Unraveling the Art of Sewing Burlap Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sewing is a timeless craft that has been cherished and passed down for generations. From creating handcrafted garments to personalizing home decor, it allows us to unleash our creativity and showcase our skills. And when it comes to choosing the right fabric for your projects, burlap is a popular choice among both beginners and experienced sewers. But with its unique texture and durability, sewing with burlap can present its own set of challenges. Fear not, as we guide you through the process of how to sew burlap fabric, from selecting the right materials to mastering essential techniques. Get ready to elevate your sewing game with this versatile and rustic fabric!

The Versatility and Charm of Burlap Fabric

Burlap fabric, also known as hessian or jute, has been a staple in the textile industry for centuries. Originating from India, this coarse and sturdy woven fabric was traditionally used for making sacks and bags. However, its unique texture, durability, and natural color have made it popular in various applications such as home décor, crafts, landscaping, and even fashion. In recent years, the popularity of burlap fabric has seen a resurgence due to the rustic and vintage trend in interior design. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice looking to add some charm to your home, burlap fabric is the perfect material for your next project.

Understanding Burlap Fabric

Burlap fabric is made from jute fibers which are derived from the stalks of jute plants. These plants are primarily found in warm regions such as India, Bangladesh, and China. The fibers are extracted from the stalks through a process called retting which involves soaking them in water and stripping away the outer layers. Once separated, the fibers undergo combing and spinning to create yarns which are then woven together to make burlap fabric.

The distinctive characteristics of burlap fabric come from its coarse weave which creates an open texture. This allows air circulation while also providing excellent tensile strength making it an ideal material for bags and sacks that carry heavy loads. The natural color of burlap is light brown but it can also be dyed to various colors if desired.

Tips for Sewing with Burlap Fabric

While burlap’s rough texture may seem intimidating at first glance, sewing with it is actually quite simple with some basic techniques. Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with burlap fabric:

1) Use sharp scissors: Due to its coarse weave, cutting burlap fabric can be challenging. It is important to use sharp scissors or rotary cutters to prevent fraying and achieve clean edges.

2) Use the right needle: When sewing with burlap fabric, it is recommended to use a universal needle with a size of 90/14 or larger. This will prevent the fabric from getting caught in the needle and provide smooth stitches.

3) Adjust your sewing machine tension: The loose weave of burlap fabric may cause it to bunch or pucker while sewing. To avoid this, adjust the tension settings on your sewing machine until you find the sweet spot where it creates even stitches.

4) Pre-wash your fabric: Burlap has a tendency to shrink when exposed to water. To avoid any distortion in your project, it is recommended to pre-wash your fabric and let it air dry before starting to sew.

Perfect Projects for Burlap Fabric

Burlap’s natural and rustic look makes it perfect for adding texture and character to any project. Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate burlap into different crafts:

1) Home Décor: Burlap pillows, curtains, table runners/chair covers, and wall hangings are just some examples of how you can use burlap fabric in your home décor. You can also personalize them by stenciling or painting designs onto the fabric.
2) Party Decorations: Add a touch of charm to any event by incorporating burlap into your party decorations such as banners, tablecloths, centerpieces, and party favors.
3) Stationery: Use burlap as an accent on invitations, place cards, or even as covers for notebooks or journals.
4) Gardening: Due to its durability and resistance to moisture, burlap fabric is often used in gardening applications such as plant wraps, weed barriers, and even as planters.
5) Fashion: From bags and shoes to clothing and accessories, burlap fabric can also make a statement in the fashion industry. Its unique texture and natural color give off a bohemian and carefree vibe.
6) Crafts: The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafts using burlap fabric. You can make anything from coasters, placemats, and wreaths to Christmas stockings and gift bags.

The Aftercare of Burlap Fabric

To maintain the quality of your burlap projects, it is essential to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for aftercare:

1) Hand wash or spot clean: It is recommended to hand wash burlap fabric in cold water with mild detergent rather than machine washing it. If your project is too large to hand wash, spot cleaning with a damp cloth is also an option.
2) Air dry: After washing, let the fabric air dry instead of using a dryer. This will prevent any shrinkage or damage from heat.
3) Iron on low heat: If necessary, iron the fabric on low heat while it’s slightly damp. Avoid using high heat as this can melt or burn the fibers.
4) Store properly

Overview of Burlap Fabric

Burlap fabric, also known as hessian, is a rough and durable woven material made from jute or sisal fibers. It has a brown or beige color and is commonly used for various applications such as packaging, landscaping, and crafting. However, one of its most popular uses is sewing.

Sewing with burlap may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a simple and rewarding experience. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about sewing burlap fabric.

Picking the Right Burlap Fabric

Before getting started with your sewing project using burlap fabric, it’s crucial to choose the right type of burlap for your specific needs. There are several factors to consider when picking out your fabric:

1. Weight: Burlap fabric comes in different weights ranging from lightweight (5-6 oz) to heavyweight (14-15 oz). Lightweight burlap is more suitable for delicate projects like clothing or accessories, while heavyweight burlap is better for sturdier items like bags or home decor.

2. Weave: The tightness of the weave can vary between different types of burlap. A tighter weave will be smoother and easier to sew with but may lack that signature rustic texture. On the other hand, a looser weave will give you more of that natural look but may be trickier to work with.

