Burlap

B is for BURLAP

Continuing with my alphabetical listing of textile terms
(see my blog “ARALAC”, 11/12/16) today is the letter B.

I have already written several “B’s”  :Batik

                                                           Burkini

                                                           Buttons

                                                          
Blackwork

                                                           Burton
(Virginia Lee)

There are many other “B” textile references: buckram, brodade,
Berlin work, but our subject is BURLAP.

Also called Hessian, Burlap is a coarse, rough, heavy
plain-weave fabric made from jute or hemp fiber..The fabric was first imported from India in the 19th C. The term Hessian refers to the coarse, heavy uniforms worn by the Hessian troops of Hesse (Germany)

  Because it is known for its durability and strength, poor grades
of the fabric are used for sacking and upholstery backing, however it frays
easily and has poor washability.

Better grades are bleached and/or dyed and are used in the
craft industry.  For years burlap has
been used as the ground fabric for rug hooking.  With special finishing treatments burlap can become a smooth,
attractive finishing fabric.