Coffee sacks, with their rustic charm and durable material, are a treasure trove for anyone passionate about sustainability and creative upcycling. These versatile hessian (burlap) coffee sacks, often adorned with unique prints and patterns, can be transformed into stunning, functional items that are as beautiful as they are eco-friendly.
I posed a couple of questions on Threads and BlueSky last week asking for ideas of what we could do with a batch of Burlap Coffee Sacks and honestly, I LOVED the replies thank you!

If you’re looking for coffee sacks to start your own project, check out Renees Materials’ Shop, a fantastic resource for sustainably sourced coffee sacks and other upcycling materials.
Here are ten imaginative ways to breathe new life into coffee sacks:
1. Chic Tote Bags
Transform coffee sacks into stylish tote bags perfect for shopping or casual outings. The sturdy fabric ensures durability, while the bold coffee prints add a unique flair. Pair the hessian with soft cotton linings for added comfort and functionality.
Learn how to make your own or explore independent brands that specialise in these creations, like Myrtle makes and mends.





2. Rustic Cushion Covers
Bring character to your living room by turning coffee sacks into cushion covers. The textured material pairs beautifully with neutral or industrial décor. Add a pop of colour with tassels or contrasting stitching for a bespoke look.
For inspiration, check out Alison Bailey Smith’s workshops where she uses Coffee Sacks for the basis of her cushion rag rug style.
3. Coffee Sack Costumes
Elly @takeitupwearitout makes quite incredible costumes for her activism… on reflection, @popcoblink‘s suggestion of full lining is a good idea when using coffee sacks for this sort of thing, as the burlap can be quite itchy!

Elly makes amazing costumes, have a look at takeitupwearitout.co.uk
4. Garden Grow Bags and Storage
Thank you to Katie Chodosh for this suggestion, “I bought one to keep plant bulbs in from last year – I read they were good for keeping them over the winter!”
@turgworks writes: “This thread is great, I have a very good supply of these and I just put wooden offcuts in the for fire wood”.
@hazeljeanscott says: “I used some to grow potatoes as I only had decking and no proper garden.”
Coffee sacks make brilliant grow bags for your garden. Their breathable, biodegradable fabric is perfect for planting herbs, flowers, or even potatoes. Simply fold, fill with soil, and plant away!
For more gardening predictions, visit The RHS Gardening Guide.
5. Statement Wall Art
Frame coffee sack panels to create unique wall art. The bold typography and natural tones look stunning in minimalist or industrial spaces. You can even combine multiple panels for a larger, collage-style piece.
For framing ideas, check out PictureFrames.co.uk FSC certified wooden frame collection.
6. Statement Embroidered Coat
One of my favourite suggestions received, via threads: Sharon from Modflowers posted this amazing embroidered coffee sack coat made by herostudio.uk for Lulu Guinness. (Thank you to Yusuf for flagging that these are Hero’s work).
Absolute work of ART, wonder how long that took to create!



7. Stylish Storage Baskets
Turn coffee sacks into beautiful storage baskets for blankets, toys, or laundry. The fabric is stiff enough to hold its shape, and you can personalise the design with dye or stencilling.
You might want to line them if you are using for plant pots (or pop a large dinner plate under the pot, to avoid leakage onto your wooden floor – speaking from experience!)
Learn how to make your own or check out Kerry Pearce’s work here on Etsy or Ebay for handmade ideas.

8. Cafe Curtains
Love the idea of cafe curtains made from coffee sacks, actually in a coffee shop like the Boat Cafe in Gloucester, anyone fancy making some for them?!
I’ve recently made a Welsh Blanket into a giant curtain, so would suggest Ikea’s SYRLIG curtain rings with clip and hooks that work really well so you literally clip the curtains to a wire. Super easy.
@mintysr says: “I made a coffee sack curtain in my kitchen to cover my boiler!”
Discover other curtain ideas on whisperingpineshomestead.
9. Super Cute Waistcoats
Adore these waistcoats made out of coffee sacks. Susie @myrtlemakesandmends made these fantastic eco-friendly jackets that are as practical as they are stylish.



10. Compostable Weed Mats
Use coffee sacks in the garden as weed mats. Lay them down around plants to suppress weeds while still allowing water to seep through. Over time, the sacks will biodegrade, enriching the soil.

For more sustainable gardening hacks, visit Chimney Sheep.
Why Reuse Coffee Sacks?
Repurposing coffee sacks is a creative way to reduce waste while embracing sustainability. By giving these materials a second life, you’re contributing to a circular economy that values resources and craftsmanship.
For all your coffee sack needs, visit Renee Materials’ Shop. It’s the perfect place to find quality sacks for your next project while supporting a business dedicated to sustainable living.
So why not get started today? Whether you’re crafting a one-of-a-kind tote bag or adding a rustic touch to your home décor, the possibilities with coffee sacks are endless!
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There’s so much potential! They’d make gorgeous planter wraps or rustic tote bags, adding both charm and sustainability to everyday items.
exactly, those planter pots are amazing aren’t they Lavanda!
These are ALL so brilliant!! I would honestly love to be the proud owner of any of these re-purposed creations! How about you run a workshop for those of us who are less handy? I’d come!!!! 🧡🧡
Hello Kate, oh that’s a great idea – funnily enough, I’ve been chatting to Ruth Eaton about embroidery, will report back x
Love those bags!
Thank you Margaret, I saw LOTS of bag designs during my research for this post, and can honestly say that Susie’s styling and finish blew me away – really lovely shapes / hope that it inspires people to really think about how to use these coffee sacks – go give her some love
@myrtlemakesandmends
You’ll love her sock repairs too!