I've been doing some research in regards to using burlap on cake. It seems it's not a good idea, for good reasons!
Was wondering what you might have used to replace it?
I've read a few have used the sugarveil mat (very pricey!) and others have used faux burlap ribbon.
Has anyone tried to print a burlap texture onto wafer paper?

Any ideas on how to do the twine? Maybe the twine won't be such and issue if it's over a faux ribbon?

I'm worried about the shedding issue. I've seen lots of pictures of cakes using burlap, but of course there's no "after the cake is cut" comments...just pretty professional pictures. 

Thoughts?

I just colored some fondant the color of the burlap the bride wanted, and find a tea towel that has that burlap texture. I found one at dollar tree! Just roll the fondant over that it looks pretty close to burlap without having to use the real thing. 

Wilton has a burlap impression roller - I used it recently for my sons wedding cake.

 What I wanted was a very subtle texture on fondant and it worked perfectly.

The impression mats work well, and you can kind of shred the edges to give it a ratty burlap look   http://acaketorememberva.blogspot.com/2013/04/when-trends-collide-burlap-and-giant.html

Great ideas. Thank you for sharing!