What is hemp fabric?
To get the obvious question out of the way: hemp is not made from the same plant as marijuana. Although these products are both made using the cannabis plant, they’re made using different strains. Hemp plants don’t have a lot of the same psychoactive components as other cannabis plants do. In fact, hemp has been used in fabrics for thousands of years!
Hemp plants have two layers: an outer, fibrous layer, and an inner, woody one. Fabric made from hemp consists of this outer layer, which is stripped from the inner pith, made into strands, and cleaned. After this, the hemp fibers are blasted with steam, softening them and making them into a great, sustainable fabric.
What is hemp fabric used for?
One of the most well-known uses of hemp fabric is rope; traditionally, ship ropes were made using hemp because of how strong the fibers are. That’s not all hemp fabric can be used for, though. It’s very versatile and is used to make both clothes and textiles.
Whether you’re looking to make dresses, skirts, pants, hoodies, clothes for your kids – or tablecloths, upholstery, dish towels, bedsheets, and blankets, hemp will be a great option for you.
Why use hemp fabric?
Hemp is a very special kind of fabric because of its wide range of uses and unique properties. Are you eager to know what the benefits of hemp fabric are?
- Lightweight. Because hemp is made using plant fibers, it’s a very lightweight fabric: great if you’re looking to make clothes with it.
- Durable. Hemp is an incredibly strong fabric, able to hold its shape for years.
- Feels like cotton. Hemp feels just like cotton, but doesn’t warp or shrink like cotton can.
- Softens when washing. Instead of getting scratchier the more you wash it, hemp gets softer and more comfortable as time goes on.
Hemp fabric at House of U
Now that you know what hemp is and why you’d want to use it, you might be looking to order some. Look no further! House of U carries a large assortment of fabrics, including organic hemp fabric – which is fully recyclable.
If you’re on the fence or would like to check out some other fabrics, consider taking a look at our Eco Fabric Kit or Fabric Book. When you’ve picked your ideal material, you can upload your design to our design generator and select your desired fabric: we’ll do the rest. Just sit back, relax, and wait for your hemp fabric prints to arrive.
Do you have any other questions, or would you like some more personalized advice? Feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!