Coffee Sack Gift Tote
Repurpose burlap coffee bags to create rustic gift totes that can be used again and again.
![Burlap Coffee Bag Gift Tote Neutral Burlap Gift Bags](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/1/H15HGS10_coffee-gift-bag-beauty_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400956809978.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- large coffee bags (ask local coffee shop or gourmet market for empty bags)
- twine or leather cording
- needle and thread or sewing machine
- various embellishments
- rotary cutting blade and mat
- scissors
Iron Bag
Remove wrinkles from bag by ironing it with a damp pressing cloth.
![Ironing Burlap Coffee Sack for Gift Tote Iron Burlap Bag With Damp Cloth](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/2/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-1_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400958325303.jpeg)
Remove Seams
Carefully cut off outer seams of bag; they are too thick to sew through and will be used later as tote handles.
![Cutting Burlap for Tote Bag Cut Off Seams](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/2/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-2_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400958325314.jpeg)
Cut Bag
Each large coffee bag will create four totes, so cut bag into fourths.
![Cutting Burlap Coffee Sack for Gift Tote Cut Bag Into Four Pieces Using Knife](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/0/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-3_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956589553.jpeg)
Sew Together
Stitch two sides and the bottom of each tote together using a top stitch on the sewing machine.
![Sewing Together Sides of Burlap Tote Sew Burlap Sides With Sewing Machine](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/0/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-4_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400954972965.jpeg)
Cut Handles
Cut previously removed seams into eight 14-inch pieces to create handles.
![Use Coffee Sack Seams for Tote Bag Handles Cutting Burlap Handles](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/0/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-5_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956334304.jpeg)
Attach Handles
Attach handles to either the outside or inside of bag using a sewing machine or with hand stitching. If desired, add a bow, pin, the recipient's initials or other embellishments to finished tote. Tip: Experiment with creating other gift bag styles such as envelopes, drawstring bags and traditional gift wrap using this resourceful material.
![Attaching Burlap Handles to Tote Bag Sew Handles to Bag](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/4/0/Original_Michele-Beschen-coffee-bag-gift-wrap-step-6_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956589835.jpeg)