What Is Burlap? A Complete Guide To The Hessian Fabric

Burlap, also known as Hessian fabric is woven out of the skin of the jute plant. It's a dense and coarse woven fabric that is useful in various contexts such as gardening, landscaping, crafting, and shipping. 

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Jute fabric is an eco-friendly material that can be used to construct bags, totes, rugs and more. 

Historically, hessian was initially exported from India for many of the same reasons we use it today, such as backing for linoleum, rugs, carpet and as sacks for grains and vegetables.  

Uses of Burlap

Despite being a very coarse material, burlap fabric is incredibly useful as it's highly durable and breathable. Some of the most common uses for burlap material include:

Gardens & Landscaping

Jute or burlap fabric is commonly used in gardening and landscaping contexts as it's an all-natural, biodegradable textile. This means it can be used to wrap the roots of trees and plants for transplanting or selling. The burlap provides a breathable and moisture-resistant protective wrap that will keep from damaging the roots and limits the risk of mould or rot due to excess moisture. 

Additionally, burlap is a common choice for protecting trees, shrubs and other foliage from extreme weather like snow, high winds, excess sun, etc. This is especially helpful for young plants as they are not yet strong enough for extreme weather and more prone to damage from things such as high winds.

During emergencies such as hurricanes, sandbags made from burlap are constructed and placed to help minimize flooding in high-risk areas. 

Shipping Materials

Perhaps one of the most common places for you to see burlap is shipping and transporting materials such as burlap sacks and burlap bags. 

The natural fibers and breathability make this fabric ideal for transporting a variety of items, especially agricultural items that require moisture control. Some of the most common products to be transported in Hessian jute bags (aka. gunny sacks) include:

• coffee beans
• wool fibre 
• tobacco
• flour
• rice and grains
• vegetables such as potatoes

Home decor, Crafting & Apparel

Burlap in home decor and crafting has become increasingly popular. The coarse cloth is sturdy, holds its shape well, and can be recycled in future DIY projects or in your home recycle bin. 

Some of the most common home decor, crafting and DIY projects you'll find using burlap are: 

• seasonal wreaths

   

• curtains
• ribbons and bows for wrapping, Christmas tree decor, accessories, etc. 
• eco-friendly gift bags
• table runners and place settings
• garland and bunting
• a decorative addition to ornaments, jars, cushions, and more.

The options are truly endless for how you can use burlap to decorate your home or in your next crafting project. Its a great way to recycle any burlap you get from produce or other food bags - incorporating it into your DIY projects. 

As for apparel, while burlap may be seen in some accessories such as hair bows or headbands, burlap is not typically used for clothing. This is because the coarse texture of the fabric can cause chaffing, itching and overall discomfort, making it a poor choice for everyday clothing.

Hessian takes its name from German soldiers who belonged to a state named Hesse, who wore uniforms made from burlap and were known as Hessians. Since then, hessian fabric has been called by this name.

Burlap originated in India. Owing to the numerous jute plants growing there, burlap was widely produced and was used only for making ropes in earlier times. In the &#;s English traders then began to ship tons of jute to Britain.

Are Burlap and Hessian the same thing?

Burlap is the same natural fabric as hessian, but the term is more commonly used across America and Canada. In the UK and Europe, it is better known as Hessian.

How is Hessian made?

Jute is extracted from the bark of the white jute plant. It is a natural fibre with a golden hue, hence being called the Golden Fibre. Jute is an annual crop taking about 120 days to grow.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of custom hessian bags. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What is Hessian used for?

Hessian is often used to make sacks and to ship goods like coffee beans and tea. It is breathable and so resists condensation and associated spoilage of its contents. It is also durable enough to withstand rough handling in transit.

Hessian is commonly used to make sandbags. It is also perfect for a wide range of uses from home décor to craft projects and is very popular for wedding decorations at the moment.

Is Hessian Biodegradable?

One major advantage of hessian fabric is that it is made entirely from natural vegetable fibres, making it completely biodegradable. It is extremely useful in landscaping, agricultural uses and also very popular in the décor/craft industry for its eco-friendly properties.

Is Hessian sustainable?

Hessian is a sustainable fabric due to the easily grown plants, that need very little tending. You do not need to apply much effort for a large yield. The plants do not require much water and can possibly survive a drought.

Is Hessian washable?

In most cases, hessian requires specialist cleaning. However, hand wash may be used for small finished hessian pieces. Wash with cold water (warm water could shrink the textile). Use a gentle liquid detergent and soak for 5 minutes (no more).

Hessian must be thoroughly dried. Open weave Hessians need a more specialist clean to keep their shape.

Can Hessian be dyed?

Hessian can be dyed using cloth dye. It is best to do the dye mixing in an old bucket outside. Leave the fabric in the solution as per the dye instructions, but make sure to keep stirring to get an even colour. If you want a lighter colour, leave it in for less time.

Can Hessian be ironed?

It should be covered with a damp cloth and ironed on medium heat.

Can you paint on Hessian?

Hessian is a versatile fabric just like cotton and linen and will take paint well.

Can Hessian be used for punch needlework?

Although hessian is not highly recommended for punch needlework, it could be used for heavier projects such as rugs and runners.

J65 JUTE TARPAULIN NATURAL

This is a 15oz jute, used for making bags and sacks. It also can be used for craft projects that require a heavier fabric than Jute Hessian.

F26 HESSIAN NATURAL (NDFR)

This is an 8.9oz hessian that has a flame-retardant treatment. This is perfect for commercial projects, such as use on stage and for making public notice boards.

J15E BUCKRAM JUTE NATURAL

This is a 15oz stiffened jute, used for commercial pelmets and tie-backs.

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