How to Use Flour Sacks as Décor in Your Home

One of our favorite household items of all time are none other than flour sacks. We know that sounds odd, but we can name at least 50 different ways to use flour sacks (see below), and we’re sure there’s even more! The best thing about flour sacks is they are extremely affordable (we’re talking less than $1 a piece) and can be found at your favorite discount retailer. While they are versatile, today we want to share with you how to use flour sacks as décor in your home. What you’ll find is even if they’re used for decoration, they also provide function, making them even more valuable.

What is a Flour Sack?

For those who are not familiar, people used to purchase their flour in 50 and 100 pound sacks. Since resources were limited those days, people were more resourceful. That’s when they discovered just how versatile flour sacks are and started using them for things like flour sack towels, polishing cloths, pillowcases, entertaining essentials and even apparel. Furthermore, we often refer to them as tea towels because historically, they were used in Ireland and England while serving tea. Today, they have many uses that help us decrease our consumption of paper products and increase our ability to serve others well in our homes.

How to Use Flour Sacks as Décor in Your Home

Dinner Napkin

It’s no secret around here, we love using flour sacks as dinner napkins. We love it so much, we even hosted a creative workshop where we designed flour sacks as dinner napkins, so our guests could learn just how versatile they are. The soft cotton allows the flour sacks to lay organically amongst any tablescape for a casual and inviting feel.

We have two favorite ways to tie flour sacks as dinner napkins into the décor. The first way is to dye them to incorporate the color palette, like Shannon did for Jenna’s recent baby shower. The second way is to enhance them with fabric paint to tie in the theme as we did at our most recent workshop. You can fold them, tie them in a knot or drape them over a plate for an effortless look.

Table Runner

At first, it may seem odd to suggest using a flour sack as a table runner. However, if you lay several flour sacks along the length of the table, you might be surprised just how beautiful it looks! The more organic it looks, the more elegant it seems to feel. Then, try mixing in florals, candles and decorative accessories for a completed look.

Liner for Bread Basket, Bowl or Platter

A simple way to elevate your tablescape and dishes is to line baskets, bowls and platters. We often associate lined serveware with upscale restaurants and events, but if you use an organic linen like a flour sack, it dresses things up without making it feel over the top.

*Please note, we recommend lining serveware you intend to serve dry ingredients in as they are less likely to stain your flour sacks.

Kitchen Decor

We love to use textiles throughout our homes to add color, texture and warmth to our spaces. The same can be achieved using a flour sack as a decorative towel in your kitchen. Simply, choose a design that compliments your space and hang it on the stove or dishwasher handle or on a hook near the sink. Not only will it add the aforementioned design elements, but it will also provide function for drying dishes or hands.

50 Ways to Use Flour Sacks While Hosting and Entertaining

Looking for other ways to use flour sacks? Below, we’ve named 50 different ways you can use flour sacks while hosting and entertaining in your home! Not bad for a dollar find!

Cleaning and Drying

• 1. Drying dishes
• 2. Drying hands
• 3. Drying counters or tables
• 4. Use as a drying mat
• 5. Wiping and dusting surfaces
• 6. Cleaning household items
• 7. Cleaning windows
• 8. Polishing silverware
• 9. Line refrigerator drawers for easy cleanup

Food Storage and Preparation

• 10. Cleaning and drying salad
• 11. Keeping greens crisps – wrap greens in flour sack and place in ziplock bag
• 12. Cover rising dough
• 13. Cover food to keep warm
• 14. Cutting board catcher – place under cutting board to catch chopped food
• 15. Line the lid of Crock-Pot to prevent condensation
• 16. Cheesecloth
• 17. Strainer

Kitchen Aid

• 18. Wear as an apron
• 19. Cutting board grip – dampen and place under cutting board to help keep in place
• 20. Potholder or oven mitt – be careful to fold it over several times to protect your hands
• 21. Line kitchen drawers and cabinets
• 22. Wrap and store fine china

Serving and Dining

• 23. Dinner napkin
• 24. Placemat
• 25. Table runner
• 26. Bread basket liner
• 27. Serving tray liner
• 28. Tea or coffee cozy
• 29. Trivet
• 30. Bib
• 31. Picnic surface

Home Decor and House Guest Uses

• 32. Hand towel
• 33. Pillowcase or sham
• 34. Small curtain
• 35. Furniture cover
• 36. Hair towel
• 37. Frame decorative flour sack as artwork

Hostess Gifts and Gift Wrap

• 38. Gift wrap or bag
• 39. Gift basket liner
•  40. DIY to give as a gift – Dye, paint, embroider, etc.

Other Uses

• 41. Stain lifter – soak stain in 3 to 1 water-vinegar solution, lay flour sack over stain and use a heated iron to lift the stain
• 42. Ice pack
• 43. Canvas for painting
• 44. Crafting
• 45. Handkerchief or bandana
• 46. Headband
• 47. Move and store breakable items
• 48. Diapering
• 49. Burp cloth
• 50. Drop cloth