I Love to Create: Hand-Dyed Burlap V-Day Bag
A couple of weeks ago I was watching the Potato Sack episode of Project Runway. What struck me about this particular challenge (other than the amazing dresses that a couple of the designers came up with), was how incredibly the burlap sacks took dye.
It got me thinking, “I’ve got burlap. I’ve got dye. How can I apply the Project Runway challenge to a project that anyone can make?” What I came up with is a simple, zippy bag dyed a brilliant red & stenciled with a melting heart. It’s great for keeping supplies in, and would make a perfect V-day gift for anyone who, well, has something that needs holdin’. Here’s how to make your own!
Materials
1, 12″x18″ Piece of Plain Burlap
1, 12″x18″ Lining Fabric
Zipper
Iron
Sewing Machine (optional)
Coordinating Thread
Sewing Pins
Scissors
Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye (Bright Red)
Graffiti Fashion Stencil (from Peace & Love Pack)
Sponge Brush
How-To Dye Burlap
- In a large pot or stainless steel sink, mix 4 Tbsp salt and 1 package of Tulip Fabric Dye into 1 gallon of STEAMING HOT water.
- Submerge burlap into dye mixture. Let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Rinse with cold water. Wash with mild soap and water.
- Machine or hang dry. Press.
How-To Stencil on Burlap
- Measure 2″-2 1/2″ from top edge of fabric; place stencil.
- Using a sponge brush, blot Paint Tagger inside of stencil. Let dry. Remove Stencil.
How-To Make Zippy Bag
- With right-sides together, fold burlap in half, lengthwise. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew sides. Repeat for lining fabric.
- Turn burlap pouch right-side out. Fold top edge under 1″; press. Set aside.
- Leaving lining pouch wrong-side out, fold top edge over 1″; press.
- Pin zipper to folded top edge of lining. If your zipper’s a bit too long, leave the tail end dangling off fabric. Unzip and sew, using a zipper foot and 1/8″ seam allowance.
- Insert lining into burlap pouch. Tuck excess zipper tail in between lining and burlap. Using 1/8″ seam allowance, top stitch lining (with zipper) to burlap.
Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie
Great bag…I love burlap and love finding creative ideas to work with it. Thanks for putting this out there!
That color of dye is AMAZING!
~Ali
So I realize you posted this a long time ago, but have recently been sewing with burlap and wanted to dye mine, & found this when googling it! 🙂 I loved that dyed burlap on PR last season–it was beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial. Jess
You’re very welcome! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
i googled how to dye burlap, like jessica, and your post came up! thanks for the info, and thanks google for finding- you are bookmarked as one of my favorite blogs. go vickie!