Burlap is a coarse, heavy cloth woven with yarns made from fibers of the jute plant. It is sometimes called Hessian cloth. Burlap has a light tan color. The cloth is made in different widths and weights. Its main use is for bags for agricultural and industrial products. Large quantities of the cloth are used as protective coverings in wrapping packages and as a supporting fabric in upholstered furniture. Wide-width burlap is used as carpet backing. See also Jute .