Burlap Fabric

Burlap Fabric is a kind of rough fabric that is derived from jute or from vegetable fibers. It is also known as Hessian which may be attributed to the use of the fabric in the early times. It was used as a fabric in the uniforms of the Hesse soldiers, a German state. This type of fabric was predominately from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Burlap Fabric also had a role in some of the well known wars such as World War II. It was used to create the camouflage effect on the helmets of the soldiers. It was also used to make burlap scrim that was eventually woven to create bigger camouflage netting for the military.

Burlap Fabric – An Overview

Since burlap fabric is rather porous and breathable, it is used in various sacks and bags for shipping goods. It usually contains food because it can prevent spoilage. It is also strong enough to bear being handled by several people when being transported.

Aside from being used as sacks, burlap fabric is also used as material for curtains. For a low-cost fabric, it is actually a very durable material. It is also used to make carpets and rags. Because water can easily go through the burlap fabric, it is easy to disintegrate which is preferable for gardeners. Gardeners would use this burlap fabric in the garden to control soil erosion. It can also be used in construction as a cure for concrete.

For designing purposes, the burlap fabric can be used as wallpaper and as material for craft work. It is conducive for craft work because studs and beads can be embedded or sewn on the burlap fabric. The said fabric can be used in scrapbook making as well. Sometimes, burlap fabric is also used to make canvasses for paintings.

In order to wash burlap fabric without ruining it, it must be hung outside after being shaken. Washing it with water would only make it shrink. One of its cleaning agents when hung outside would be the sunlight as it may bleach the stains away, and the air may take the odor out. If the stains won’t go away, it could also be washed by hand with water, but the burlap fabric must be hung out to dry.

In storing the fabric, it is best to roll it up and put in a tube in order to avoid creasing. Storing them in places that are prone to mold growth, insects, and the like would obviously harm the fabric and its quality. Storing the burlap fabric in a cool dry place will be the best choice. But you must store the burlap fabric away from direct sunlight. When storing in a closet or a semi closed environment, make sure the closet has ventilation and air circulation to avoid the growing of mold.

Burlap fabric, though it may seem primitive at first because of its coarseness and color, actually has a lot of uses. It may look uncomfortable, but it can be used for different occasions and various activities. Burlap fabric is also very durable, useful, versatile and decorative.