Hessian Fabric by the Metre | Natural Jute

Q: What is the difference between jute and hessian?

There is no difference in the material itself! 'Jute' is the name of the tall, grass-like plant that is harvested and spun into coarse, strong vegetable fibres. 'Hessian' (also known as burlap in North America) is simply the name of the woven fabric that is created using those jute fibres.

Q: Why is it called hessian fabric?

The name 'hessian' has a fascinating historical origin. It derives from the German state of Hesse. During the American Revolutionary War, soldiers from Hesse (known as Hessians) wore coarse, woven uniforms made from this durable vegetable fibre, and the fabric eventually adopted their name in the UK and Europe.

Q: Is hessian fabric waterproof?

No, natural hessian fabric is not waterproof. In fact, it is highly absorbent and incredibly breathable. This loose, open weave allows air and moisture to pass through it freely, which is exactly why it is so highly valued in gardening and agriculture for wrapping plants without causing them to rot or suffocate.

Discover our durable and versatile hessian fabric by the metre at Fabric Land. Woven from 100% natural jute fibres, our breathable, eco-friendly hessian brings classic rustic charm to wedding décor, garden frost protection, upholstery bases, and heavy-duty craft projects.

Craft Fabric

Hessian Fabric (Thick)

£2.95 - £3.39 / per metre

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Buy Natural Jute Hessian Fabric By The Metre

Hessian (often referred to as burlap) is a coarse, heavy-duty woven textile crafted entirely from natural plant fibres. Celebrated for its eco-friendly, biodegradable qualities and distinctive open-weave texture, it is a favourite choice for makers seeking an authentic, rustic aesthetic or a high-strength utility fabric.

Explore Hessian Applications & Workroom Supplies:

Rustic Event & Wedding Décor: Create charming table runners, venue bunting, and chair sashes across our dedicated Weddings and Crafting ranges.

Gardening & Outdoor Protection: Protect delicate plants, winter shrubs, and root balls from frost while allowing moisture to pass through using natural jute from our Outdoor/Garden section.

Upholstery & Furniture Restoration: Provide strong structural backing for chair seats, webbing, and spring coverings, or pair with unbleached Calico and heavy Canvas in our Upholstery collection.

Heavy Duty Workroom Essentials: Slice through tough weave fibres cleanly using heavy-duty Scissors & Shears and secure seams using strong Thread.

What is hessian fabric used for?

Because of its incredible strength and coarse texture, hessian is used across multiple industries. In home crafting, it is widely used for rustic decorations, table runners, and tote bags. In traditional upholstery, it is stretched over furniture frames to cover springs. In gardening and agriculture, it is used to protect root balls during transport and to shield delicate plants from winter frost.