Burlap : A Misunderstood Fabric
Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009
by Dennis Sons
tn nursery
When people hear the name burlap, many think of burlap sacks or bags. While this is a popular use of the material, burlap has many other uses and has a unique history. Burlap is created by weaving fibers from jute, flax, or help into a cloth-like fabric. Burlap was an integral item used by Native Americans to create crafts, baskets, clothes, and rugs. Burlap can trace its origins further back to ancient times when it was used mostly as clothing. Mourners or those who were being penitent would use the material due to its rough nature. This was considered a reminder because of the roughness.
One of the best aspects about burlap is that is biodegradable. Today, many environmentalists are trying to get out the word about not using plastic bags when you shop. Plastic takes a very long time to degrade and burlap shopping bags can be a great alternative. Burlap is strong and durable and can hold your groceries without you having to worry that everything will fall out of the bottom of the bag as it happened with the old paper bags.
Although the Native Americans often used burlap material for clothes, burlap fabrics have not been very popular as a choice for clothing fabric for the mainstream person. Most people don't like the course feel of the fabric against their skin. However, burlap fabric has been used in tablecloths, decorative throw rugs, and tapestries with some success. Burlap has also been used when creating linoleum floor coverings because the fabric provides a way to reinforce the covering. You can also find burlap on the backside of carpet for the same reason.
How is burlap created? The process is not very difficult. To begin, fibers from the plant (such as jute) are sorted in batches based on the strength and color of the fibers. The fibers are placed into a softener, treated with water and emulsifier, and then passed through rollers. Now the fibers are more manageable. This process allows the fibers to be cleaned of all debris. The fibers are now placed into drawing machines that will help to draw out the sliver and parallelize the fivers. The results of this step will result in a smoother sliver.
The final step in this process is when the materials will be twisted and put onto bobbins. At this point, the fibers will resemble loose yarn and the material is ready for spinning. Spinning frames take the loose yarn and convert it into finished yarn. The finished product can now be woven in burlap.
Burlap has many uses but in often ignored because most people just don't understand the benefits of burlap and are uncomfortable with the way it feels as a finished fabric.
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