5 Creative DIY Burlap Ribbon Crafts

Last summer, I was helping my cousin decorate for her rustic-themed bridal shower. We had the venue, the lights, the wooden crates—but something still felt missing. That’s when we stumbled on a spool of burlap ribbon buried in a box of leftover supplies. 

At first, it didn’t seem like much. But once we started crafting with it, everything came together. The plain tables looked charming, the gift bags had character, and even the centerpieces felt more personal.

That one simple material made all the difference.

But where did burlap actually come from, and what makes it so unique?

The History of Burlap

Burlap, also known as hessian or jute, has a rich history that traces back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations in India were the first to use the jute plant, crafting it into rope, paper, and other practical items.

In the 1790s, British traders began importing large quantities of raw jute from India to Britain. By 1793, exports reached 100 tons. Once the jute arrived in Dundee, Scotland, local manufacturers developed a method to spin the coarse plant fibers into yarn. This breakthrough turned Dundee into a global hub for burlap production.

By the 1830s, jute mills in Dundee were producing burlap on a large scale. Production peaked in 1919, with one billion yards of burlap cloth—roughly 450 million burlap bags—manufactured that year. During World War I, burlap was even used to make uniforms for German soldiers from the Hessian region, which is where the name “hessian” comes from.

While burlap is valued for its durability and strength, making it ideal for bags, sacks, and upholstery, it’s far from comfortable. Its rough, scratchy texture made it unsuitable for clothing, and over time, it fell out of use in uniforms. 

Interestingly, its discomfort has also led to religious use: in Roman Catholic traditions, burlap shirts have been worn beneath clothing as an act of penance, causing physical discomfort to symbolize repentance for sins.

Burlap Fabric Craft Ideas for Rustic Home Decor

Decorating with burlap fabric is a simple way to add texture, warmth, and personality to your home. These creative burlap crafts combine functionality with a rustic aesthetic, perfect for DIY lovers of all skill levels.

1. Burlap Topiary Tree

A burlap topiary tree brings a touch of nature indoors with rustic elegance. It’s a charming accent for mantels, tabletops, or special events.

How to Make It:

• Use a foam ball or cone as your base.
• Wrap or scrunch strips of burlap, attaching with hot glue.
• Decorate with ribbon, twine, or faux greenery for seasonal style.

This is one of the most creative crafts to do with burlap and makes a beautiful handmade gift or centerpiece.

2. Burlap Table Runners

Burlap table runners add a cozy, rustic look to your dining area. They suit everyday use and formal gatherings alike.

Steps to Create:

• Cut burlap to fit your table length.
• Hem the edges using glue or a zigzag stitch.
• Add stencils, paint, or lace to personalize it.

Decorating with burlap fabric like this is an affordable way to refresh your table decor for each season or occasion.

3. Burlap Coasters

Burlap coasters protect your furniture while adding a handmade, farmhouse feel. They’re quick to make and easy to customize.

DIY Tips:

• Cut small squares or circles from burlap.
• Back them with cork or felt for extra sturdiness.
• Add hand-painted details or stamped initials for a personal touch.
• These simple burlap crafts make great gifts and add charm to any coffee table.

4. Burlap Bed Skirt

A burlap bed skirt enhances your bedroom with texture and warmth. It’s durable, customizable, and fits a rustic decor style perfectly.

Steps to Make It:

• Measure your bed's drop and width.
• Cut burlap strips to size and hem the edges.
• Attach with Velcro, upholstery pins, or sew it in place.

This larger-scale burlap project proves that decorating with burlap fabric isn’t just for small items.

5. Burlap Curtains

Burlap curtains give any room a soft, farmhouse look. They’re inexpensive, easy to make, and available in various textures and tones.

DIY Idea:

• Cut your panels to match the window size.
• Finish edges with fabric tape or a hem.
• Add a rod pocket or use clip-on rings.

Pairing well with wood and neutral decor, this is one of the most effective burlap crafts for transforming a room.

6. Burlap Pillow Covers

Burlap pillow covers are a cozy way to update your couch, bed, or patio furniture. They bring in rustic texture while allowing plenty of personalization.

How to Do It:

• Sew a simple envelope-style pillowcase using burlap.
• Decorate with paint, embroidery, or stencils.
• Mix with soft backing fabrics for comfort.

These crafts to do with burlap are great for seasonal decor or handmade gifts.

7. Burlap Covered Lamp

Covering a lampshade with burlap adds personality to your space while giving off a warm, diffused glow. It's an easy, budget-friendly way to refresh any lamp.

Steps:

• Remove the existing fabric from your lampshade.
• Wrap burlap around the frame and glue in place.
• Trim the edges with lace or twine for a polished finish.

This simple DIY is a great way to incorporate decorating with burlap fabric into your lighting.

8. Burlap Tote Bags

Burlap tote bags are reusable, fashionable, and eco-friendly. They’re strong enough for groceries and stylish enough for everyday outings.

Ideas for Customization:

• Sew a basic bag from burlap panels.
• Add paint, stenciled quotes, patches, or fabric flowers.
• Line the inside with cotton for durability and comfort.

Among all burlap crafts, this one is ideal for combining sustainability with style.

Why Is Burlap So Strong?

Burlap’s strength comes from the jute plant’s high levels of cellulose and lignin—the same natural components that give trees their toughness. Together, these fibers make jute one of the strongest plant-based materials in the world.

Jute is not only strong and durable but also affordable to produce. It's easy to dye, and naturally resistant to heat and moisture, making it ideal for various practical uses.

Interestingly, raw jute is white before it's processed. After drying, it develops the familiar brown shade associated with burlap. While the traditional caramel tone is still popular, burlap fabric now comes in various colors for modern crafting and decorating needs.

When Simple Ribbon Sparks Creativity

Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected materials—like a roll of burlap ribbon—that end up making the biggest impact. What started as a forgotten spool turned into a string of beautiful, functional projects that added warmth and charm to every corner of the space. And that’s the beauty of crafting: it doesn’t take much to create something meaningful.

If you're looking for reliable, high-quality burlap ribbons to bring your ideas to life, BBcrafts offers a wide selection in various colors, sizes, and textures. Their ribbons are easy to work with, durable, and budget-friendly—ideal for any level of DIYer.

So, next time you feel like getting creative, consider some crafts made with burlap. You’ll be surprised how many crafts to can make with burlap can turn ordinary moments into lasting memories. What will your next DIY burlap ribbon project be?

Key Takeaways

Burlap Has a Long History and Lasting Appeal

Originating from ancient India and later manufactured on a large scale in Scotland, burlap is known for its strength, durability, and rustic charm, making it a popular choice for both functional and decorative projects.

Simple Materials Can Spark Creative, Memorable Projects

Even a single roll of burlap ribbon can inspire a wide range of DIY crafts—like table runners, topiary trees, or pillow covers—that add warmth and personality to any space or event.

Burlap Crafts Are Accessible for All Skill Levels

From quick projects like coasters to larger items like curtains or bed skirts, decorating with burlap is budget-friendly, customizable, and easy to start with just a few basic supplies.