This is one of the most common sources of confusion in the jute trade — and one that costs buyers time and, occasionally, whole shipments ordered under the wrong name. The short version: hessian and burlap are exactly the same fabric under two different names, and canvas is a different material altogether. Here is the full explanation, including why the name you use depends on which country you are buying in.
Hessian = burlap: the same coarse, woven jute fabric, called 'hessian' in the UK, Ireland, Australia, India and much of the Commonwealth, and 'burlap' in the US and Canada. Canvas is a separate, denser, stronger fabric usually woven from cotton, linen or synthetics.
Hessian and burlap: two words, one fabric
Hessian and burlap describe an identical product: a plain-woven fabric made from jute (sometimes with some hemp), with an open, coarse weave and a characteristic golden-brown colour. There is no manufacturing difference, no quality difference, and no specification difference between 'hessian' and 'burlap' — only geography. British, Irish, Australian and Indian buyers say hessian; American and Canadian buyers say burlap. If a US customer asks for 10 oz burlap and a UK customer asks for 340 gsm hessian, they may well be asking for the same roll. For everything this fabric is and does, see our complete guide to hessian fabric.
Where canvas is different
Canvas is not a jute fabric and should not be confused with either. It is a tightly woven, heavy-duty cloth traditionally made from cotton or linen and today often from synthetic fibres or blends. Compared with hessian/burlap, canvas has a much denser weave, a smoother surface, far greater strength and abrasion resistance, and much better water resistance — especially when treated or waxed. That is why canvas is used for tents, sails, bags, tarpaulins, workwear and painting surfaces, while hessian is used where breathability, low cost and a rustic natural look matter more than strength.
Side by side
| Property | Hessian / Burlap | Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Jute (natural bast) | Cotton, linen or synthetic |
| Weave | Open, coarse, plain | Dense, tight, plain or duck |
| Texture | Rough, rustic | Smooth, firm |
| Strength | Moderate | High |
| Water resistance | Low (breathable) | Higher, especially treated |
| Breathability | High | Low |
| Cost | Low | Higher |
| Typical uses | Sacks, packaging, décor, geo-textile, horticulture | Tents, bags, tarpaulins, workwear, art |
A note on weight: GSM vs oz/yd²
Because hessian is bought under two naming systems, it is also bought under two weight systems. The UK, EU and most of the world quote fabric weight in grams per square metre (GSM); the US quotes burlap in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). Roughly, 1 oz/yd² is about 34 GSM, so a 10 oz burlap is in the region of 340 GSM. When you order across markets, state both — it removes the single most common cause of spec errors.
Which should you choose?
- Choose hessian/burlap for breathable packaging (coffee, grain, potatoes), sacks, geo-textile and erosion control, horticulture, and rustic décor — anywhere natural, low-cost and breathable wins.
- Choose canvas for strength, water resistance and a smooth finish — bags, covers, tents and workwear.
- Remember: if a supplier quotes 'burlap' and you asked for 'hessian', you have not been sent the wrong thing — it is the same fabric.
FAQ
Is hessian the same as burlap?
Yes, exactly the same fabric — 'hessian' is the British/Commonwealth term and 'burlap' is the North American term for woven jute cloth. There is no difference in material or quality.
Is burlap stronger than canvas?
No. Canvas is denser and considerably stronger and more water-resistant. Burlap (hessian) is chosen for breathability, low cost and a natural rustic look rather than strength.
Is hessian/burlap biodegradable?
Yes. Because it is made from natural jute, hessian/burlap is fully biodegradable and compostable — unlike synthetic canvas or polypropylene alternatives.
Order hessian (burlap) direct from the mill
We manufacture hessian / burlap fabric mill-direct from Bangladesh, quoted in both GSM and oz/yd², in the weights and widths you specify. Request a quote and tell us your market — we will label and spec it to suit.
