Decorating
Upcycling: Creative Ways to Reuse a Hessian Bag
Breathe new life into this versatile, eco-friendly item with cheap and chic DIY projects you can do this weekend
There’s a lot to love about hessian bags, and not just because they’re lightweight, weather resistant and made from biodegradable material. The sturdy sacks can take on a range of stylish and practical uses once they’ve been emptied of their potatoes or beans – these unique ideas will have you heading straight for the nearest coffee roaster to pick up more than one.
Durable and long lasting, hessian pillows work perfectly in outdoor entertaining areas. Keep yours oversized and throw them on the ground for additional seating. They also make a great dog bed!
Home truths for those who live with dogs
Home truths for those who live with dogs
Tip: If the hessian feels too scratchy, make one side of the cushion in a softer fabric such as cotton or linen, using the hessian side to display and the other to rest your head on.
Make a customised table runner
An inexpensive way to add interest to your table setting, a hessian bag can be customised or left as is to bring a touch of country charm to your dining room. This rustic texture works particularly well with French Provincial-style decor, complementing other neutral hues and natural materials.
An inexpensive way to add interest to your table setting, a hessian bag can be customised or left as is to bring a touch of country charm to your dining room. This rustic texture works particularly well with French Provincial-style decor, complementing other neutral hues and natural materials.
Hang some unique wall art
If you’re lucky enough to score a secondhand bag featuring a colourful and appealing print, why not put it on display? A glass frame adds polish and will make your find a focal point.
If you’re lucky enough to score a secondhand bag featuring a colourful and appealing print, why not put it on display? A glass frame adds polish and will make your find a focal point.
An authentic sack with stamped lettering brings warmth and homespun character to a minimal space featuring cooler materials such as marble and metal.
Tip: To get rid of any wrinkles and creases, use a spray starch and iron them out. A fabric stiffener is another good option for hanging as it helps to prevent the fabric from sagging.
Tip: To get rid of any wrinkles and creases, use a spray starch and iron them out. A fabric stiffener is another good option for hanging as it helps to prevent the fabric from sagging.
Try your hand at reupholstery
Due to its hardwearing nature, hessian is a great material for covering pieces that get a lot of wear and tear. A simple stool is a great DIY option if you’re feeling crafty, but you may need to enlist the help of a pro for more complicated pieces of furniture such as sofas and armchairs.
Get bespoke upholstery done right
Due to its hardwearing nature, hessian is a great material for covering pieces that get a lot of wear and tear. A simple stool is a great DIY option if you’re feeling crafty, but you may need to enlist the help of a pro for more complicated pieces of furniture such as sofas and armchairs.
Get bespoke upholstery done right
If the idea of making ottomans from scratch doesn’t appeal, think about revamping your existing pieces with a touch of DIY.
Tip: To remove any odours, try gently hand washing (machine washing can cause damage and fraying), then letting the bag dry outside in the sun. Once dry, a soft spritz of essential oil such as eucalyptus or lavender diluted in water will freshen its aroma.
Tip: To remove any odours, try gently hand washing (machine washing can cause damage and fraying), then letting the bag dry outside in the sun. Once dry, a soft spritz of essential oil such as eucalyptus or lavender diluted in water will freshen its aroma.
Get creative with curtains
Improvisation at its finest, one hessian bag will make two shabby-chic curtains for the smaller windows in your home. Stitch up the edges to prevent fraying or leave them raw for handmade charm.
Tip: The easiest way to snip hessian in a straight line is to find the end of the thread at the point where you want to cut it and gently pulling it out, leaving behind a clearly defined path for your scissors.
Improvisation at its finest, one hessian bag will make two shabby-chic curtains for the smaller windows in your home. Stitch up the edges to prevent fraying or leave them raw for handmade charm.
Tip: The easiest way to snip hessian in a straight line is to find the end of the thread at the point where you want to cut it and gently pulling it out, leaving behind a clearly defined path for your scissors.
Dress up a pot plant
Save money on buying new pots to make over your garden by covering your old ones with uniquely printed hessian sacks. As they are biodegradable, they can also be put straight into the garden and filled with soil and seeds – the fibre is great for both aeration and retaining moisture.
Save money on buying new pots to make over your garden by covering your old ones with uniquely printed hessian sacks. As they are biodegradable, they can also be put straight into the garden and filled with soil and seeds – the fibre is great for both aeration and retaining moisture.
Have fun with bunting
Perfect for leftover scraps of fabric, a touch of hessian bunting brings a playful element to children’s rooms. A fun weekend project to make with little ones, all you need is some colourful paint and stencils along with a pair of scissors.
Browse more children’s bedroom ideas
Perfect for leftover scraps of fabric, a touch of hessian bunting brings a playful element to children’s rooms. A fun weekend project to make with little ones, all you need is some colourful paint and stencils along with a pair of scissors.
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Stylish storage that lasts
Simple is best when it comes to recycling a hessian bag, and if you’re not particularly crafty then using one as a carry-all is an easy and practical idea. Keep a couple within reach to store food, sports equipment, household items … you never know when one will come in handy.
Simple is best when it comes to recycling a hessian bag, and if you’re not particularly crafty then using one as a carry-all is an easy and practical idea. Keep a couple within reach to store food, sports equipment, household items … you never know when one will come in handy.
Hardy and weather resistant, these sacks will hold anything and everything from craft supplies to garden tools, and work well both indoors and out. Filling the bag with pebbles to add weight will help to keep balance and hold items upright.
YOUR SAY
Which project would you most like to tackle? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Browse more DIY projects
YOUR SAY
Which project would you most like to tackle? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more DIY projects
One of the easiest ways to reinvent a hessian sack is to simply sew it up and fill with padding – et voila! A one-off cushion that will introduce a new texture to your bed or lounge. This coarse, earthy fabric works best when paired with crisp, white linen and a few natural touches such as flowers and found objects.