Natural Hemp

Hemp is yet again unique to Nepal where it has been used for generations as a fiber because of its strength, resilient and durability. This has long enduring process which is grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers and is harvested in Autumn. This art of growing Hemp locally by Nepali farmers gives them a revenue stream to sustain.The slow, complex and exhausting process for hemp fiber extraction, is completely done by hand in the western villages of Nepal. All the steps of making hemp cloth, from sowing seeds, through the many stages of fiber processing, to spinning and weaving the yarn, are still performed mainly by women.

Fiber extraction was mostly done by hand. The plant which is harvested in the month of August is then dried and soaked in water for a couple of days. After which it is twisted, sun-dried, and then softened by beating and spun. After the spinning is done, the thread is then boiled in a mixture of water and wood ash, then it is washed severely. This process is time-consuming and very tiring.

All the steps of making hemp yarns, from sowing seeds, through the many stages of fiber processing, to spinning and weaving the yarn, are still performed mainly by women. Grown naturally without pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers the plant's fibrous portion is teased out, twisted, sun dried, beaten with a wooden stick (to soften it) and finally spun. After spinning, the thread is boiled with water and wood ash and rinsed many times.