What Is A Burlap? What Is Burlap Made From?
What Is A Burlap?
Burlap is a rough, beige-colored woven cloth made from jute, hemp, or flax fibers. These fibers are not known for their softness, hence the resulting fabric has a large weave pattern and a coarse texture. Burlap is frequently utilized to make storage bags for bulk items like grains, potatoes, and others.
These bags can be printed with simple logos or trademarks for easy identification of their contents. The origin of the word burlap is not clear, but it’s sometimes referred to as Hessian cloth.
Burlap is also used in the manufacturing of linoleum flooring, acting as a reinforcement, much like steel rebar in concrete. It provides a base for carpet fibers and can also be used as a wall covering, since it holds paint and has unique textures.
Though not as highly regarded as canvas, burlap can serve similar purposes. Tote bags made from burlap are a more eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic bags for grocery shopping. Burlap is biodegradable, so its usage in potato and apple sacks won’t harm the environment. The use of jute and hemp fibers also supports sustainable industries.
Attempts have been made to use burlap for cheap clothing and other consumer goods, but results have been inconsistent. Hemp fiber-made fabric is still too rough for everyday comfort. Consumers are more likely to use burlap for tablecloths, decorative rugs, and other similar applications.
Burlap sacks often feature interesting images, similar to packing crates, which can be transformed into decorative tapestries or lampshades with the right tools and skills.
What Is Burlap Made From?
Burlap fabric is a type of woven material made from natural fibers, commonly derived from jute, but can also come from flax or hemp. When buying burlap products, it’s crucial to check if it’s made from natural or synthetic fibers, as natural burlap is biodegradable and durable.
Jute is a plant that grows to a height of 8 to 12 feet, with a golden shine and is processed by steeping and bundling the stems, washing and drying the fibers in the sun, then converting the jute into burlap at a mill through blending and weaving the fibers into a yarn.
The resulting burlap material is commonly used to make sacks for carrying goods such as cement and coffee beans, but also has applications in arts, crafts, home decoration, and wrapping paper.
Types Of Burlap
Burlap, made from jute fibers, can have varying levels of openness in its weave and can feel rough to the touch, making it unsuitable for clothing. Burlap can be combined with other fibers, making it durable and dyeable.
There are also blends of burlap like Equinox faux burlap, a man-made material ideal for tableware, and polyester faux burlap for home decor. Burlap can be laminated to make it waterproof for storage bags or bituminized for heavy outdoor use, like camping mats.
Uses Of Burlap
Burlap is a versatile material in home décor and crafts. Some uses include curtains, cushions, table mats, ribbon and bows, wall hangings, rosettes, bunting, gift bags, and wreaths.
