What is a burial shroud?

A burial shroud is a simple piece of fabric which is wrapped around a body after death. It can be used as part of an after-death ceremony or simply as a clean, elegant way to wrap a body before cremation or burial.

The history of burial shrouds dates back thousands of years, spanning many different cultures and religions. For millennia, shrouds have served as a simple and practical means of covering the body. Burial shrouds continue to be used in various religious and cultural practices around the world.

With the growth of natural/green/conservation burial as a disposition option, many people are now choosing simple, natural, biodegradable materials for burial—including handmade shrouds, caskets, etc.

Do I need a burial shroud?

Although some US states have specific requirements surrounding burial and general bodily disposition, nothing is actually “needed” for a burial; after all, we don’t take anything with us on that final journey, do we? Regardless of your choice of body disposition, however, a shroud is a simple and elegant way to wrap the body and symbolically “cocoon” the body as it returns to the earth or is cremated. For many, a burial shroud mimics the swaddling cloths wrapped around an infant, providing a symbolic full circle back to our origins in life.

If I use a burial shroud, do I still need a casket?

This is a matter of personal choice. Some people choose to be buried with just a shroud; some choose just a casket; and some choose both! Some casket makers also offer a simple “tray” for burial, which pairs beautifully with a shroud.

What makes this fabric so special?

I import this fabric myself, working directly with the facility that weaves it in India. Both the fabric and thread are made from certified organically grown cotton; and, additionally, they are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. GOTS is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from certified organically produced raw materials. It includes strict environmental and social criteria for operations along the entire textile supply chain. Farmers are free to save seeds; harmful pesticides and hazardous chemicals are prohibited; no forced or child labor is allowed; fair wages are paid; wastewater is treated; and allergenic, carcinogenic, or toxic chemical residues are not allowed in GOTS-certified textiles.

This organic cotton is grown in India, and the fabric is also woven in India. The cotton is grown in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is woven in Uttar Pradesh. It is natural and unbleached, giving it a lovely texture and feel, with bits of cotton boll still present in the fabric. It is biodegradable and compostable, appropriate for burial in a natural/green cemetery or conservancy.

How is a shroud wrapped around the body?

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to shroud a body. Traditionally, the fabric is folded over the feet; the head is covered; and the sides are folded in. Finally, the shroud is tied closed.

We’re currently working on a shroud wrapping guide. Stay tuned!

What are the ties used for?

The ties are 1.5-inch wide, woven cotton straps. They are long enough to tie around the body; and they are strong enough to lift and lower the body (if a casket or tray is not used). 4 ties are included with every Sacred Shroud. The ties are naturally dyed with local, foraged black walnuts.

What measurements are required for a custom shroud?

For a custom shroud, 3 measurements of the body are required:

1. Height

2. A straight-line measurement of the widest part of the body, while lying flat with arms pressed to the sides. (For some people, this is the shoulder/bicep area; and for others it is the elbows or hips. Every person’s body is different!)

3. A measurement around the body at the bust/chest. (This determines the length of the straps.)

Access a PDF with this information HERE.

What if my body changes between now and my death? Will the shroud still “fit”?

Sacred Shrouds are made with quite a bit of “wiggle room” and should still provide plenty of coverage, even if your body changes between now and death. Many people’s bodies are actually smaller at death than in life, due to natural aging and dying processes.

How long does it take to get a custom shroud?

Standard turnaround time for a custom shroud is approximately 2 weeks. The product listing will be updated if/when this changes.

What if I need a shroud right away?

I strive to have several “ready-to-ship” shrouds ready at all times. If you don’t see a shroud that will work for you or your loved one, please contact me. Depending on current volume, I may be able to fulfill a custom order more quickly.

Can I dye the shroud?

Yes! Because Sacred Shrouds are made from a simple organic cotton, they take natural dyes beautifully. Proper scouring and mordanting would still be required (as with any natural dye process).

Chemical dyes are not recommended, due to their negative environmental impact—especially if burial at a green/conservation cemetery is being planned.

Are the shroud and the ties biodegradable?

Yes! These shrouds and ties are made from cotton—that’s all! As a natural plant product, cotton is biodegradable and compostable.

Is a Sacred Shrouds shroud suitable for a natural/green/conservation burial?

Yes! For green/natural/conservation burial, only biodegradable materials (without the presence of any metals or toxic chemicals) are allowed. Sacred Shrouds (with their ties) are made from natural cotton, which is biodegradable and compostable.

Can the shroud be washed?

Yes, you can wash your shroud by hand or in a washing machine. In a washing machine, we recommend a natural/gentle detergent, with cold water, on the gentle/delicate cycle. It can be hung outside to dry or dried in a dryer (on low heat).

I wash, dry, and iron the fabric before sewing the shroud, so any initial shrinkage will have already occurred.

How should I store my shroud (if I won’t need it for years)?

In general, fabric likes the same conditions as people: not too hot, not too cold, and not too humid. An attic or basement is not an ideal storage spot for any fabric item. We recommend a pillowcase or cardboard box, stored in a closet or under your bed.

Some people prefer to actually use their shroud in their daily life (as a tablecloth or altar covering, for example), choosing to make their end-of-life choices integrated with their current lived experience.

I want a shroud, but I can’t afford it (or, at least, not right now).

Contact me! If you want a burial shroud, I want you to have one. I’m happy to discuss a payment plan or a discounted price.