Hessian fabric

Hessian /ˈhɛsi.ən/, or burlap in the U.S. and Canada, is a woven fabric usually made from skin of the jute plant or sisal fibres, which may be combined with other vegetable fibres to make rope, nets, and similar products. Gunny cloth is similar in texture and construction.

Hessian, a dense woven fabric, has historically been produced as a coarse fabric, but more recently it is being used in a refined state known simply as jute as an eco-friendly material for bags, rugs and other products.

The name "burlap" appears to be of unknown origin, although the word could mean "coarse piece of cloth." The name "hessian" is attributed to the use of the fabric, initially, as part of the uniform of soldiers from the former Landgraviate of Hesse and its successors in interest (including the current German state of Hesse, whose people (and, thus, soldiers) were called "Hessians."

History

Hessian was first exported from India in the early 19th century. It was traditionally used as backing for linoleum, rugs and carpet.