Hemp fabric is a type of textile product made using fibers obtained from the stems of the sativa plant. This plant has been recognized for thousands of years as the source of extraordinarily tensile and durable textile fibers.
The stems of the cannabis plant consist of two layers. The outer layer consists of rope-like sak fibers, and the inner layer consists of a woody sap. Only the outer layer of the hemp sativa stem is used for textile purposes. The woody layer is often used for fuel, building materials and animal bedding. When the outer fiber layer is stripped from the hemp plant, it can be processed and made into rope or yarn. Hemp rope is so strong that it was once the most important choice for rigging and sails on maritime ships and continues to be recognized as an excellent material for clothing, surpassing cotton and synthetic textiles by most criteria.
Hemp has a texture similar to cotton after being processed into fabric. Hemp fabric is not susceptible to pulling and is highly resistant to pilling. Since the fibers obtained from this plant are long and strong, hemp fabric is very soft, but at the same time quite durable. A typical cotton T-shirt will last a maximum of 10 years, while a hemp T-shirt can last two or three times that time. Some estimates indicate that hemp fabric is three times stronger than cotton fabric.
In addition, hemp is a lightweight fabric, The breathability of the fabric is high. At the same time, it allows moisture to pass out easily from the skin. It is highly resistant to mold and potentially harmful microbes.
Hemp fabric softens with each washing and its fibers do not deteriorate even after dozens of washes. Since it is also relatively easy to produce organic hemp fabric sustainably, this textile is practically ideal for clothing and for underwear.
Hemp Fabric has antimicrobial properties. In addition to being incredibly durable, hemp fabric also fights against germs. Hemp Fabric prevents the reproduction of bacteria that cause unpleasant odor.
How to Make Fabric from Hemp?
Hemp grows well in temperate climates with high humidity. Hemp sativa plants are usually ready for harvest in mid-August in North America. Most plants used for hemp fabric are harvested with a special machine and these plants are allowed to rot in the field for 4-6 weeks, which naturally facilitates the removal of pectin by exposure to the elements.
Next, these hemp stems are processed into bales like straw and then crushers or a hammer mill are used to separate the fibrous outer part of the plant from its woody core. The separated sak fibers are then combed into strands and cleaned to remove impurities. Once past this point, manufacturers can use steam blast to make matting or raw hemp into a weavable fiber to make paper pulp, wicker and wool to produce paper products. After the steam blast process is completed, the hemp is ready to be woven into yarn and textiles. At this stage, the same processes used in the production of other fabrics are used to make hemp fabric.
The yarn made from this substance is woven into tight fabrics. Then these fabrics can be used in various fields.
What are the Usage Areas of Hemp Fabric?
The primary use of hemp fabric is in apparel. In modern history, such fabrics were initially prized as a novelty item for individuals who were generally enthusiastic about cannabis. Although hemp fabric is still quite popular in the hemp subculture, there are currently a lot of people who love this fabric for its useful qualities, rather than for its association with cannabis. Examples of garments that are usually made with hemp include dresses, skirts, trousers, jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, and clothes for children Dec. Especially this type of fabric is very popular for T-shirts, as it is resistant to wear and tear. Most cotton T-shirts, similarly, begin to bend, shrink or crumble after a few washes. But hemp T-shirts retain their shape and integrity for years and years.
Thanks to the different fabric variations made from hemp, such as hemp denim fabric, hemp linen fabric, hemp knitted fabric or cotton hemp fabric, you can come across many types of fabrics used for clothing or upholstery purposes that contain hemp. T-shirts, trousers or dresses made with hemp fabric are among the products we can often see.
What is the Environmental Ethics of Hemp Fabric?
Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Unlike many agricultural products that consume excessive water and are produced using too many medicines and chemicals, Hemp is nature-friendly.
Hemp improves soil health. Hemp grows on almost any type of soil. It does not deprive the soil of its nutrients and other properties. On the contrary, it helps to restore some previously lost vital nutrients. It can grow hemp on the same land, in multiple cycles. Hemp is resistant to pest things by nature. It can use its leaves as its own fertilizer without the need for fertilizer. Hemp products are fully biodegradable. It does not leave any residue that harms nature. In most cases, a landmark 1998 study is referred to as an authority on the environmental sustainability of hemp fabric. The researchers noted that the production of this substance requires less land than cotton, and also releases fewer toxic into the soil and the ecosystem.
Hemp is also considered a carbon negative raw material, which means that it absorbs more carbon than it produces. The production of this crop requires very few pesticides and does not require any herbicides. On the other hand, it has been noted that producing hemp may require more nitrogen than growing cotton.
Hemp Fabric is protective against UV rays.. Hemp fabric has a high yarn count, which means that it is woven tightly. The sun’s rays cannot penetrate through the Hemp Fabric. Therefore, it helps to protect you from the harmful effects of UV rays. If you want to be protected from the skin problem, you can choose hemp clothes.