Career Paths | Overview | Fiber Characteristics | Hemp

FIBER AND FABRIC EDUCATION PROGRAM -

Fiber Characteristics - Hemp

Natural Fiber

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Three times stronger than cotton
• Good abrasion resistance/very durable
• Anti-microbial and UV resistance
• Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot
• Readily takes dyes
• Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation
• Breathable
• Washable or dry cleanable
• Wrinkles easily/poor resiliency
• Poor drapeability
• Not as soft as other fibers

MAJOR END USES:

• Apparel - dresses, suits, separates, skirts, jackets, pants, blouses, shirts, childrenswear.
• Home Fashions - curtains, draperies, upholstery, bedspreads, table linens, sheets, dish towels.

Comments - The highest quality hemp comes from the "true" hemp plant called Cannabis Sativa. Sisal hemp and Manila hemp (also known as Abaca) are lower quality hemp fibers. Hemp can have a rather harsh hand. Therefore, it is best utilized in blends with other fibers (i.e. cotton, silk, wool, polyester).

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