DIY Antique Grain Sack Ribbon Tutorial

In this post: DIY Antique Grain Sack Ribbon Tutorial. Use these easy, step-by-step directions to make your own ribbon from an antique grain sack.

Way back when my blog was very new, I published a post called How to Make a Perfect Bow. It has been the single, most popular post on my site. About the same time, I opened an Etsy shop and began selling handmade home furnishings made from linen and vintage fabrics. I had just discovered grain sacks and had fallen totally, completely in love. So I started buying grain sacks and re-purposed them into items for my online shop. One of the things I made was ribbon from the grain sack stripes. I then used my Perfect Bow method to make wreath bows from the grain sack ribbon. All these years later, I’ve finally come up with a method for diy antique grain sack ribbon that requires no sewing. Read on for all the details!

DIY Antique Grain Sack Ribbon

Before making the ribbon, it’s best to wash and dry the grain sack. Some dealers wash them before selling, but some don’t. Using a hot iron, press the grain sack after it has been laundered. 

*Some links lead to websites where I am an affiliate. Click HERE for my disclosure statement. 

1. Supplies needed: 

• Iron-on fusible tape
• Ruler
• Sharpie or marking pen
• Scissors
• Antique grain sack
• Iron & ironing board

2. Measuring the ribbon

The perfect width for grain sack ribbon is between four and five inches, so a six inch strip works great. Begin measuring at one end of the sack. Using a ruler, place the 3 inch mark on the center line of the grain sack stripe. With the sharpie, make a cutting line on both sides of the stripe. Mark the entire length of the stripe, on both sides of the sack.

3. Cutting the grain sack ribbon

Once the entire length of the stripe is marked on both sides, begin cutting along one dotted line. Go slowly so the cutting line is as straight as possible. Repeat for the other side of the stripe. 

4. Finishing the edges

At this point, you should have a 6 inch wide length of grain sack ribbon. Take the ribbon and fusible tape to your ironing board. Beginning with one side, fold over the raw edge about 3/4 inch and press with a hot iron. Cut a piece of fusible tape the length of your ribbon. Place the tape under the folded edge and press. Follow the directions on the fusible tape package for your iron settings. (Most tell you to turn off the steam.)

Repeat for the other side.

Once both sides have been fused, press the entire length of ribbon. If you aren’t going to use it right away, store it rolled and not folded. 

Where to buy grain sacks

Grain sacks vary in size, condition and price. The pristine, large sacks are of course more expensive than ones that have flaws or stains. It takes some time and searching to find good sacks, but it’s time well spent. Most of my sacks have been purchased on eBay but they can be found on Etsy as well. Some flea markets, antique shows and antique malls carry them too. Here are my best sources:

• My favorite grain sack seller on eBay
• Antique grain sacks on eBay
• Antique grain sacks on Etsy (the Etsy search filter included other grain sack items so you need to sift through to find the actual sacks.)
• Grain sack inspired new fabric

I used to be a purist when it came to vintage fabric…especially grain sacks. I never offered anything in my online shop that was made from new “grain sack inspired” fabric. I’ve relaxed a bit though and actually think it’s a very good way to get the look for less. I used new grain sack fabric on my dining room chairs and I love it. You can see it HERE. The fabric has worn well and looks pretty authentic. It’s a great option if you don’t want to spend the money on an antique grain sack. 

Grain Sack Ribbon Tips:

• The length of your piece of ribbon will be determined by the length of your grain sack. Most antique grain sacks measure between 40 and 50 inches long. They are made from hemp fabric that comes in a roll. These rolls vary in width but are usually between 18 and 22 inches, sometimes wider, but the really wide sacks are hard to find. The sack is constructed of one long length of hemp, folded in half and stitched up the sides. So…if you have a grain sack that measures 45 inches long, your ribbon length will be 90 inches. 
• When I sold grain sack ribbon in my online shop, I serged the raw edges, turned them under and finished them with a machine stitch. If you sew, and have the equipment, this is a good route to go.
• Don’t let marks or stains keep you from using the entire length of the stripe. All grain sacks have been through the mill, so to speak, and the flaws add character. 

I can’t tell you how happy I am that this post is finally finished. I’ve also written a second post with instructions for making a perfect bow from your grain sack ribbon. Click HERE to see more. 

What you Need to Know About Grain Sacks

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