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8 Ideas For Vintage Grain Sacks

By Rachel

published 09/25/2020

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Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

Find 8 ideas for vintage grain sacks that are creative and sustainable!

Do you ever find yourself drawn to the charm and character of vintage farmhouse decor? Are you in search of unique and rustic pieces to add to your home? Let’s dive into the world of vintage grain sacks and uncover 8 ideas for vintage grain sacks as well as some creative ways to incorporate them into your decor.

Table of Contents

What To Do With Old Grain Sacks

These timeless and versatile pieces not only add a touch of nostalgia to any space, but also provide functionality and personality. From DIY projects to simple styling tips, get ready to elevate your home with these stunning vintage finds.

Get ready to be inspired and join us on this journey through the world of vintage grain sacks.

History of Grain Sacks

Grain sacks; weathered, worn, and rustic, go all the way back to the 18th century. These worn and timeless pieces were used for storing and hauling grains.

The sacks were made by hand from long linen bolts, taking an average weaver 1 night to weave 24 inches of this beautiful fabric.

Grain Sacks for Farming Purposes

The pretty stripes that you commonly see on grain sacks were like a farmer’s signature.

When the sacks were brought to the mill, each of the farmer’s sacks could be distinguished from everyone else’s sacks. Because of that, there is an endless variety of stripes on old grain sacks! The sacks that were plain or didn’t contain stripes were either monogrammed or stamped for the same purpose.

Besides the handmade linen sacks, there were jute or hessian sacks, also known as burlap. These were also used for agricultural purposes. They were stamped with charming rustic lettering and designs, mostly in black but there are colored ones available, although rare.

The pretty labeling on the burlap sacks shows us exactly what the sacks were used for, or at least the company that used them!

What Are Old Grain Sacks?

The quality of these vintage textiles is superb and each grain sack is unique. Each one is crafted out of either pure hemp or flax or a linen/cotton mix. The fabric used as well as the weight of the yarn and the retting process(which is basically fiber separation) plays a factor in the tone and texture of the grain sack.

Grain sacks can differ from very coarse to beautifully smooth and all textures in between. Sometimes you can find them with a grain spout and ties at the opening or sensational mends and patches.

The color tones on these beauties varies from dark caramels to grays and from cream to oatmeal while the striping colors come in every color you can imagine!

Grain sacks are stunning pieces of decor to use in your home. When you can find an old grain sack and re-purpose it for a different use, you are living sustainably!

8 Ideas for Vintage Grain Sacks

1. Make them into throw pillow cases for your couch, bed, window seat, etc…
2. Create a floor cushion!
3. Make a bulletin board using the sack as a backing and frame it with an old window!
4. They make wonderful rustic napkins!
5. Sew a cafe curtain or window valance for your kitchen.
6. With some simple sewing you can turn it into a bathmat!
7. Re-upholster your outdoor furniture cushions using grain sacks.
8. Use a sack to make a comfy dog (or cat) bed!

Closing Tidbits on 8 Ideas for Vintage Grain Sacks

I hope you found inspiration here today on 8 ideas for vintage grain sacks! Vintage grain sacks offer endless possibilities for adding character and charm to any space. From repurposing them into unique home decor pieces to using them as functional storage solutions, the options are truly limitless.

Challenge yourself to think outside the box and see how these humble sacks can elevate your space. And don’t forget, just like a good wine, these sacks only get better with age.

Grain sacks are timeless and create such a cozy, rustic element to any space in your home. It’s like you can feel the nostalgia of what these sacks carried in times gone by and take comfort in knowing they get to carry on as a part of your journey.

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!