You are super confused, right? You might be wondering, Well, hessian is made from jute, but why has this term been used?
Is there any significant difference between these two? Or, is it just a local term in Australia?
In this post, I will dig deep and figure out exactly what the difference is.
Let’s get into it.
What is Hessian Fabric?
Hessian is a jute fabric. When jute fabric is coarse and dense, it’s often known as hessian fabric. The term hessian is popular in Australia and England. On the other hand, it’s known as burlap in the United States.
It has a rough texture, a natural color, and high breathability. Hessian is used in making sacks, bags, and packaging materials for agricultural products.
Interested in learning more about hessian fabric? Check it out here.
What Is Jute Fabric?
Jute fabric is made from jute fibers, which are grown in the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. It has a natural and rustic appearance, with a coarse texture and a golden or brownish color.
Jute fabric is used to make bags, rugs, upholstery, curtains, and other home furnishing items. Jute fiber is also known as "golden fiber" because of its golden color and economic importance.
Learn more about Jute fabric here.
What’s the difference between Jute and Hessian?
The main difference between jute and hessian is their weave structure and local dialect. Hessian fabric is coarsely woven and denser than regular jute fabric. Also, jute is a common term in the Indian subcontinent, while it’s called hessian in the regions of the United Kingdom and Australia.
Also, Jute is the name of the plant or fiber, while hessian is a type of fabric that is made from jute fibers.
Below is the difference between jute and hessian fabric.
| Feature | Hessian | Jute |
| Fiber source | Jute | Jute |
| Texture | Coarse, rough | Coarse, but smoother than hessian |
| Texture | Coarse, rough | More breathable than hessian |
| Breathability | Not very breathable | Strong, very durable |
| Strength | Strong, durable | Strong, very durable |
| Price | Inexpensive | More expensive than hessian |
| Uses | Bags, sacks, rugs, wall coverings, and furniture upholstery | Bags, sacks, carpets, rugs, geotextiles, home decor, clothing |
Hessian vs. Burlap: What’s the difference?
The main difference between hessian and Burlap is how they are manufactured. Hessian is made of jute fiber with a dense weave. while burlap is a blended product. Burlap is made with a mix of jute and hemp fibers. Sometimes synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester are also used to blend.
Burlap can also be made of only jute fiber, the same as hessian. Then why is it called burlap? It’s due to the local dialect. Hessian or jute fabric is mostly called burlap in the Atlantic region of North America and Canada.
Hessian vs. Cotton: What’s the difference?
Hessian and cotton are two different types of fabric that are often confused with each other. Hessian is a coarse, woven fabric made from jute fibers, while cotton is a soft, breathable fabric made from cotton fibers.
Here’s a table compares between hessian and cotton fabric.
| Feature | Hessian | Cotton |
| Fiber source | Jute | Cotton |
| Texture | Jute | Cotton |
| Breathability | Breathability | Breathability |
| Strength | Strong, durable | Strong, but not as durable as hessian |
| Price | Inexpensive | More expensive than hessian |
| Uses | Bags, sacks, rugs, wall coverings, furniture upholstery | Clothing, bedding, towels, curtains, upholstery |
Tip
Hessian is not as breathable as cotton, so it may not be the best choice for clothing or bedding in hot weather.
Final Thoughts
Jute is the name of a plant and hessian is the name of a fabric made from jute fiber. Hessian fabric is coarser than regular jute fabric. The weave structure of the hessian fabric is not also the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hessian made from jute?
Yes, hessian is made from jute. Jute is a natural fiber that is extracted from the jute plant.
Is jute and burlap the same?
Jute and burlap are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two.
Jute is the name of the plant or fiber, while burlap is a type of fabric that is made from jute fibers. Hessian is also a type of fabric that is made from jute fibers, but it is a finer, more refined fabric than burlap.
Are hessian and burlap the same thing?
So, to answer your question, hessian and burlap are not the same thing, but they are both made from jute fibers. Hessian is a finer, more refined fabric than burlap.
Hessian or Jute? Which to choose?
As for which fabric to choose, it depends on your needs. If you need a strong, durable fabric for making bags or sacks, then hessian is a good choice.
If you need a fabric that is absorbent and versatile, then jute is a good choice.
And if you need a fabric that is sturdy and water-resistant, then burlap is a good choice.
Are there different types of hessian?
There are different types of hessian, including plain hessian, heavyweight hessian, and canvas hessian.
- Plain hessian is the most common type of hessian. It is a lightweight fabric that is often used for making bags and sacks.
- Heavyweight hessian is a heavier type of hessian that is often used for making furniture and other home furnishings.
- Canvas hessian is a type of hessian that is made from tightly woven jute fibers. It is a very strong and durable fabric that is often used for making bags, sacks, and other outdoor items.
What are the two types of jute?
There are two types of jute: Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius.
Corchorus capsularis is the most common type of jute. It is a long, strong fiber that is often used for making bags, sacks, and other utilitarian items.
Corchorus olitorius is a shorter, weaker fiber that is often used for making rugs and other decorative items.
What are the properties of hessian?
The properties of hessian are:
- Coarseness
- Strength
- Durability
- Absorbency
- Versatile
Which is the best quality of jute?
The best quality of jute is Corchorus Capsularis.
