Creating A Burlap Bridal Sash: Step-By-Step Guide

A burlap wedding sash is a fun way to identify the guest of honour at a bridal shower or wedding. You can make your own sash with a few basic craft supplies and a sewing machine. First, get approximately 2 yards of 3-inch ribbon. Then, choose decorative trim, such as fringe or lace, and iron-on letters in the style and colour of your choice. You can also glue on sequins, crystals, and other embellishments to add some extra colour and sparkle. After decorating the sash, wrap it around yourself and adjust the ends so they meet at your hip, then sew the ends together and cut off any excess fabric.

Choosing the right burlap fabric

Burlap fabric is a durable, breathable fabric that is coarse to the touch and woven from natural jute fibres. It is available in a variety of colours, including natural, black, white, red, sage, oyster, brown, and more. When choosing the right burlap fabric for your wedding sash, there are several factors to consider:

Colour

As mentioned, burlap fabric comes in a wide range of colours. For a wedding sash, you may want to choose a colour that complements the wedding theme or the bride's/bridesmaids' dresses. Natural, white, and oyster burlap fabric can create a rustic, elegant look, while bolder colours like red or black can make a statement.

Quality

Not all burlap fabrics are created equal. Look for a fabric that is heavyweight and durable, as this will ensure your sash holds its shape and lasts through the wedding celebrations. Check customer reviews to get an idea of the quality of the fabric and whether it is suitable for your needs.

Width

The standard width for burlap fabric seems to be around 44-58 inches. When making a wedding sash, you will need to cut the fabric to size, so purchasing a wider fabric will give you more flexibility. It will also allow you to create a larger bow or drape if desired.

Price

Burlap fabric can vary in price depending on the quality and quantity you purchase. If you need a large amount of fabric for multiple sashes, buying in bulk or by the roll may be more cost-effective. Keep in mind that you may also need to purchase additional supplies, such as lace or other decorations, so factor that into your budget.

Washability

If you want your wedding sash to be reusable, look for burlap fabric that is washable. Some burlap fabrics are treated with chemicals to remove natural oils, which can affect their washability. Imitation burlap made from polyester is often washable and reusable.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right burlap fabric for your wedding sash project. With its rustic charm and versatility, burlap is a great choice for adding a unique, personal touch to your wedding day.

Cutting the fabric to size

To make a burlap wedding sash, you'll need to start by cutting the fabric to size. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• The first step is to measure the length of the sash. A standard sash length ranges from 80 inches to 160 inches. You can also measure the person's waist and add 1.5 inches to get the desired length. This will ensure a comfortable fit with a little extra fabric for adjustments.
• For the width of the sash, the standard range is between 1.5 inches to 3 inches. If you prefer a wider sash, you can certainly adjust the width according to your preference or body shape.
• Once you've determined the desired length and width, it's time to cut the fabric. Use fabric scissors to cut the burlap fabric according to the measurements you've decided on.
• If you want to create a fitted sash with a fastening at the back, you'll need to cut the fabric a bit differently. Add 1.5 inches to your waist measurement to get the length of the fabric. For a 3-inch wide sash, cut the fabric to a width of 6.5 inches. If you prefer a 1.5-inch wide sash, cut the fabric to a width of 3.5 inches.
• Keep the fabric piece folded in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. This will create a tube-like structure.
• Stitch along the long edges of the fabric tube, securing the layers together. Then, turn the tube inside out through one of the short edges. This will hide the raw edges and create a neat finish.
• Finish the ends of the sash with bias binding strips of fabric. Attach these strips to the ends of the tube to enclose the raw edges and give a polished look to your sash.

Remember to cut the fabric carefully, as this will impact the overall fit and appearance of your burlap wedding sash. Taking accurate measurements and cutting the fabric precisely will ensure a well-fitted and elegant sash for your wedding ensemble.

Adding decorative trim

Once you have your burlap sash cut to size, you can add decorative trim to the edges. This will give your sash a more polished look and feel.

Choosing your trim:

There are many different types of trim you can use to accent your sash. Consider fringe, lace, or another type of decorative trim. Make sure to get enough trim to cover the entire edge of your ribbon. If you have a 2-yard-long piece of ribbon, you will need the same amount of trim to cover one edge, or twice as much to cover both edges.

Attaching the trim:

Pin the trim to one edge of the ribbon, or to both edges if desired. The edges of the ribbon and trim should overlap by at least 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Place a pin through the ribbon and trim every 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) to secure them.

Sewing the trim:

Use a sewing machine to sew a straight stitch, about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge of the trim, to secure it to the ribbon. Make sure that you sew through both the ribbon and the trim.

Embellishing your trim:

You can further decorate your trim by sewing or gluing on sequins, crystals, and/or beads. Choose embellishments that have a flat side, as this will make it easier to attach them to the ribbon or trim. You can also add these embellishments to the body of the sash.

Using iron-on letters

If you want to use iron-on letters for your wedding sash, you'll be pleased to know that you can iron vinyl or HTV letters onto burlap. However, there are a few things you should know before you start.

Firstly, burlap is highly flammable, so you need to take precautions to prevent burning the fabric. Set your iron to low or medium heat, and ensure the burlap is damp before you start. You can use a spray bottle filled with distilled water to dampen the burlap.

When you're ready to apply the letters, place the heat transfer sheet of vinyl on the burlap, precisely where you want it. Then, place a thin piece of cloth or sheet between the HTV/heat transfer vinyl and your iron. Press the iron down hard for about one minute, and the vinyl/HTV should be stuck to the burlap.

If the vinyl does not stick to the burlap, don't worry. Take the end of a weeding tool (or any other blunt object) and rub each letter into the burlap. The vinyl will release from the carrier sheet. You may need to do this a few times, but the letters will eventually come off with encouragement.

Sewing the sash together

Now that you have cut your burlap fabric to size, it's time to sew the sash together.

Firstly, fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Using a sewing machine or sewing by hand, stitch along the long edges of the fabric, leaving a small gap in the middle. This will create a tube-like structure. Turn the tube inside out through the gap, using a sharp tool to push out the corners if needed.

Next, attach a small piece of fabric, around 1 inch wide and 1 inch longer than the width of the sash, to bind the edge. Fold the top of this piece of fabric and stitch the edges, then turn it to the other side and stitch again. Repeat this process for the other side. This will neatly finish the ends of the sash.

If you would like to add a fastening to your sash, you can attach hooks and eyes, or another type of fastening such as velcro or snaps. Alternatively, you can leave the sash as a simple tie sash, in which case you will need to cut a longer piece of fabric to allow for the bow.

Finally, try on your sash and adjust the length as needed. Cut the fabric to the desired length, then fold over the raw edge and stitch to create a neat hem. Your burlap wedding sash is now complete!

Frequently asked questions