The Eco Advantages of Hemp and Organic Cotton Fabric

Did you know that traditional cotton farming is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world? That's why ORGANIC COTTON and HEMP are great sustainable alternatives. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the ECO ADVANTAGES of choosing organic cotton and hemp, from reducing environmental impact to supporting fair trade practices.

Let's dive right in and get to know a little bit more about hemp and organic cotton fabric! This fabric has been around for quite some time, with its origins dating back to ancient civilisations. But what makes it so special? Well, for starters, it's 100% organic and chemical-free, making it a safer and healthier choice for both you and the environment. Plus, it's very durable and long-lasting, so you can wear your favourite hemp shirt for years to come. And when it comes to sustainability - hemp is a renewable resource that requires less water and pesticides than traditional cotton. 

Hemp and organic cotton fabric is made from a blend of hemp fibres and organic cotton.

HEMP is a versatile and durable fibre that has been used for thousands of years for both clothing, paper, and other textiles. 

ORGANIC COTTON is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, making it a sustainable option for clothing production.

The combination of these two fibres creates a fabric that is soft, breathable, and long-lasting. Hemp and organic cotton fabric is an excellent choice for clothing, bedding, and other textiles too.

The durability of hemp and organic cotton fabric is not only great for the environment, but it also saves you money in the long run. These fabrics are resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for clothing that will last for years. Hemp fibres are naturally strong, which means they can withstand frequent washing and still maintain their integrity. Organic cotton, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan than conventional cotton, which is grown using harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Another amazing benefit of hemp and organic cotton fabric is its breathability. Hemp fibres are naturally porous, which allows air to circulate easily through the fabric, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather clothing. Organic cotton is also breathable and comfortable, making it a perfect complement to hemp. Together, these two fabrics create a comfortable and stylish clothing option that you can wear all year round.

Aside from durability and breathability, hemp and organic cotton fabric is also biodegradable, which means that it won't sit in landfills for centuries like synthetic fabrics do. They are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making them an eco-friendly option for the conscious consumer. Additionally, hemp and organic cotton fabric is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin!

This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The cultivation of the plants and the entire manufacturing process are done with great care to ensure that the final product is as eco-friendly as possible. Read on to dive deeper into the various steps involved in creating hemp and organic cotton fabric, from the cultivation process to the final product.

The first step in creating hemp and organic cotton fabric is the cultivation of the plants. As mentioned earlier hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires minimal water and no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and the same is true for organic cotton, which is grown using natural methods to control pests and enhance soil fertility. The use of natural methods during the cultivation process helps to minimise the environmental impact of these crops.

Once the plants are grown and harvested, they are processed to extract the fibres. For hemp, this involves separating the outer fibrous layer from the inner woody core of the plant. For organic cotton, the cotton bolls are harvested and the fibres are separated from the seeds. These fibres are then spun into yarn, which is then used to create the fabric.

The weaving process is where the yarn is turned into fabric. This is done using a loom, which interlaces the yarn to create a strong and durable fabric. The weaving process can be done by hand or with machines, but the end result is always a high-quality fabric that's perfect for clothing, accessories, and home textiles.

After the fabric is woven, it's often treated to achieve certain properties, such as softness or moisture-wicking. This can be done using natural methods, such as washing the fabric with enzymes or using plant-based dyes, to minimise the environmental impact of the process.

The cultivation of hemp and organic cotton fabric starts with the planting of the seeds. The plants are allowed to grow naturally, and the soil is enriched with natural compost and other organic matter.

The harvesting and processing is a critical step in the creation of sustainable and eco-friendly textiles. Once the plants have matured, they are carefully harvested, and the raw fibers are extracted using mechanical or manual methods.

Mechanical methods are often used to separate the fibers from the rest of the plant. These methods involve the use of machines that mechanically separate the fibers from the plant material. The fibers are then cleaned to remove any impurities, such as dirt or debris.

