Sisal is a leaf fibre from the sisal plant, which originates from Mexico and Central America. It is hard, durable, and strong, with a coarse texture and a glossy finish. It is naturally creamy white and about 1 metre long.
The sisal plant is an herbaceous agave plant with rosette-like, metre-long leaves on a short, thick stem. The oldest leaves are harvested and beaten or ‘chewed’ by a machine to obtain the fibres, which are then washed, dried, and combed before spinning.
Historically, sisal has been used for simple fabrics, ropes, cords and fishing nets, including by the Aztecs and Mayans as early as 8000 years ago. Sisal is still popular for ropes and cords because of its durability and resistance to water and salt water.
Sources
Britannica – Sisal fibre from Sisal plant 
Fashionary – Textilepedia
January 2024, TÄNKOM | Revised May 2024 RETHINK
