Burlap Bag Tutorial

 

(Instruction based of bags created in this video)

Material List

• Burlap (I purchased 2 yards and used extra to make bows)
  
• 1 Skein of Yarn
  
• Sewing Machine/Hand Sewing
• Darning Needle
• Scissors
• Chalk or Marking Tool 
  
• Embroidery Hoop (Optional)
• Dust Mask (Optional)
  

Techniques 

• Back Stitch (Embroidery)
  
• Whipped Back Stitch (Embroidery)

 Notes

These bags are rather big, we used them to stash small toys, multiple candies so each bag could be shared among the family. These bags are not suitable for single tiny chocolate treats. It can also hold bath bombs, sticker sheets, small candy bars, small items from the 1$ impulse aisles.

Instructions  

1. Find a font you would like to use and print it off at an appropriate size. (Use the word document ruler to get an idea of the size of your numbers.)
   
2. Prep burlap for easy even cuts by pulling out threads at measured points for more even cuts. (Example here used to square up fabric: The Daily Sew)
   

   Each bag piece should measure 12.5 x 5.5in/32cm x 13.5cm, cut 25 pieces.

3. Using chalk trace your template or free hand numbers onto your bag.
   

   (As seen in in the video I used a template of 6.25 x 5x5 to line up where to put my numbers, this is not necessary. You can fold the fabric evenly at the middle.)

   Burlap is also relatively easy to see through if you are more patient than I am. A light pad is not necessary and perhaps even over kill. 
   

4. Once the numbers are traced, using yarn (or thread of your choice) back stitch over the marks. I followed up with a whipped back stitch for a more solid number. An embroidery hoop makes doing this easier but is not required.
   

   You are welcome to use any embroidery stitch, a great list of stitch types can be found here, (Hand Embroidery for Beginners)

5. Fold your bag in half, your stitched number should be on the inside of the fabric.
   
6. Sew up both sides with a standard machine stitch or back stitch, I strongly suggest following up with a zig zag stitch at the edge. It keeps as much of the burlap from unraveling as possible.
   
7. Flip bag inside out.
   Cut your bag tie, a length around 18 inches. (Or as long or as short as you desire.) Repeat 25 times.
   Knot one side of your yarn/thread ends to prevent unraveling.
   
8. Using the cut yarn/thread length thread your darning needle.
   
9. Measure down about 1 inch down from the top of the bag at the center front. Start weaving in your yarn/thread just a bit off center wrapping around the bag until you return to just off center back at the front.
10. Remove darning needle and knot other end of your yarn/thread. 
11. At this point you can fill your bag with treats and tie it off. 

We hid our bags in our tree. However with a set of 3m hooks, string, and clothespins they can be hung off the wall provided they are not overloaded with candies.