The Many Ways You Can Live With Hessian – Holes and All
Hessian can add country charm to any home and, with these tips, it needn't be too rough and ready for comfort
Hessian is a great material to have in your kit for home DIY projects. It is durable, versatile and surprisingly strong, even though it has a very loose weave. The textural quality of hessian can complement many decor styles, and it is ideal for small and large projects alike. It’s also inexpensive, so use it to add a few DIY touches to your home when you don’t have an ample budget.
There are a few negatives to using hessian, however, and it isn’t suitable for all projects. Some people never get past the negatives, which is a shame, because once you know the best way to use it, you’ll be able to enjoy it in just so many ways. Read on and you’ll see what I mean…
There are a few negatives to using hessian, however, and it isn’t suitable for all projects. Some people never get past the negatives, which is a shame, because once you know the best way to use it, you’ll be able to enjoy it in just so many ways. Read on and you’ll see what I mean…
Problem: It has stubborn wrinkles.
Solution: If you are purchasing large quantities, store the hessian rolled on the bolt to minimise this problem. In small quantities, it is easiest to keep it folded for storage, but this folding will lead to creases. Iron hessian on medium heat to get them out. If wrinkles are being particularly stubborn, lightly mist the hessian with water and then iron. Run the iron over both sides to ensure the best result.
How to use it: Consider using ironed hessian for covering a headboard, as shown here. It adds texture to a space but still remains a neutral detail. To eliminate the mess and keep fuzz off your linens, coat the hessian with a clear sealant, such as clear acrylic spray.
Solution: If you are purchasing large quantities, store the hessian rolled on the bolt to minimise this problem. In small quantities, it is easiest to keep it folded for storage, but this folding will lead to creases. Iron hessian on medium heat to get them out. If wrinkles are being particularly stubborn, lightly mist the hessian with water and then iron. Run the iron over both sides to ensure the best result.
How to use it: Consider using ironed hessian for covering a headboard, as shown here. It adds texture to a space but still remains a neutral detail. To eliminate the mess and keep fuzz off your linens, coat the hessian with a clear sealant, such as clear acrylic spray.
Problem: It’s itchy.
Solution: Hessian‘s scratchy feel makes it a poor choice for pillows, seat cushions, furniture or anything else that comes into contact with skin. You can try looking for hessian in different thread counts, and there are also treated and untreated varieties; some of these options may yield a softer material. Unfortunately, at basic craft stores the selection will be very limited. A better choice for skin contact is to select linens and other utility fabrics that mimic the textural quality of hessian without the uncomfortable feel.
How to use it: Bring hessian into your decor in other ways such as using it for curtains. The transparent nature of the material will let in natural light but still provide plenty of privacy. The rustic quality makes it perfect for a country kitchen, like this example.
Solution: Hessian‘s scratchy feel makes it a poor choice for pillows, seat cushions, furniture or anything else that comes into contact with skin. You can try looking for hessian in different thread counts, and there are also treated and untreated varieties; some of these options may yield a softer material. Unfortunately, at basic craft stores the selection will be very limited. A better choice for skin contact is to select linens and other utility fabrics that mimic the textural quality of hessian without the uncomfortable feel.
How to use it: Bring hessian into your decor in other ways such as using it for curtains. The transparent nature of the material will let in natural light but still provide plenty of privacy. The rustic quality makes it perfect for a country kitchen, like this example.
Problem: The edges fray.
Solution: Occasionally frayed edges can add to the character of a project, but maybe a clean edge is more your style. A seam sealant or fray check can help. Coat a few centimetres of the hessian edge in the sealant and let it dry before handling. A more effective technique is to sew a zigzag stitch along the edge of the material. Use regular tension in your sewing machine and a thread similar in colour to the hessian to keep the stitch concealed.
How to use it: The bulletin board is often a boring office accessory, but it doesn’t have to be. For a simple DIY, wrap your board in hessian or a vintage potato sack, like the example shown here, to give it some personality. Use a staple gun or a hot-glue gun to attach the material to the board. For a more finished look, add upholstery pins or decorative thumbtacks to the front around the edges.
Solution: Occasionally frayed edges can add to the character of a project, but maybe a clean edge is more your style. A seam sealant or fray check can help. Coat a few centimetres of the hessian edge in the sealant and let it dry before handling. A more effective technique is to sew a zigzag stitch along the edge of the material. Use regular tension in your sewing machine and a thread similar in colour to the hessian to keep the stitch concealed.
