Coffee Sack Gift Tote

Repurpose burlap coffee bags to create rustic gift totes that can be used again and again.

Neutral Burlap Gift Bags

Burlap Coffee Bag Gift Tote

Repurpose burlap coffee bags to create rustic gift totes that can be used again and again.

By: Michele Beschen

Materials Needed:

  • large coffee bags (ask local coffee shop or gourmet market for empty bags)
  • twine or leather cording
  • needle and thread or sewing machine
  • various embellishments
  • rotary cutting blade and mat
  • scissors

Iron Bag

Remove wrinkles from bag by ironing it with a damp pressing cloth.

Iron Burlap Bag With Damp Cloth

Ironing Burlap Coffee Sack for Gift Tote

Iron the bag with a damp piece of fabric to remove wrinkles before cutting.

Remove Seams

Carefully cut off outer seams of bag; they are too thick to sew through and will be used later as tote handles.

Cut Off Seams

Cutting Burlap for Tote Bag

Carefully cut off outer seams of bag; they are too thick to sew through and will be used later as tote handles.

Cut Bag

Each large coffee bag will create four totes, so cut bag into fourths.

Cut Bag Into Four Pieces Using Knife

Cutting Burlap Coffee Sack for Gift Tote

Each large coffee bag will create four totes, so cut the bag into fourths.

Sew Together

Stitch two sides and the bottom of each tote together using a top stitch on the sewing machine.

Sew Burlap Sides With Sewing Machine

Sewing Together Sides of Burlap Tote

Stitch two sides and the bottom of each tote together using a top stitch on the sewing machine to create the base of the burlap gift bag.

Cut Handles

Cut previously removed seams into eight 14-inch pieces to create handles.

Cutting Burlap Handles

Use Coffee Sack Seams for Tote Bag Handles

Cut the previously removed seams into eight 14-inch pieces to create handles for the burlap gift bag.

Attach Handles

Attach handles to either the outside or inside of bag using a sewing machine or with hand stitching. If desired, add a bow, pin, the recipient's initials or other embellishments to finished tote. Tip: Experiment with creating other gift bag styles such as envelopes, drawstring bags and traditional gift wrap using this resourceful material.

Sew Handles to Bag

Attaching Burlap Handles to Tote Bag

Attach handles to either the outside or inside of bag using a sewing machine or with hand stitching. If desired, add a bow, pin, the recipient's initials or other embellishments to finished tote. Tip: Experiment with creating other gift bag styles such as envelopes, drawstring bags and traditional gift wrap using this resourceful material.

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