Jute is both the non-scientific term used to describe either of two Asian plants that produce a multi-use vegetable fiber and the fiber itself. Produced mostly in India and Bangladesh, the shiny, soft, long fiber can be spun into coarse, strong threads and is one of the most affordable natural fibers. For these reasons, jute is used both alone and with other fibers to make twine and burlap sacks, as well as durable carpets, curtain fabrics, and upholstery fabrics.