3. Color: As mentioned earlier, burlap fabric typically comes in a beige or brown color. However, some manufacturers offer dyed options in various colors if you want to add a pop of color to your project.

When purchasing your burlap fabric, make sure to check its quality by looking for any defects such as holes or loose threads.

Preparing Your Burlap Fabric for Sewing

Now that you have your fabric, it’s essential to prepare it before you start sewing. Since burlap is a natural fiber, it tends to fray easily and can be messy to work with. Here are some steps to follow to get your fabric ready for sewing:

1. Pre-wash the fabric: Burlap has a strong and distinct smell that some may find unpleasant. To get rid of this smell and soften the fabric, pre-washing is recommended. Make sure to use cold water and mild detergent before drying the fabric on a low or delicate cycle.

2. Ironing: Once the fabric is dry, iron it using a low heat setting to remove any wrinkles or creases.

3. Stabilizing: As mentioned earlier, burlap has a loose weave, which can make it challenging to sew with. To prevent your stitches from pulling through later on, stabilize your fabric by applying fusible interfacing on the backside of your project piece.

Sewing Techniques for Burlap Fabric

Burlap is not like other fabrics, so it’s crucial to use proper techniques while sewing to achieve the best results. Here are some tips for sewing burlap:

1. Use sharp tools: Due to its coarse texture, burlap can dull needles and scissors quickly. Avoid this by using sharp needles (preferably ones designed for heavy-duty fabrics) and have extra scissors on hand if needed.

2. Adjust your machine settings: Adjusting your machine’s stitch length and tension will prevent bunching or pulling of the fabric while sewing. It’s recommended to use longer stitches (around 3mm) and a lower tension setting.

3 .Use tissue paper: If you’re working with thinner or looser burlap fabric, using tissue paper underneath can help stabilize it during sewing and prevent fraying.

4 .Backstitching: To secure your stitches, always backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.

Tips for Finishing Your Burlap Project

After completing your burlap sewing project, there are a few things you can do to ensure its longevity and give it a professional finish:

1. Remove any loose threads: Using sharp scissors, trim any frayed or loose threads from the fabric’s edges for a neater appearance.

2. Use zigzag stitches: As burlap tends to fray easily, using a zigzag stitch along the edges of your project can prevent any future unraveling.

3. Treat the fabric: For added durability and protection, you can spray your finished project with a fabric protector like Scotchgard.

4. Wash carefully: When washing your burlap project, use cold water and mild detergent on a gentle cycle and let it air dry to avoid shrinking or damage.

Sewing with burlap fabric may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and preparation, it can become an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember to choose the right burlap for your project, properly prepare the fabric before sewing, use appropriate techniques while sewing, and finish off with care

Q: What is burlap fabric?
A: Burlap fabric, also known as hessian or jute, is a coarse woven textile made from natural plant fibers. It has a rough, textured surface and is commonly used for a variety of purposes such as crafting, gardening, and packaging.

Q: How do I cut burlap fabric?
A: To cut burlap fabric, use a pair of sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. For straight cuts, it’s recommended to place the fabric on a cutting mat and carefully measure and mark your desired dimensions before cutting.

Q: Can I machine wash burlap fabric?
A: It is not recommended to machine wash burlap fabric as it can shrink and become misshapen. Instead, spot clean using mild detergent and water or hand wash gently in cold water if necessary.

Q: How do I prevent fraying when sewing with burlap fabric?
A: To prevent fraying when sewing with burlap fabric, use pinking shears or apply a small amount of fray check or fabric glue along the edges before sewing. You can also zigzag stitch over the raw edges to secure them before sewing.

Q: What type of needle should I use when sewing with burlap fabric?
A: It is best to use a heavy-duty needle with a larger eye when sewing with burlap fabric. A size 16-18 needle is recommended to prevent breakage and ensure smooth stitching.

Q: Do I need to prewash burlap fabric before sewing?
A: No, you do not need to prewash burlap fabric before sewing as it can result in shrinkage and distortion of the weave. However, if you plan on washing the finished project, it may be beneficial to prewash the fabric to prevent any shrinkage or bleeding of colors.

In conclusion, learning how to sew burlap fabric can open up a world of possibilities for creating unique and durable projects. From home decor to fashion items, this versatile material offers a rustic and natural touch to any design. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can easily master the art of working with burlap fabric.

Firstly, it is crucial to select the right type of burlap fabric for your intended project. This decision will greatly impact the overall outcome and success of your sewing project. Taking care to properly handle and prepare the fabric before sewing will also ensure better results.

Next, utilizing the appropriate tools and techniques can make sewing burlap easier and more efficient. These include using a larger needle, adjusting stitch length, and using proper seam allowances. Additionally, incorporating other fabrics or trims can enhance the look of the finished product.

Furthermore, understanding how burlap behaves during sewing is essential for achieving professional-looking results. Its unique properties such as its tendency to fray or shrink must be taken into consideration when planning and executing a sewing project.

Moreover, knowing how to properly care for and maintain burlap items is crucial in extending their longevity. This includes avoiding machine washing or drying in hot temperatures as well as storing them in a dry

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.