Fun Facts Friday! Hemp Fabric for Quilting
Share
Have you ever sewn with Hemp fabric? I made a quilt a few years ago from beautiful, soft and drapey hemp fabric. It didn’t fray like wovens or linen, it sewed beautifully and the finished quilt was spectacular. I ended up gifting it to a charity so I don’t know how it washed or held up but I would definitely sew with hemp fabric again. It added a nice weight to the quilt and I know it will be durable.
Hemp fabric is made from fibers of the Cannabis sativa plant, known for its durability and sustainability. Though historically valuable, hemp cultivation has been hindered by confusion with its psychoactive counterpart, marijuana. Over time, two distinct strains of Cannabis sativa have emerged: one for THC production and another for fiber. Hemp is mainly harvested from female plants with low THC levels, and its fibers are used for textiles, rope, and other materials. Hemp fabric is breathable, durable, resistant to mold, and softens with washing. It’s primarily used in clothing, home textiles, and is environmentally friendly but can be more expensive and prone to wrinkling.
Pros of Hemp Fabric:
- Durability: Hemp is extremely strong and lasts longer than fabrics like cotton.
- Eco-Friendly: It requires fewer pesticides, herbicides, and water than cotton. Hemp is also CO2 negative, improving soil quality.
- Breathability: Hemp fabric is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for warm climates.
- Moisture-Wicking: It absorbs and releases moisture quickly, keeping you dry.
- Resistant to Mold and Mildew: Hemp fabric naturally resists bacteria and mold, increasing its lifespan.
- Softens with Washing: The fabric becomes softer over time without degrading.
- Biodegradable: Hemp fabric is fully biodegradable, reducing environmental waste.
- Low Shrinkage and Pilling: It maintains its shape and doesn’t pill easily.
- Versatile: Suitable for clothing, home textiles, and industrial uses.
Cons of Hemp Fabric:
- Rough Texture: Hemp can feel rougher compared to cotton, especially when new.
- Wrinkling: It wrinkles more easily, which may require frequent ironing.
- Higher Cost: Hemp fabric tends to be more expensive than cotton or synthetic fabrics due to limited production.
- Limited Availability: It’s not as widely available or used as other fabrics, limiting design options.
- Nitrogen Requirement: Hemp production needs more nitrogen than cotton, which could affect its environmental benefits.
Hemp fabric is highly sustainable and durable but may have a rougher texture and higher price point.
And yes, hemp fabric can be used for making quilts! Hemp is a durable, eco-friendly material with natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It can provide good insulation and soften with use, making it a comfortable choice for quilting. Blends of hemp with cotton or other fibers are also popular for quilting projects, as they offer a balance between the sturdiness of hemp and the softness of other materials.
The texture of pure hemp might be rougher than traditional quilt fabrics, but it can be a great option for a rustic, natural look.
Happy Sewing
Jody