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On different occasions, I have met with people who claim they do not like working with cotton fabrics just because of their proneness to shrinkage despite the numerous excellent properties offered by this fabric. If this weak side of cotton discourages you, too, there’s good news: Hemp fabric will make a better alternative for you.
Hemp fabric, just like cotton, is a natural fiber, but unlike cotton, it does not shrink nor is it susceptible to pilling, and is almost twice as durable as cotton. I know you are already captivated by this information, but that’s the icing on the cake.
When you get into the body of this article, you will learn more about what is hemp fabric made of, what is hemp fabric used for, is hemp fabric soft, and some basic facts about organic hemp fabric.
What are Hemp fabrics?
Hemp fabric is a highly sustainable natural textile made from the fibers of stalks found in the Cannabis Sativa plant.
The texture of this fabric is likened to cotton, while its feel is compared to canvas.
This fabric is renowned for its zero shrinkage propensity, resistance to pilling, and it’s remarkable durability level.
What is Hemp fabric made of?
Hemp fabric is made from the fiber stalk found in the Cannabis Sativa plant.
How is Hemp fabric made?
The first stage of Hemp fabric production is harvesting the crop with a particular machine.
After these, the stalks are transformed into bales like hay before the fibrous outer part of the plant is separated from its woody core using breakers or a hammer mill.
Next, the separated fiber will be carded into strands and cleaned to eliminate all impurities.
After cleaning, the manufacturer may then decide, at this stage, whether to make paper products through pulping or make mats through matting, or make wearable fabrics by subjecting raw Hemp to steam explosion.
After the explosion, Hemp can be spun into yarn and woven textiles.
Where is Hemp fabric made?
Hemp is majorly produced in China and accounts for about 70% of the world’s total fabric output.
Other countries involved in producing Hemp fabric include; France, Chile, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
What is Hemp fabric used for?
Hemp fabric is mainly used in cloth making and is suitable for clothing articles like dresses, hoodies, T-shirts, pants, jackets, children’s cloth, and many others.
You will also see the fabric commonly used in making household items like Tablecloths, dish towels, and upholstery.
What does Hemp fabric feel like?
Hemp fabric has a similar feel to cotton but with slight toughness.
How soft is Hemp fabric?
Hemp fabric feels very soft to the touch and is also very durable.
How durable is Hemp fabric?
Hemp fabric may feel very soft to the touch, but the fabric is very durable.
Hemp fabric is considered four times as durable as most natural fibers and has a tensile strength higher than most natural fibers in eight folds.
How much does Hemp fabric cost?
You can see Hemp fabrics at different prices depending on your location and the fabric type.
For example, you can find Terracotta hemp at stores in the UK at £28.50 per meter, while in the USA same fabric of the same length can cost you close to $39. Also, you can find Linen fabric at a rate of $16 to $20 in the market.
How long does Hemp fabric last?
Hemp fabric is among the most durable fabrics because a typical Hemp fabric can last for as long as 20 to 30 years if properly taken care of.
How to wash Hemp fabric
Hemp does not need any special treatment as it can be washed just like every other type of fabric. However, you may need to know the few cleaning tips below.
- To remove stains, apply the cleaning detergent on the stained spot or presoak the stained fabric in warm water.
- Do not iron or put your Hemp fabric in the dryer unless you are sure they are completely rid of any stain.
- Do not dry clean Hemp fabric; they respond better when washed, whether in the machine or by hand.
- Do not over-dry or expose your hemp fabric to excess heat; it may create wrinkles.
- If you are air-drying your Hemp fabric on a hanger, make sure to smoothen the hems, the collar, and the pocket.
- To remove wrinkles, make use of heat and moisture. You can do this by spraying the fabric with water or tossing it in the dryer for just a few minutes for the wrinkles to relax.
- When ironing your Hemp fabric, it is best to put it in a medium heat setting.
- If you want to use bleach, probably because of set stain, use Oxy bleach product. Chlorine bleach products can damage the fabric.
What color is Hemp fabric?
You will mostly find Hemp fabric in any of these three colors, Beige, Off-white and creamy.
Can Hemp fabric be recycled?
Yes, Hemp fabric can be recycled. If your choice of fabric has always been Eco-friendly, then you should try out Hemp fabrics.
Hemp fabric is not only recyclable but also bio-based and biodegradable.
Can Hemp fabric be dyed?
Yes, Hemp fabric can be dyed. Hemp contains two fibers, cellulose and lignin.
These fibers are considered the best dyed with any fiber as long as it is reactive to dye. You can dye Hemp fabrics with any of the following dyes; reactive, disperse, direct, solubilized vat, acid, and so on.
Can Hemp fabric be washed?
Yes, you can wash Hemp fabric. You can wash your Hemp fabric in the machine or with a hand if you follow the helpful cleaning tips above.
However, washing your Hemp fabric by hand and in cold water is better because if you wash them in the machine or expose them to excess heat in the dryer, the fabric may weaken.
References:
- https://www.hempclothingaustralia.com/why-wear-hemp
- https://ghsindustries.com/15-advantages-disadvantages-of-hemp-fabric/
- https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/hemp
