Sackcloth is a coarse, loosely woven fabric made from hemp, jute, or flax fibers. It is often used for making bags, sacks, and other utilitarian items. The term 'sackcloth' is also used to refer to two related fabrics: HESSIAN (also known as BURLAP) and jute. HESSIAN is a strong, durable fabric made from jute fibers, while BURLAP is a lighter-weight fabric made from hemp fibers. Both fabrics are commonly used in the manufacture of sacks, bags, and other items.