Manual methods, on the other hand, involve handpicking the fibers from the plant. This method requires more time and effort, but it's a traditional and sustainable method that produces high-quality fibers.

Once the fibers are extracted, they are cleaned and processed to remove any remaining impurities. This is typically done using natural methods, such as washing the fibers with water and a mild detergent. The use of natural cleaning methods ensures that the fibers remain free of any harsh chemicals that could harm the environment.

After the fibers have been harvested and processed, they're transformed into yarns. The yarns are spun using spinning wheels, which can be operated by hand or by machine. This process involves twisting and aligning the fibers to create strong and durable yarns.

Once the yarns have been created, they're woven into fabric using a loom. The weaving process can be done by hand or by machine, depending on the desired outcome. Different types of fabrics can be created by using different weaving techniques. For example, a plain weave produces a basic fabric, while a twill weave creates a diagonal pattern in the fabric. There are also many other types of weaves, such as satin weaves, dobby weaves, and jacquard weaves, each producing unique and distinct fabric textures and patterns.

After the fabric has been woven, it's then cut and sewn into clothing or other textile products. The cutting process involves laying out the fabric and cutting it into the desired shapes and sizes using specialised cutting tools. The fabric pieces are then sewn together using various sewing techniques and equipment. These techniques can range from hand-sewing to using industrial sewing machines.

The final step in creating hemp and organic cotton fabric is finishing the fabric. This process involves treating the fabric with a variety of techniques to achieve the desired texture, colour, and appearance. Finishing processes can include dyeing, printing, and coating. 

Organic cotton hemp fabric is a durable and sustainable textile that requires special care when washing and drying to maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips on how to care for your hemp and organic cotton clothing:

Washing:

• Use cold water: Hot water can cause the fabric to shrink and damage the fibers, so it's best to use cold water.
• Use a gentle detergent: Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach or fabric softeners, as they can weaken the fibers and cause color fading. Choose a mild detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics or eco-friendly products.
• Wash with similar colours: To avoid colour bleeding and fading, it is best to wash your hemp and organic cotton clothes with similar colours.
• Turn inside out: Turning the clothes inside out before washing can help prevent rubbing and friction that can damage the fabric.
• Hand wash or gentle cycle: For best results, it is recommended to hand wash your hemp and organic cotton clothes. If you use a washing machine, select the delicate cycle and use a gentle agitation setting.

Drying:

• Air-dry: The best way to dry your hemp and organic cotton clothes is by air-drying. Hang your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. This helps to maintain the fabric's quality and prevents shrinkage and damage caused by high heat.
• Avoid the dryer: If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting and remove the clothes as soon as they are dry to prevent wrinkles and shrinkage. Avoid using a high heat setting, as it can damage the fabric.
• Do not wring or twist: Wringing or twisting the fabric can cause stretching and deformation, so it is best to avoid doing so.

By following these tips, you can keep your organic cotton hemp clothes in great condition for a long time.

Ironing: Most hemp and organic cotton fabrics does not need ironing. If you need to iron your hemp and organic cotton clothing, it's best to do so while the fabric is still slightly damp. This helps to prevent damage caused by the heat and ensures that the fabric remains smooth and wrinkle-free. Use a low to medium heat setting on your steam iron and avoid using a high heat setting, which can scorch the fabric and cause it to become brittle. If you don't have a steam iron you can protect the fabric from direct heat by placing a thin cloth or pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. This can help prevent shine and marks from the iron.

Storing: When it comes to storing your hemp and organic cotton clothing, it's important to keep it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause colour fading and weaken the fabric over time. Humidity can also cause mould and mildew growth, so make sure to store your clothes in a dry place. 

The best way to store your hemp and organic cotton clothing is to fold it neatly and place it in a drawer or on a shelf. If you prefer to hang your clothes, make sure to use hangers that are the appropriate size and shape for the item to prevent stretching and sagging.