Handloomed Hemp fabric

Handloomed hemp fabric is like a work of art. It takes many hours work to produce these magnificent rolls and to support the Nepalese women that weave this eco-fabric, we sell it at near cost.

This fabric is sold by the roll, with each roll being approx 30cm wide and 4 metres long.

When the hemp is thick enough the stalks are cut, tied in bundles and dried in the sun. A process that usually takes around 2 weeks. When the sap has dried the stalks are split and the fibres are separated into rough strips, ready for a good pounding to make them softer and more pliable.

After handspinning the yarn is ready for weaving. Being a bast fibre (a fibre from the stalk of the plant, not the fruit or flowers) hemp is rather stiff and hardwearing. It can absorb more moisture than cotton before feeling wet, and has natural anti-bacterial qualities.

The texture, natural colour and "starchiness" of handloomed hemp make it perfect for table runners, napkins, placemats, curtains, handbags, beachpants, cushion covers and curtains.

Hemp is most similar in properties to linen (another bast fibre also known as flax). It bleaches naturally in the sun and holds a crease well.

Hemp will shrink by around 5% so please pre-wash if you are using it for anything other than napery. Hemp gets softer with every wash.