How to use it: The bulletin board is often a boring office accessory, but it doesn’t have to be. For a simple DIY, wrap your board in hessian or a vintage potato sack, like the example shown here, to give it some personality. Use a staple gun or a hot-glue gun to attach the material to the board. For a more finished look, add upholstery pins or decorative thumbtacks to the front around the edges.
Problem: Hessian smells.
Solution: The jute fibres will always retain some of their scent, but you can lessen it with a little work. Try washing the hessian. (Because of the loose weave, machine washing can damage it. Ideally, you should spot wash it by hand and then let it dry outside in the sun.) Once indoors, spritz it occasionally with some essential oil diluted in water or perfume to give it a more pleasing aroma.
How to use it: Add it as a key detail in just a few places. For example, wrap scrap hessian around your indoor plants to cover up unattractive plastic pots. Not only will you have a chic new container, but the material acts as a great insulator for plants during cold weather.
Solution: The jute fibres will always retain some of their scent, but you can lessen it with a little work. Try washing the hessian. (Because of the loose weave, machine washing can damage it. Ideally, you should spot wash it by hand and then let it dry outside in the sun.) Once indoors, spritz it occasionally with some essential oil diluted in water or perfume to give it a more pleasing aroma.
How to use it: Add it as a key detail in just a few places. For example, wrap scrap hessian around your indoor plants to cover up unattractive plastic pots. Not only will you have a chic new container, but the material acts as a great insulator for plants during cold weather.
Problem: It’s too flimsy for the project I’m attempting.
Solution: Hessian is durable, but it lacks the built-in stiffness that might be necessary for certain projects. Despite the loosely woven fibres, it is possible to stiffen it up. Mist spray starch from the craft shop or supermarket over the hessian before ironing it. Spray one side, let the starch sink in for 10 to 20 seconds, iron and then repeat on the opposite side. Another alternative is fabric stiffener, which should make the hessian even more rigid.
How to use it: Turn hessian into a work of art. The typography on this vintage cocoa bean sack makes a graphic statement in a room rich with eclectic details. Cut the sack down to size and spray it with starch to make it easier for framing. The starch should prevent the fabric from future sagging, too.
Solution: Hessian is durable, but it lacks the built-in stiffness that might be necessary for certain projects. Despite the loosely woven fibres, it is possible to stiffen it up. Mist spray starch from the craft shop or supermarket over the hessian before ironing it. Spray one side, let the starch sink in for 10 to 20 seconds, iron and then repeat on the opposite side. Another alternative is fabric stiffener, which should make the hessian even more rigid.
How to use it: Turn hessian into a work of art. The typography on this vintage cocoa bean sack makes a graphic statement in a room rich with eclectic details. Cut the sack down to size and spray it with starch to make it easier for framing. The starch should prevent the fabric from future sagging, too.
Problem: It is hard to cut it in a straight line.
Solution: Hessian is actually one of the easiest fabrics to cut in a straight line; you just have to know the trick. First, measure out the length you need. Locate the end of a thread at the point where you’d like to cut the hessian. Gently pull the thread, slowly working it out of the fabric. Sometimes the thread can snap – if it does, just find the broken piece and continue to gently pull.
Solution: Hessian is actually one of the easiest fabrics to cut in a straight line; you just have to know the trick. First, measure out the length you need. Locate the end of a thread at the point where you’d like to cut the hessian. Gently pull the thread, slowly working it out of the fabric. Sometimes the thread can snap – if it does, just find the broken piece and continue to gently pull.
Solution: As you start to handle hessian, you immediately discover that the jute fibres get fuzz everywhere. It helps to work with hessian outside. The clean-up will be easier, and the mess has less potential to disturb allergies. If you have to work inside, cover your work surface beforehand and be prepared to vacuum and dust the area afterward. To cut back on fuzz, use a spray bottle to mist water onto the burlap before cutting it. Avoid using nice scissors, as the fuzz can clog up the screw and make slicing difficult.
How to use it: Keep the mess out of your home and designate hessian as outdoor decor only. A strip of hessian down the centre of a table makes for a chic table runner. And no worries if food spills onto it, the fabric can easily be sponged or replaced.