Hessian (or burlap in the U.S.) is a coarse woven fabric usually made from jute or other vegetable fibers.
The name 'burlap' appears to be of unknown origin. The name 'hessian' is attributed to the use of the fabric, initially, as part of the uniform of soldiers from the German state of Hesse.
Hessian was first exported from India in the early 19th century. It was traditionally used as backing for linoleum, rugs, and carpet.
Hessian is often used...
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Hessian (or burlap in the U.S.) is a coarse woven fabric usually made from jute or other vegetable fibers.
The name 'burlap' appears to be of unknown origin. The name 'hessian' is attributed to the use of the fabric, initially, as part of the uniform of soldiers from the German state of Hesse.
Hessian was first exported from India in the early 19th century. It was traditionally used as backing for linoleum, rugs, and carpet.
Hessian is often used to make sacks and bags to ship goods like coffee beans. It is breathable and thus resists condensation and associated spoilage of the contents. It is also durable enough to withstand rough handling in transit; these properties have also led to its use for temporary protection of setting cement and concrete by the construction industry.
Due to its coarse texture, it is not commonly used in modern apparel. However, this roughness gave it a use in a religious context for mortification of the flesh, where individuals may wear an abrasive shirt...
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