"Updated: 9/1/2025"
Many of us put so much focus and time on making the insides of our homes perfect for the holidays, we tend to neglect the outside. This year, greet guests with this easy Christmas door hanger using a burlap tote bag! Door decorations help make the entire house festive for the holidays from the inside out. In just a few easy steps you can up your door décor and put a smile on the faces of your mail carrier, package delivery person, and just those passing by your home.
To add some fun to your door this year, check out the full tutorial to see how to make your own easy Christmas door hanger using a burlap tote bag below!
Supplies:
- Small Burlap Tote Bag With Gusset
- Faux Floral Picks (I used 4 flocked evergreens with white berries)
- 1” Wire Ribbon in a Festive Pattern
- Electronic Cutting Machine (Like a Cricut or Silhouette)
- Cutting Mat
- Black Heat Transfer Vinyl
- EasyPress and Mat (or Iron and Ironing Board)
- Scissors
- Poly-Fill Fiberfill
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Step 1: Open up the burlap bag and cut off one of the handles.
Step 2: Open up Cricut Design Space and create your own sentiment. I used “Merry Christmas”. If you don’t have an electronic cutting machine, you could always use a stencil or print off a sentiment from online, trace it on the vinyl, and cut it out. Or, you could leave the sentiment off all together.
Step 3: If using an electronic cutting machine to cut out the sentiment, you’ll want to weed the negative and leave just the words.
Step 4: Place the burlap bag onto the Cricut EasyPress Mat (or on an ironing board). Add the design to the center of the bag. Then, place the EasyPress (or Iron) over the design according to the instructions on the back of the heat transfer vinyl package. Once you're done adhering the vinyl, slowly remove the liner.
Step 5: Cut a piece of ribbon that is 2” longer than the width of your burlap bag. Add glue to one end of the ribbon and glue it behind the front section of the bag.
Step 6: Add a thin strip of glue to the top and bottom of the ribbon. You’ll want to avoid adding glue to the middle of the ribbon because it will show through on the front. After you add your glue, pull the ribbon over the front of the bag and press down to adhere it.
Step 7: Flip the bag over, add glue to the other end of the ribbon, and glue it behind the front section of the bag.
Step 8: Cut a piece of ribbon 12” long and tie a bow. Trim the ends of the ribbon if desired. Then, place a dab of hot glue on the knot and glue to the bag.
Step 9: Grab a handful of fiberfill and stuff it inside of the bag. Make sure to leave the gusset of the bag closed while you add the fiberfill. You want the bag to keep the flat shape. The fiberfill is used to help open up the top of the bag and keep the floral picks in place. You’ll want to add a total of 2-3 handfuls of fiberfill.
Step 10: Start adding floral pics to the bag. Press them into the fiberfill. I added a total of 4 floral picks to my bag. You could add more or less depending on the size of your floral picks.
See how simple that was! I love projects that have a big impact, but don’t require a ton of time to make. This easy Christmas door hanger using a small burlap tote bag is just that–It’s simple yet will make such a statement on a front door. This door hanger is just what you need to complete your holiday look this year. Enjoy!
Best Ideas for Door Hangers
Now that you have made your own design, it’s time to have fun with these adorable totes! Here are some ideas that transform your bag into a wonderful item.
1. Personalized Family Name Door Hangers
A personalized Christmas door hanger featuring your family name is a wonderful way to welcome guests during the holidays. You can choose designs shaped like wreaths, reindeer, or even Santa’s sleigh, with your last name beautifully engraved or painted. These hangers double as both décor and keepsakes, making them memorable holiday gifts. For friends and relatives, gifting one personalized with their family name shows thoughtfulness and care. Even after Christmas, they can be stored safely and reused year after year, building a family tradition. A small touch like glitter paint or twinkling LED lights makes them stand out even more.
2. Jingle Bell Door Hangers for a Festive Sound
One of the most charming ideas is to make door hangers with real jingle bells that ring every time the door opens. These hangers are not only decorative but also fill the home with festive sounds that kids especially love. You can style them with red ribbons, holly leaves, and pinecones for that cozy Christmas aesthetic. As gifts, jingle bell hangers bring joy and instantly boost the holiday atmosphere in any home. They’re easy to DIY and affordable, which makes them excellent stocking stuffers or last-minute presents. Guests will remember the cheerful sound long after they leave.
3. Christmas Countdown Door Hangers
Imagine gifting a door hanger that doubles as an advent calendar! A Christmas countdown door hanger can feature chalkboard sections, flip numbers, or clothespin markers to track the days until Christmas. This idea is perfect for families with kids, as it builds anticipation and makes the wait more exciting. Parents will love using it as a daily holiday ritual with their children. As décor, these hangers are versatile and look great on bedroom doors, living room walls, or even as office decorations. It’s both practical and fun, blending function with festive cheer.
4. Door Hangers with Holiday Messages
Another creative idea is door hangers that feature joyful messages like “Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” or “Santa, Please Stop Here.” These signs can be made from wood, fabric, or recycled materials and decorated with seasonal patterns. They make fantastic gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers because they’re small, personal, and easy to display. If you want to add a DIY twist, you can create blank hangers and let recipients write their own messages with chalk markers. They also work well as party favors at holiday gatherings. A heartfelt holiday message at the door always sets a warm and inviting tone.
5. Themed Door Hangers for Kids’ Rooms
For children, themed Christmas door hangers featuring Santa, snowmen, or elves are a delightful surprise. You can make them interactive by adding pockets where “Santa’s letters” or small treats can be placed each night. These hangers make bedtime extra magical in December, keeping the holiday spirit alive. They also work as a great family craft activity kids can decorate their own hangers with stickers, glitter, and fabric scraps. As gifts, they’re thoughtful for young cousins, nieces, or nephews who love Christmas traditions. Plus, they’re reusable every year, creating a sense of excitement as soon as they’re hung.
Your Questions Answered
Do burlap tote bags develop an odor over time, and how can it be prevented?
Burlap (jute) is a natural fiber that can develop a musty smell if stored in damp conditions. To prevent odor, keep the bag dry, store it in a ventilated area, and occasionally air it out in sunlight.
Can jute bags handle moisture or rainy weather without damage?
Jute is not naturally water-resistant, so prolonged exposure to rain or dampness can weaken the fibers. Some bags are treated with coatings to improve water resistance, but generally, it’s best to avoid heavy moisture.
Are burlap tote bags safe for carrying food items directly?
Yes, burlap bags are safe for carrying packaged food, but raw or unwrapped items may absorb the fibers’ natural smell or texture. For direct food contact, look for jute bags with an inner lining, such as cotton or biodegradable film.
Can burlap tote bags be dyed or painted for DIY projects?
Yes, jute takes paint and dye fairly well, though the natural coarse texture creates a rustic look rather than smooth finishes. Acrylic paints and fabric dyes are commonly used for DIY customization.
Are wholesale burlap bags available in different handle types?
Burlap tote bags are sold with short hand straps, long shoulder straps, or reinforced padded handles, depending on intended use. Wholesale suppliers usually offer multiple options for customization.
How do burlap tote bags compare in cost to recycled cotton bags?
Burlap bags are generally cheaper than recycled cotton totes because jute is widely grown and low-cost to process. However, recycled cotton bags tend to be softer, more durable, and versatile for printing, which can justify their higher price.
