Hessian fabric is a coarse, open weave cloth woven from jute. Woodheads stocks it by the metre and on the roll in natural, grey and baby blue, for upholstery backing, decor, sacking, bag making, plant wrapping and craft work. It is breathable, strong for its weight and biodegradable, which is why it has stayed in use for well over a century while lighter synthetics have come and gone.