Published February 2016 | Updated March 2024
Sisal is an extremely long and rugged fiber obtained from the leaves of the agave plant. Although the plant is indigenous to the Americas, more than half the sisal produced in the world now comes from East Africa. The African fiber is longer, finer and white, making it possible to dye clear, even colors and to spin a consistent and smoother yarn. It’s considered the best in the world. Many of our sisal weaves come from Kenya and Tanzania and are dyed, spun and woven in Belgium. Others are produced and woven in Brazil Mexico or China, and tend to be less expensive. The sisal fibers tend to be shorter, creating a more “hairy” look and more shade variation than you’ll see on one of our African sisal rugs woven in Belgium. (Sometimes that’s a plus, especially if you’ll be placing your rug in a high traffic area and want a weave that will camouflage dirt a little better!). Sisal is used for ropes, bags, carpet and much much more. Below is a video showing the harvesting of Sisal.
