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Surprise Contender: Burlap for Accessories
Burlap gets a bad rap, but don't bristle at the thought of using it. With these tips, it can put your decor in fine form
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over... More »
Burlap is one of the most popular utility fabrics and a great material to have in your arsenal for home projects. It is durable, versatile and surprisingly strong even though it has a very loose weave. The textural quality of burlap can complement many decor styles, and it is ideal for small and large projects alike. Yardage is inexpensive, so use it to add a few DIY touches to your home when you don't have an ample budget.
But there are negatives to using burlap, and it isn’t suitable for all projects. Some people never get past the negatives, which is a shame. Following are some common issues with this material and how to get the most out of it.
But there are negatives to using burlap, and it isn’t suitable for all projects. Some people never get past the negatives, which is a shame. Following are some common issues with this material and how to get the most out of it.
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| Problem: Burlap is messy. Solution: As you start to handle burlap, you immediately discover that the jute fibers get fuzz everywhere. It helps to work with burlap outside. Cleanup will be easier, and the mess has less potential to disturb allergies. If you have to work inside, cover your work surface beforehand and be prepared to vacuum and dust the area afterward. To cut back on fuzz, use a spray bottle to mist water onto the burlap before cutting it. Avoid using nice scissors, as the fuzz can clog up the screw and make slicing difficult. Design detail: Keep the mess out of your home and designate burlap as outdoor decor only. A strip of burlap down the center of a table makes for a chic table runner. And no worries if food spills; the fabric can easily be replaced. |
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Problem: It has stubborn wrinkles.
Solution: If you are purchasing large quantities, store the burlap rolled on the bolt to minimize this problem. In small quantities, it is easiest to keep it folded for storage, but this folding will lead to creases. Iron burlap on medium heat to get them out. If wrinkles are being particularly stubborn, lightly mist the burlap with water and then iron. Run the iron over both sides to ensure the best result.
Design detail: Consider using ironed burlap for covering a headboard, as shown here. It adds texture to a space but still remains a neutral detail. To eliminate the mess and keep fuzz off your linens, coat the burlap with a clear sealant, such as clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge, which can be brushed on.
Solution: If you are purchasing large quantities, store the burlap rolled on the bolt to minimize this problem. In small quantities, it is easiest to keep it folded for storage, but this folding will lead to creases. Iron burlap on medium heat to get them out. If wrinkles are being particularly stubborn, lightly mist the burlap with water and then iron. Run the iron over both sides to ensure the best result.
Design detail: Consider using ironed burlap for covering a headboard, as shown here. It adds texture to a space but still remains a neutral detail. To eliminate the mess and keep fuzz off your linens, coat the burlap with a clear sealant, such as clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge, which can be brushed on.
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Problem: It's itchy.
Solution: Burlap's scratchy feel makes it a poor choice for pillows, seat cushions, furniture or anything else that comes into contact with skin. You can try looking for burlap in different thread counts, and there are also treated and untreated varieties; some of these options may yield a softer material. Unfortunately, at basic craft stores the selection will be very limited. A better choice for skin contact is to select linens and other utility fabrics that mimic the textural quality of burlap without the uncomfortable feel.
Design detail: Bring burlap into your decor in other ways, such as curtains. The transparent nature of the material will let in natural light but still provide plenty of privacy. The rustic quality makes it perfect for a country kitchen, like this example.
Solution: Burlap's scratchy feel makes it a poor choice for pillows, seat cushions, furniture or anything else that comes into contact with skin. You can try looking for burlap in different thread counts, and there are also treated and untreated varieties; some of these options may yield a softer material. Unfortunately, at basic craft stores the selection will be very limited. A better choice for skin contact is to select linens and other utility fabrics that mimic the textural quality of burlap without the uncomfortable feel.
Design detail: Bring burlap into your decor in other ways, such as curtains. The transparent nature of the material will let in natural light but still provide plenty of privacy. The rustic quality makes it perfect for a country kitchen, like this example.
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Problem: The edges fray.
Solution: Occasionally frayed edges add to the character of a project, but maybe a clean edge is more your style. A seam sealant or fray check can help. Coat 1 or 2 inches of the burlap edge in the sealant and let it dry before handling. A more effective technique is to sew a zigzag stitch along the edge of the material. Use regular tension in your sewing machine and a thread similar in color to the burlap to keep the stitch concealed.
Design detail: The bulletin board is often a boring office accessory, but it doesn’t have to be. For a simple DIY, wrap your board in burlap or a vintage potato sack, like the example shown here, to give it some personality. Use a staple gun or a hot-glue gun to attach the material to the board. For a more finished look, add upholstery pins or decorative thumbtacks to the front along the edges.
Solution: Occasionally frayed edges add to the character of a project, but maybe a clean edge is more your style. A seam sealant or fray check can help. Coat 1 or 2 inches of the burlap edge in the sealant and let it dry before handling. A more effective technique is to sew a zigzag stitch along the edge of the material. Use regular tension in your sewing machine and a thread similar in color to the burlap to keep the stitch concealed.
Design detail: The bulletin board is often a boring office accessory, but it doesn’t have to be. For a simple DIY, wrap your board in burlap or a vintage potato sack, like the example shown here, to give it some personality. Use a staple gun or a hot-glue gun to attach the material to the board. For a more finished look, add upholstery pins or decorative thumbtacks to the front along the edges.
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by French Larkspur
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| Problem: Burlap smells. Solution: The jute fibers will always retain some of their scent, but you can lessen it with a little work. Try washing the burlap. (Because of the loose weave, machine washing can damage it. Ideally, you should spot wash it by hand and then let it dry outside in the sun.) Once indoors, spritz it occasionally with some Febreze or perfume to give it a more pleasing aroma. Design detail: Add it as a key detail in just a few places. For example, wrap scrap burlap around your indoor plants to cover up unattractive plastic pots. Not only will you have a chic new container, but the material acts as a great insulator for plants during cold weather. |
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| Problem: It's too flimsy for the project I’m attempting. Solution: Burlap is durable, but it lacks the built-in stiffness that might be necessary for certain projects. Despite the loosely woven fibers, it is possible to stiffen it up. Mist spray starch from the craft or grocery store over the burlap before ironing it. Spray one side, let the starch sink in for 10 to 20 seconds, iron and then repeat on the opposite side. Another alternative is fabric stiffener, which should make the burlap even more rigid and firm. Design detail: Turn burlap into a work of art. The typography on this vintage cocoa bean sack makes a graphic statement in a room rich with eclectic details. Cut the sack down to size and spray it with starch to make it easier for framing. The starch should prevent the fabric from future sagging. |
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| Problem: It is hard to cut it in a straight line. Solution: Burlap is actually one of the easiest fabrics to cut in a straight line; you just have to know the trick. First, measure out the length you need. Locate the end of a thread at the point where you'd like to cut the burlap. Gently pull the thread, slowly working it out of the fabric. Sometimes the thread can snap. If it does, just find the broken piece and continue to gently pull. |
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When the thread is completely removed, you’ll be left with a clearly marked line like what you see here. Cut along this line with your scissors.
More:
Trends: Inspired by Burlap
Sew a Burlap Table Runner
More:
Trends: Inspired by Burlap
Sew a Burlap Table Runner
Ideabook published on June 26, 2012.
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For the light fixtures, I took straw hats which were very cheap from Pier One at the time, cut Xes in the tops, fitted them over the light fixtures and stapled them to the ceiling. I put in globe bulbs instead of the regular ones. It looked great. Maybe I will try that in this house, where to find some bolts of black burlap?