
Decorating candles with burlap is a simple, inexpensive, and creative way to enhance your home decor. It is also a great way to repurpose old candles lying around the house. Burlap is a type of fabric that is usually woven from the skin of the jute plant or other vegetable fibres, giving it a coarse and tough texture. When wrapped around candles, it adds a rustic and elegant touch to the overall aesthetic. The process of decorating candles with burlap involves measuring and cutting burlap to fit around the candle, securing it with hot glue, and customising it with lace, buttons, or twine. These candles make beautiful centrepieces and can be used for various occasions, including holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cost | Inexpensive |
| Time | Quick |
| Materials | Burlap cloth, glue, twine, ribbon, lace, buttons, shells, sand, glass or metal votive holder |
| Use | Decorative, not for burning |
| Customisation | Can be customised with brightly coloured ribbon or floral stems |
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What You'll Learn

Using hot glue to secure the burlap cloth to the candle
Hot glue is a great option to secure burlap cloth to a candle. It is important to note that hot glue can be messy and hot, so caution is advised when using it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use hot glue effectively for this purpose:
Prepare the Burlap Cloth:
Before gluing, measure the candle and cut the burlap cloth accordingly, adding about 2 inches to the length to allow for overlap. If the burlap has rough or fraying edges, consider sewing along the edges or using a simple running stitch to prevent fraying.
Applying the Hot Glue:
Using a hot glue gun, apply a small amount of hot glue to the back of the burlap cloth. Start by gluing the beginning of the burlap to the candle, then about halfway around, and again at the end when overlapping the burlap onto itself. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can seep through the burlap easily and be careful not to burn your fingers.
Securing the Burlap:
Press and hold the glued areas of the burlap cloth onto the candle, ensuring a strong bond. You can use pins or clips to hold the burlap in place as the glue dries for a more secure hold.
Embellishments:
Once the burlap is secured, you can add embellishments such as lace, buttons, or other decorative items using hot glue. Remember to space out any embellishments evenly for a polished look.
Tips:
If you are concerned about the hot glue melting when the candle is lit, consider using a high-heat hot glue or a specially formulated adhesive designed for candle making, such as Tecbond 7822 by Power Adhesives, which offers excellent tack and a quick setting time.
Additionally, if you are using a glass container for your candle, you can glue the burlap around the middle, allowing any decorations inside the jar to be visible and adding a unique touch to your creation.
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Adding decorations to the burlap, such as ribbon or lace
Burlap is a versatile material that can be used to decorate candles, candle holders, and jars. It is a type of fabric that is usually woven from the skin of the jute plant or other vegetable fibres and tends to be rough and scratchy due to the coarse nature of jute. Despite its texture, burlap is a popular choice for crafting and decorating because of its durability, flexibility, and rustic charm.
When decorating candles with burlap, it is important to consider the size of the candle and the amount of burlap needed. Each piece of burlap should cover around 50% of the candle or candle holder being wrapped. Measure and cut out the desired number of pieces accordingly. Wrap the burlap around each candle or candle holder and secure it with a small amount of hot glue.
To add decorations to the burlap, cut a piece of ribbon and wrap it around the candle or candle holder on top of the burlap. Secure the ribbon with another small drop of hot glue. For an elegant touch, consider using lace trim or ribbon instead of plain ribbon. The lace will complement the rustic charm of the burlap, creating a refined and romantic look. Fresh or silk flowers can also be added to the lace for a more elaborate and decorative finish.
For a cohesive look, especially when creating centrepieces or table settings, consider using the same lace and floral embellishments on other items such as plates, cake stands, trays, or even the table itself. Burlap table runners, placemats, and chair sashes can be embellished with lace and flowers to create a consistent and elegant rustic theme.
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Using burlap cloth on candles as a centerpiece
Burlap cloth-covered candles are a great, inexpensive way to change up your home decor and make a stunning centerpiece. The rustic look of these candles is eye-catching, and they are quick and easy to make.
To create these wrapped candles, you will need a candle with a holder, decorative burlap ribbon, a glue gun, and twine. You can also add lace, buttons, shells, or sand for decoration. Firstly, start at the bottom of the candle and use the glue gun to apply a row of twine, wrapping it around the candle and securing it with glue. Once you are a little over halfway up the candle, cut the twine and glue the end down. Next, wrap the burlap ribbon around the candle, trimming it to be slightly longer than the circumference. Secure the ribbon with glue, ensuring it is in a straight line. Finally, add any extra decorations, such as lace, buttons, or shells, gluing them onto the burlap.
