How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Fabric Box

How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Burlap Box

How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Burlap 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.How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Burlap Box
Burlap Box Steps 1-4

  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.

Burlap Box Steps 5-8

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.

How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Burlap Box

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.

How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Burlap Box

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!

24 thoughts on “How to Upcycle a Coffee Sack into a Fabric Box”

  1. Karen, I love this post! I also appreciate that you point out burlap’s ‘tricky’ features. At the end of the day I’m covered in burlap fibers but it all pays off in the long run. Great tutorial :).

    1. Thanks Tanya. I didn’t wash these but was afraid to clog up my washing machine. I prolly would be covered in burlap fiber too if I worked with it as often as you do. Your bags are gorgeous!

    1. Most coffee shops that roast their own coffee have tons of sacs that they throw away or donate. So, ask the manager. They’d love to give them to you for free…at least the one that I went to were glad to give them away. 

  2. Oo, these could actually look quite steampunk if put together right – especially with the khaki lining on the first one.

    Most impressive, and tips on where to find completely free crafting materials are not exactly unwelcome! 🙂

    1. You can make this with denim, khaki, upholstery fabric, or canvas too. They’ll work well as lining also. Decorate it any way you like!!

  3. i like to insert that really cheap needlepoint canvas (10 cents a sheet) to add stiffness to things like this!   ( i know,  defeats the purpose of eco friendly, but maybe you have some laying around to recycle!) = )

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  10. I love your box…I have a great supply of burlap and use Tyvek bird seed bags as a stiffner…the tote or box crinkles but a great green alternative…Sheryl

    1. Your wish is granted! 🙂 Thank you for letting us know about the missing photos – some of our older posts had the photos go poof!

  11. Love all these good ideas!

    I’ve just made veg storage bags from sacking that I’ve had around for years-just simple lined rectangular bags with drawstring tops.Lining was from heavy curtain lining left over from shortening curtains so the already made hem was used to fold over the top of bag like your storage baskets. A side seam zip means the veg can be reached easily (large collection of rescued zips came in useful…) Stencil or draw ( permanent marker) name of produce on outside of bags and hang in your kitchen! Best for potato and onion.

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