Hemp: A hero fabric for curtains and blinds

The perfect blend

Hemp fabric is made using the fibres from the stalks of the cannabis sativa plant; a plant that has been recognised for thousands of years as having extraordinary durability and strength. Historically, its strength made hemp the perfect fabric for sails, ropes and sailors’ uniforms in the British and American navies and it’s still the go-to fibre for sails today. Our hemp fabric is actually a blend of 60% wool and 40% hemp which means it benefits from the inherent properties of both fibres. The hemp gives it a natural and tactile feel whilst the wool softens the blend and ensures it drapes beautifully for your curtains.

It’s eco-friendly

Hemp is widely considered to be the most environmentally friendly fibre for a number of reasons. It’s naturally resistant to pests and requires little water to grow. It ages well and the more it’s handled, the softer it becomes. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and non-irritating to the skin. Hemp has the ability to regenerate the soil and it has so many applications across a variety of industries that it’s considered to have infinite potential. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also biodegradable.

A year round fabric

Unlike, some fabrics that lend themselves to certain seasons, hemp is perfect whatever the weather. In the height of summer, hemp’s ability to breathe well and absorb UV rays (therefore keeping rooms cool if the curtains are closed) make it a great choice. In a south-facing room, hemp made to measure curtains and made to measure blinds will stay looking vibrant for longer as the fibres are resistant to being worn away by the sun.

By contrast, the wool in our hemp is an inherently good insulator, due to a natural crimp that forms millions of air pockets to trap air. This creates a thermal barrier so hemp curtains and blinds are perfect for drafty rooms or simply to make a home feel more cosy.

It’s great for bathrooms

Hemp is naturally resistant to bacteria, mould and fungi, making it well suited to bathrooms or other areas where there’s a lot of moisture. It does not absorb water due to the way the fibres are spun and instead tries to reflect the water, like water on a leaf. Wool on the other hand readily absorbs moisture with an ability to absorb almost one third of its weight without feeling wet. So together, they make the perfect partnership for a fabric in damp conditions.