You can place your burlap-covered candles on a pretty dinner plate, perhaps with some crafty twigs or flowers, to create a beautiful centerpiece. These candles are perfect for special events, holidays, or just to add a rustic, creative touch to your home decor.
It is important to note that candles wrapped in burlap are for decorative purposes only and should not be burned due to the risk of fire. If you wish to use the candle, you can wrap the burlap around a glass candle holder and place the candle inside.
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Choosing the right type of burlap cloth for your candle
Burlap is a type of fabric that is usually woven from the skin of the jute plant or other vegetable fibres. It tends to be rough and scratchy because the jute is coarse and tough. However, you can also find faux burlap, which is usually softer and doesn't shed. It still looks like regular burlap.
When choosing the right type of burlap cloth for your candle, consider the following:
Fabric Density
This refers to how loosely or tightly the fabric threads are woven. Burlap is a loosely woven fabric, which makes it a good option for a shade cloth as it allows some light to pass through. If you want your candle to be more visible through the burlap, look for a more loosely woven fabric.
Colour and Pattern
Burlap is typically available in natural shades of brown or tan. However, you can also find it in different colours or patterns, such as pearl-trimmed burlap ribbon. Choose a colour or pattern that complements your candle and its surroundings.
Width of the Burlap Ribbon
Wide burlap ribbon will make the project easier and quicker to complete. If you only have a piece of burlap, you can cut it down to size, but this will take more time and effort.
Softness
If you plan to handle the burlap-wrapped candle frequently, consider using faux burlap, which tends to be softer than regular burlap. This will make it more comfortable to grip and carry the candle.
Fire Safety
Burlap-wrapped candles are typically for decorative purposes only and should not be burned due to the burlap being a fire hazard. If you wish to burn the candle, consider wrapping the burlap around a glass candle holder instead, allowing you to use the candle inside normally.
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Safety considerations when burning candles with burlap cloth
Burlap-wrapped candles are a great way to decorate your home, but it is important to keep in mind that burlap is a flammable material and extra precautions must be taken to ensure safe burning. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when burning candles with burlap cloth:
Do Not Light the Burlap-Wrapped Candle
Burlap is a type of fabric that is usually woven from the skin of the jute plant or other vegetable fibers. It tends to be rough and scratchy due to the coarse nature of jute. As such, it is highly flammable and should not be burned. If you have wrapped burlap around a candle, do not light the candle. Instead, use the burlap-wrapped candle as a decorative piece or centerpiece.
Keep Flammable Objects Away
If you choose to light a candle near a burlap-wrapped candle or candle holder, ensure that all flammable objects are kept at a safe distance. This includes hair, clothing, decorations, books, paper, carpets, furniture, bedding, curtains, and other flammable decorations. It is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet (910 mm) between the candle flame and the surface above it. Additionally, if there are multiple candles, they should be placed at least 3 inches (76 mm) apart to prevent them from creating their own drafts.
Use Proper Candle Holders
Always use a non-flammable candle holder designed for the specific candle style. The candle holder should be large enough to collect any molten wax. Glass or metal candle holders are usually heat-resistant and provide a safe surface to burn your candle.
Burn Time and Relighting
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for burn time and proper use. In general, it is recommended that candles are not burned for longer than four hours and should be allowed to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended
It is important to never leave a burning candle unattended. Always ensure that candles are fully extinguished after use. Additionally, keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Burlap is a type of fabric that is usually woven from the skin of the jute plant or other vegetable fibres. It tends to be rough and scratchy.
Measure and cut out a piece of burlap that will cover around 50% of the candle or candle holder you are wrapping. Secure the burlap with a small drop of hot glue on the back side of the candle or holder.
No, candles wrapped in burlap are for looks only and should not be burned due to the burlap being a fire hazard.
Yes, you can decorate the burlap with ribbon, lace, buttons, shells, or floral stems.









































