What is Hessian? Fabric Guide and Types

Do you have any idea what is Hessian? If you don't, then you are on the right page. In this article, we will be discussing what Hessian fabric is, what it is used for, where it originated, and what it is made of.

Table of Contents

What is Hessian? – History

Hessian fabric is known as burlap in the United States and crocus in Jamaica. This fabric is commonly made of sisal fibers or from the skin of the jute plant. When combined with vegetable fibers, you can create many different products from ropes to nets, among many others. Gunny is another fabric that has the same construction and texture.

What is Hessian Jute — What is Hessian - Jute

The hessian fabric has been produced historically as a coarse and dense woven fabric. Today it is widely used as jute which is a refined state of the fabric and is used as a material for eco-friendly rugs, bags, and other related products.

Hessian fabric is so-called because of its use in history as a fabric that is part of the uniforms of soldiers from the once-known Landgraviate of Hesse and all its successors. This includes the German State of Hesse. In history, the people in that state were once called Hessians.

As for the word burlap, which the Americans call the Hessian fabric, the word's origin is unknown. The earliest known appearance of the world burlap was recorded way back in the 17th century. As for its etymology, experts speculate that "bur" is from the Middle English Borel, the Dutch boeren, or the Old French burel. The latter part, "lap," is a Dutch word that means a piece of cloth.

What is Hessian Fabric? – Types

Laminated Colored Hessian Fabric

This is a classic weave of Hessian fabric that has a somewhat rough texture and has a laminated surface applied to the back of the fabric. The purpose of the lamination is to prevent water and other liquids from reaching the fabric. Because of this, the laminated hessian fabric can be used to wrap things that you do not want to get wet with water or other liquids.

The classic jute fibers are rough and are woven loosely and simply into a mesh weave. This would normally let water pass through it. However, because the back part of this fabric is laminated, this fabric can be used to keep water out. Other uses of this type of hessian fabric include arts and crafts and other heavy practical uses.

Suppose you wish to use this to cover larger items such as tables and stalls. In that case, the laminated backing makes it a bit sturdier. It comes in handy when placing wet objects or objects that hold water that may cause spillage.

Extra Wide Fire Retardant Hessian

What is hessian fabric with an extra-wide fire retardant finish? This particular type of hessian fabric is designed for covering large objects such as wide tables and market stalls. As the name suggests, this hessian fabric has fire retardant elements making it ideal for use in public events and large gatherings as it passes the standards of most health and safety protocols.

Because of this fabric's width and fire retardant elements, this hessian fabric is ideal for industrial uses such as conferences, meetings, celebrations, and other events involving a large group of people.

This type of hessian fabric is also used in upholstery. It is very useful in structuring an item before applying the finishing fabric and padding. As for many furniture-making standards, fire retardant properties are imperative.

What is Hessian- Bituminized Hessian

What is hessian bituminized? This is another traditional rough open weave of the hessian fabric. This type of Hessian makes use of bitumen to have that watertight protective cover. The coating of the black bitumen is laid in between the brown backing paper and the hessian fabric making a fabric capable of withstanding repetitive and rough outdoor use.

The properties of the bitumen that is added to this fabric make this type of hessian good for sealing the roofing, protecting boats, and coating buildings. This is a durable type of Hessian. The bitumen itself is enough to work as a sealant. hessian fabric makes a very tough surface that can be used to wrap objects that need protection.

It is common knowledge to paint a layer of bitumen to protect certain objects and to add waterproofing property. However, with this type of Hessian fabric, you no longer need to do so since you can conveniently cover the object you wish to protect with this fabric. You can remove it anytime you want as well. This is more convenient, and yet it provides the same protection and waterproofing element. This is a good alternative to painting bitumen directly to the surface of the object.

Because this fabric is waterproof due to the bitumen and the hessian adds extra grip, this type of hessian fabric can be used temporarily as flooring for building sites, gardens, marquees, greenhouses, tents, among many others.

Colored Jute Hessian

What is hessian colored jute? This is a classic, simple type of hessian fabric that comes in a variety of different colors. It is constructed in the same way as the natural hessian fabric with the addition of solid dye to produce the colored jute hessian in 17 different colors.

The process of weaving this type of hessian fabric includes weaving the jute fibers into a coarse weave cloth. This cloth weighs around 275 grams for every square meter and is weaved in such a way that the cloth appears to be semi-opaque. When looked upon from afar, the fabric looks solid, but when you observe, you should be able to see the color of the fabric seeping through the holes of the weave.

Colored hessian fabric is perhaps the most versatile. You can see this being used in construction sites, schools, offices, backgrounds in events, theatre backdrops, sports centers, and many more. This tough and versatile fabric can be used for creative projects such as banners, notice boards, tents, and many more.

Colored Soft Jute Hessian

What is soft hessian jute? This type of hessian fabric is similar to the previous fabric. They are woven in the same process, but the colored soft jute hessian differs from the fact that the finishing of this fabric is a notch softer.

The coarse weave of this hessian fabric includes various yarn sizes, making the result less uniform and more open. This means that if you have a different color placed behind the fabric, you will see through it.

The materials for this hessian fabric include jute, which comes from the fibers of the jute plant. Jute is a natural material making this fabric-friendly to the environment. Even when this product is used to make a rope, cloth, or other material, it will remain biodegradable. Environmentalists would love this type of Hessian.

There are 13 color options for this hessian. All colors are deep, solid-dyed. The colors range from mid-tone purple to canary yellow. These plethoras of color options make this already versatile Hessian fabric even more versatile.

Colored soft hessian has all the qualities of the previous type with minimal distinct differences. In addition, it has a self-adhesive backing and a fire retardant coating. The waxed paper protects the backing, and you can easily peel it off to reveal the sticky coating that covers the back of the Hessian, making it very easy to use for both small and relatively large objects.

This Hessian has a close coarse weave, and the jute fibers add a soft brown shade to the fabric. In addition, all of the fabrics are environmentally friendly and are biodegradable.

Colored Fire Retardant Jute Hessian

People often ask what hessian-colored fire retardant jute is. Well, the name of this fabric says it all. This fabric is colored jute hessian with fire retardant elements. Like the other fabrics, this is also made from natural jute fibers, very durable and versatile.

The jute fibers are rough, creating a close weave. However, the weave is not too close; thus, the fabric is not entirely opaque. As with the other types of hessian, you will see the background color behind the fabric.

This fabric has several uses, from events to protective coverings, to designs, arts and crafts, and almost all indoor and outdoor activities that require fabrics. You can see many of these in market stalls and as table covers in many events. The downside to this fabric is that it is not waterproof. Therefore, you should check the weather before using this fabric outdoors.

What is Hessian? – In Conclusion

What is Hessian? Hessian fabrics are made from natural jute fibers and are eco-friendly. Their uses are very versatile as they can be used in almost any manner that requires fabrics. Many people use this in the arts or for protecting particular objects, while others use these fabrics in events. Regardless, the versatility of hessian fabric is unquestionable.

What is Hessian? Fabric Guide and Types

What is Hessian? – History