Jute vs. Burlap — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber used for making various products, while burlap is a coarse fabric made from jute, hemp, or other fibers.
Difference Between Jute and Burlap
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jute is a natural fiber derived from the jute plant, primarily grown in South Asia. Burlap is a woven fabric made from jute fibers and is known for its coarse texture.
Jute fibers are spun into strong threads before being made into burlap. Burlap, also known as hessian or gunny cloth, showcases the durable nature of jute in fabric form.
The jute plant is also used for making ropes and twines, but burlap is specifically used for sackcloth and other materials requiring sturdy fabric.
Jute is biodegradable and eco-friendly, making it a sustainable choice. Burlap, made from jute, inherits these eco-friendly properties and is often used in agriculture and landscaping.
While jute refers to the raw fiber, burlap refers to the processed fabric. Both are integral to various industries due to their versatility, durability, and sustainability.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A natural fiber.
A fabric made from fibers.
Origin
Derived from jute plants.
Woven from jute or other fibers.
Texture
Fibrous and thread-like.
Coarse and woven.
Uses
Making twines, ropes, etc.
Sacks, bags, and rustic decor.
Production
Harvested and spun.
Loom-woven fabric.
Compare with Definitions
Jute
Used for making twines
Farmers often use twines made of jute.
Burlap
Coarse fabric material
The burlap sacks stored the grains.
Jute
Versatile in use
Jute is versatile, used in both textiles and non-woven materials.
Burlap
Made from jute fibers
Burlap is commonly made from jute.
Jute
Durable natural fiber
Jute bags are appreciated for their durability.
Burlap
Popular for sack races
Children laughed as they hopped in burlap sacks.
Jute
A fiber from jute plant
The jute fibers were ready to be spun.
Burlap
Used in rustic decor
She decorated the table with burlap for a rustic look.
Jute
Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from flowering plants in the genus Corchorus, which is in the mallow family Malvaceae.
Burlap
Agricultural applications
Farmers use burlap for protecting seedlings.
Jute
A member of a Germanic people that (according to Bede) joined the Angles and Saxons in invading Britain in the 5th century, settling in a region including Kent and the Isle of Wight. They may have come from Jutland.
Burlap
Coarse canvas woven from jute, hemp, or a similar fibre, used especially for sacking
A burlap sack
Jute
A member of a Germanic people who invaded Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries AD and settled in the south and southeast and on the Isle of Wight.
Burlap
A strong, coarsely woven cloth made of fibers of jute, flax, or hemp and used to make bags, to reinforce linoleum, and in interior decoration.
Jute
Either of two Asian plants (Corchorus capsularis or C. olitorius) yielding a fiber used for sacking and cordage.
Burlap
(US) A very strong, coarse cloth, made from jute, flax, or hemp, and used to make sacks, etc.
Jute
The fiber obtained from these plants.
Burlap
(transitive) To wrap or cover in burlap.
Jute
The coarse, strong fiber of the East Indian plants, Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis, used to make mats, paper, gunny cloth etc.
Burlap
A coarse fabric, made of jute or hemp, used for bagging; also, a finer variety of similar material, used for curtains, etc.
Jute
The plants from which this fibre is obtained.
Burlap
Coarse jute fabric
Jute
The coarse, strong fiber of the East Indian Corchorus olitorius, and Corchorus capsularis; also, the plant itself. The fiber is much used for making mats, gunny cloth, cordage, hangings, paper, etc.
Jute
A plant fiber used in making rope or sacks
Jute
A member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Saxons to become Anglo-Saxons
Jute
Eco-friendly material
Jute is preferred for its biodegradable properties.
Common Curiosities
Can burlap be made from fibers other than jute?
Yes, while traditionally made from jute, burlap can also be made from other fibers like hemp.
What is burlap?
Burlap is a sturdy, coarse cloth made from jute, hemp, or similar fibers.
Is jute durable?
Yes, jute is a highly durable fiber used in products that require strength.
What is jute?
Jute is a soft, shiny plant fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads.
Can you wash burlap?
Yes, but it must be done gently and with care due to its coarse weave.
Why is burlap popular in gardening?
Burlap allows air and moisture to pass through, making it ideal for protecting plants.
Does jute have a natural color?
Yes, jute typically has a natural brown or off-white hue.
Is burlap biodegradable?
Yes, since burlap is made from natural fibers, it is biodegradable.
What are common uses for jute?
Jute is commonly used to make fabrics, ropes, and twines.
Are jute and burlap eco-friendly?
Yes, both jute and burlap are biodegradable and considered eco-friendly.
Is burlap only used for sacks?
No, burlap is also used in landscaping, decor, and in various crafts.
How is jute harvested?
Jute is harvested from the stalks of the jute plant, usually by hand.
Can burlap be recycled?
Yes, burlap can be recycled, reused, or composted, enhancing its eco-friendliness.
Can burlap be dyed?
Yes, burlap can be dyed, though its coarse texture may affect dye uptake.
How does jute impact the environment?
Jute crops are beneficial as they consume carbon dioxide and enrich the soil.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
