Hessian — known as burlap in North America — is the plain-woven jute fabric behind coffee sacks, packaging liners, geo-textiles, upholstery backing and a fast-growing market in natural-look retail and décor. It looks like a simple cloth, and that is exactly why orders go wrong: buyers under-specify it. This guide covers every variable so your hessian arrives exactly as intended.
What hessian fabric is
Hessian is a plain-weave fabric made from jute yarn: warp yarns running the length of the roll interlaced one-over-one with weft yarns running across it. Its appeal is a rare combination of strength, breathability, low cost and biodegradability — the same qualities that make it a sustainable alternative to woven polypropylene, as we discuss in jute vs. synthetic fiber.
Weight: GSM and ounces
Weight is the first thing to specify. It is quoted either in grams per square metre (GSM) or ounces per square yard (oz), and the two convert directly:
- 1 oz/yd² ≈ 33.9 GSM
- So a 10 oz hessian ≈ 340 GSM; a 7.5 oz hessian ≈ 254 GSM
| Ounce weight | ≈ GSM | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 5 oz | 170 | Light wrapping, décor, crafts |
| 7.5 oz | 254 | General packaging, bags |
| 10 oz | 340 | Sacking, heavier packaging |
| 12 oz | 407 | Heavy-duty industrial |
| 14 oz | 475 | Very heavy / specialist |
Weave construction: porter and shots
Two traditional terms describe how tightly hessian is woven, and they control its strength and appearance:
- Porter — the number of warp ends across a given width (the warp density). A higher porter means more warp threads and a tighter cloth.
- Shots — the number of weft picks per inch (the weft density).
A hessian is often summarised as, for example, “10½ oz, 40-inch, 8×8” — weight, width and the ends×picks per inch. If you do not know these, give us the application and we will specify a balanced construction.
Width and length
Hessian is woven to a roll width and supplied in rolls of a given running length. Standard widths run from narrow tapes up to about 100 inches; common packaging widths cluster around 40–48 inches. Specify the finished width you need and whether you want selvedge (woven edge) or cut edge, plus the roll length or total running yards/metres.
Grades, types and finishes
| Type | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Hessian cloth | Standard plain-weave jute fabric | Packaging, sacks, décor |
| Carpet backing (CBC) | Fine, even-weave hessian | Tufted carpet base cloth |
| Scrim | Light, open-weave hessian | Plaster reinforcement, laminating |
| Sacking | Heavier, coarser cloth | Grain and commodity sacks |
Finishes include natural, bleached, dyed, and special treatments such as fire-retardant, rot-proof or laminated/food-grade for specific markets. State any compliance requirement up front — European buyers in particular should read our European sourcing guide.
Applications by industry
- Packaging — coffee, cocoa and grain sacks; liners and wraps
- Construction & civil — plaster scrim, pipe wrapping, and jute geo-textiles for erosion control
- Interiors & retail — upholstery backing, wall coverings, table runners, gift and tote bags
- Agriculture & horticulture — root-ball wrapping, shade and frost protection, weed control
How to write a hessian specification
- Weight — in oz/yd² or GSM
- Width — finished width in inches or cm, selvedge or cut edge
- Construction — porter / shots, or ends×picks per inch, if known
- Finish — natural, bleached, dyed, laminated, treated
- Format — roll length, folded, or cut pieces
- Quantity — total running length or weight, destination and Incoterm
“Hessian cloth, 10½ oz, 40-inch width, ~8×8 construction, natural, in 100-yard rolls; 20,000 yards, CIF Antwerp.”
Quality checks for hessian
Inspect for consistent weight, even weave with no missing picks or slubs, correct width, clean colour and acceptable moisture content. Reputable mills test these on every batch — see how we ensure quality and our quality testing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any difference between hessian and burlap?
No — they are the same plain-woven jute fabric. “Hessian” is the British/Commonwealth term; “burlap” is used in North America.
Can hessian be food-grade?
For direct food contact, we supply laminated or food-grade-lined options. Tell us the commodity and the destination market's requirements.
What is the minimum order?
It varies by weight and finish. Share your requirement and we will advise MOQ and pricing.
Specify your hessian with us
Send your weight, width and use — we will confirm the construction, sample it, and quote. Explore hessian fabric or request a quote.
