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β Confucius
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Hello there fellow knitter!
This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Cody Goldberg loves building accessible playgrounds.
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Knitspiration
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πΏ Hemp Yarn: The *Other* Plant Fiber
We've discussed cotton, linen, and bamboo, but there are other plant fibers that are used for yarn.
Today we're talking about that *other* plant used for recreation.
You don't smoke it, but it can still be a lot of fun to use.
It's hemp, and it's a bit of a wonder plant. Here's why...
An industrial hemp plantation
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa strain grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. While it comes from the same family as Marijuana it generally contains such small amounts of THC that there is little to no psychoactive effect.
Instead hemp plants have been used for textiles going back 50,000 years.
It's one of the fastest growing plants on earth and has been turned into everything from paper (including the Gutenberg Bible), rope, clothing, and animal feed.
Hemp is processed in a similar way to linen and the fibers can be spun into something knit-able.
Outer bast fibers of the hemp stalk which can be spun into yarn
Is hemp really eco-friendly?
As mentioned before, hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth.
It doesn't require much water or pesticide in order to grow.
On top of that, it is processed into usable fiber without any harsh chemicals.
So yes, it's pretty darn sustainable!
What are the advantages of hemp yarn?
Hemp shares many of the advantages of other plant based yarns.
Here are a few of them:
Strong & Durable βThis fiber is seriously strong. Like stronger than steel in both tensile strength and compressive strength. β
Mold and Mildew Resistantβ Hemp fibers contain chemical compounds that bacteria and fungi do not like. And because it is highly porous it doesn't hold onto moisture. β
Good Insulatorβ That highly porous characteristic also means that it does a great job of trapping air for insulation. That means it will keep you cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather. π€― β
Absorbentβ Hemp basically acts like a sponge, so it pulls moisture away from the body and dries quickly. β
It Doesn't Pillβ Yup! It's so strong and it's not going to fray or pill due to wear and tear. In fact it will only get softer with time!
What are the dis-advantages of hemp yarn?
Hemp is good at a lot of things, but its not perfect.
Here are a few drawbacks of hemp:
Inelasticβ Strength comes with some side effects. Hemp doesn't like to move, so it doesn't stretch much at all. β
Roughβ Yes hemp will get soft the more its used, but it doesn't start out that way. 100% hemp yarns can be a pain in the butt (and the hands) to work with. β
It Splits A Lotβ Hemp yarns tend to be a little "stringy" and are prone to splitting.
π‘Interesting Fact: Ship sails were made from fabric woven using hemp fibers. Because it is a cannabis plant this type of fabric became known as "Canvas."
With a plant-based blend that balances the breathability of cotton and the texture of hemp, this yarn creates lightweight pieces that feel easy, earthy, and effortlessly wearable. If you're looking for a soft, durable yarn for knitting or crocheting that leans into sustainability, this one fits the bill beautifully.
Ok this isn't exactly yarn, but there are a lot fewer hemp based yarns then their used to be. However, if you get creative you can use any type of string for knitting. This twine would be great for placemats, wall hangings, coasters, and more.
This natural blend yarn is soft, absorbent, and machine-washable. In fact, hemp yarn softens upon washing. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter, hemp yarn is suitable for knit sweaters, blankets, hats, and scarves. Comes in 6 beautiful colors.
If you want to use hemp for more "crafty" things that aren't knit, this cord is great for macrame, string art, and jewelry making. Although it would be possible to knit this up as well!
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Hemp is an underrated plant fiber, and it's a shame more yarns are incorporating it.
But what do you think?
Have you knit with hemp yarn?
What was your experience?
Hit reply and share your experience with us!
We'd love to hear your feedback. π
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Daily Stitch
Bird's Eye Lace Stitch
Have you heard the word about the bird?
I thought everybody's heard about the bird...
Well this stitch consistent of net made up of little holes.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes (26% Off)
Not all yarns are alike. Some make our hearts and hands sing, some get the job done without much fanfare, and some cause nothing but frustration and disappointment. If only there were a way to read a skein and know how it would behave and what it wanted to become before you invested your time, energy, and money in it.
Now there is! With The Knitterβs Book of Yarn, youβll learn how to unleash your inner yarn whisperer. β
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