Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Crazy About Burlap

We recently got in a bunch of burlap coffee bags. The graphics on them are awesome! We have been using them for years to make curtains, pillows, slip covers... really you can make anything. While some creations do not require a lot of prep, some may call for washing and sewing. We have compiled a list of tips and tricks for you. 

Washing Your Burlap Bags
1. You can either hand wash or use your washing machine. Use cold water.

2. Burlap frays, so we suggest that you do not cut the bag prior to washing, Unless you are going to hem the edges.

3. CAUTION: Wet burlap stinks... seriously. Like a wet dog. You can lay it flat in the sun until completely dry. Or... you can put it in the dryer. If you put it in dryer, be sure to keep an eye on it. It will shed and fill your dryer vent quickly. However, it will be softer this way. And the more you wash it, the softer it will become.

Ironing
4. Iron on high with the steam setting. A spray bottle as you are ironing will also work well.

Sewing
5. We find that the zig-zag stitch will work best when sewing burlap.

6. And a final tip... You can use your scraps and put them right in your compost pile for total usage!

We hope these tips were helpful. Burlap is a great way to add texture to your room. Below are a few things we have done with the coffee bags. 

Thanks for stopping by!
Nic 
xoxo