edges: If you want a rough, rustic look, you can leave the cut edges raw and let them fray. If you want a cleaner look, avoid cutting across the grain, as it frays much faster.
3. Handle the Fraying Burlap naturally wants to fray at the edges – that’s part of its rustic charm! But this can be messy for some projects.
- To Stop Fraying: Fold the edge over twice (like a small hem) and glue it down with craft glue, or sew it with a simple stitch.
- For a Rustic Look: You can leave the edges raw. Just remember, raw edges will fray more over time, especially if the item gets wet or is handled a lot.
4. Craft in a Well-Ventilated Area Cutting and handling burlap releases lots of tiny fibers into the air (like dust).
- Work outside if possible, or open a window if you’re inside.
- Why? Breathing in too much of this burlap “dust” can be irritating, especially if you have allergies or sensitive lungs.
5. Use the Right Tools Regular scissors and sewing needles might struggle with burlap because it’s tough.
- Cutting: Use sharp, sturdy scissors designed for fabric. For smoother, more precise cuts (especially on small details), a rotary cutter works best.
- Sewing: Choose a thicker, heavy-duty needle. A regular needle might bend or break.
Why Burlap is Great for DIY
You don’t need expensive materials or fancy tools to create beautiful things. Often, the most impressive projects come from simple, basic materials like burlap, wood, or plain cloth. These materials are easy to find and very affordable.
The key is to use your imagination! See the potential in simple things. With a little creativity and effort, basic materials like burlap can become unique pieces that decorate your home or tell a personal story.
Get Started with Quality Burlap! MSD offers high-quality burlap fabric rolls, perfect for all your crafting needs:
- Make wreaths, table runners, rustic home decor, gift wrap, plant covers, and much more!
- MSD provides reliable quality at affordable prices, making your DIY dreams easier to achieve.
