How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Fabric Box

Coffee sack burlap is a great sustainable material. It’s natural, biodegradable, and strong. Here is an easy tutorial on how to make a great shabby chic fabric box from an upcycled coffee sack.

When I read how eco-friendly burlap is, I just had to craft with it. So when a local coffee shop owner practically threw a dozen coffee sacks at me and pleaded with me to take them, I felt like I just robbed a bank. I raced home and started making these burlap fabric boxes.

I have to admit, burlap is a little tricky to work with since it sheds. But once the pieces were cut, they were manageable. Just make sure to have a dust pan ready. Oh, and if the edges fray, save the jute yarn to use as ties for gift wrapping.

How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Fabric Box

Supplies

• Coffee Sac Burlap (or feed burlap)
• Lining – cut two inches longer on sides “a” than burlap for folding down the top edges.
• Fusible web – Which may be eliminated if you’re creative and find other ways to make burlap stiffer.
• Thread
• Scissors
• Lace – optional

Instruction:
Cut burlap, lining, and fusible web in a cross shape in any dimension you want. Make sure all of the sides labeled “1” are the same and all of the sides labeled “a” are the same. I wouldn’t make the box any taller than six inches high (dimension for sides “a”) as the walls may not be stiff enough for them to hold up. But if you can find ways to keep them stiff, you can make them taller.

1. When you fold along the dotted line, all sides should meet evenly.
2. Then, sew the two outer sides, 3 and 4. Then, gather the top corners 1 and 2 and then, sew the remaining two sides.
3. Keep the box wrong side out and fold down on the wrong side, an inch from the top and then fold down again, one inch.
4. Iron the folded edges.

Next, place box with lining top edges folded down.

If you are going to decorate the outside panels of the burlap, like adding lace, this is the time to do it. Iron fusible web (follow instruction on the package) to the wrong side of the burlap. Then, sew the edges of the burlap, same as the lining.

Turn the box right side out.

Insert the lining inside the burlap box, right side in (the wrong sides of the lining and the burlap should be touching each other), and pin the edges of the lining over the top edges of the burlap. Then sew all around the folded edges.

Ta dah! The possibilities of sizes and shapes are endless! You can even make round buckets or shallow trays. What a practical way to upcycle such great fabric! And it costs practically nothing!

Have you tried crafting with coffee sacs? What have you made with it? Please share in the comments!