FANEEL – Indigo-Dyed Handwoven Himalayan Nettle Fabric
Origin: Nepal | Weave: Straight | Width: Approx. 65cm

Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length (up to 5 metres) unless directed otherwise.
Each order comes with care instructions.

This edition of FANEEL has been dyed in-house at AppleOak FibreWorks in Co. Clare, Ireland, using our natural indigo mineral vat. Free from synthetic dyes and harsh chemicals, the colour is achieved through a slow, mindful process using plant-based indigo and small-batch dyeing techniques, creating a different kind of denim!

Our studio runs on a closed-loop, regenerative system. All water used in dyeing is collected via rainwater harvesting, and filtered through aquatic plants, gravel, and a final woodland filtration zone before returning to the environment. Worm composting is used to enrich the soil that grows our dye plants—closing the loop between land, water, and colour.

The Companies

AppleOak FibreWorks
Located in Co. Clare, Ireland, AppleOak FibreWorks is a natural dye and textile studio dedicated to ecological craft. We grow most of our dye plants, hand-dye textiles, yarns and clothing in small batches, and work with heritage fibres. Our production is low-impact, transparent, and rooted in place—driven by rain, soil, and slow process.

Our Weaving Partners
This fabric is handwoven in Nepal from wild-harvested Girardinia diversifolia (Himalayan nettle). The fibre is softened using traditional wood ash baths, beaten on stone, and spun by hand. The weaving supports fair wages and home-based work, particularly for women and rural families.

The Fabric

FANEEL has a straight weave and a structured feel. Naturally insulating and breathable, it softens beautifully with use. The hand-dyed indigo gives each piece subtle depth and variation.

In a Nutshell

• 100% Himalayan nettle
• Dyed in-house with natural indigo (mineral vat)
• Hand-spun and handwoven in Nepal
• Approx. 65cm wide
• Approx. 315 g/m²
• Natural variation in tone and weave
• 40–60°C wash with mild soap
• Approx. 10% shrinkage
• Maximum continuous length: 5 metres
• Comes with care instructions

Uses

Perfect for: jackets, vests, winter garments, trousers, artisan interiors, cushions, curtains, bags, and embroidery.

History

Nettle fibre, in this case European nettle, has a long and rich history in Europe, once rivaling flax and hemp. Thomas Campbell, an 18th-century poet, wrote:

“I have slept in nettle sheets, and I have dined off a nettle tablecloth... The stalks of the old nettle are as good as flax for making cloth.”

FANEEL carries this tradition forward—with deep indigo, fair weaving, and a soil-to-cloth philosophy.

Nettle -Jersey – European Nettle Cotton Blend Jersey Fabric
Origin: Italy | Weave: Jersey Knit | Width: Approx. 170cm

Please note, this fabric is made with European nettle fibres (Urtica dioica), blended with cotton for a soft yet textured knit.

Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length unless directed otherwise.

The humble nettle—long valued for its versatility—is making a well-deserved return to the textile world. In this fabric, it’s blended with cotton to create a natural, breathable knit with a distinctive feel and appearance.

The Fabric:

This medium-weight jersey features a tactile, structured texture that remains soft and wearable. Naturally undyed, it comes in a creamy off-white tone that reflects the plant fibres within. The jersey has a rustic, earthy aesthetic—perfect for casual wear with a natural twist.

Made in Italy, this fabric is produced with care, using untreated fibres and no chemical finishes. Its composition of 66% cotton and 34% nettle fibre offers a sustainable alternative to purely synthetic or conventional cotton knits.

In a Nutshell:
66% cotton, 34% European nettle fibre
Natural cream tone
Approx. 170cm wide
Weight: 295 g/m²
Naturally untreated (no chemical finishes)
Approx. 5% shrinkage
Italian production
Orders cut as one continuous length unless directed otherwise

Uses:

Ideal for making casual jumpers, cardigans, children’s clothing, loungewear, tops, lightweight knitwear, and accessories. Also suitable for natural-themed textile projects and hand embroidery bases.

Sustainability Note:

European nettle has a long history as a textile fibre across the continent. When blended with cotton in modern knits like this one, it offers a more economical choice while maintaining comfort and wearability.

Due to limited availability, please contact us for larger quantities.

Clover Darning Needles with Latch Hook Eye – Set of 2

Make darning a breeze with these innovative Clover Darning Needles, featuring a clever latch hook eye. Designed for threading bulky or multi-ply yarns effortlessly, these steel needles are perfect for repairing knitwear, weaving in ends, or working with thick fibres in your visible mending projects.

Whether you're darning socks, patching jumpers, or tidying up the ends of a chunky knit, these tools offer precision and ease.

Features:

• Includes: 2 needles
• Material: Durable steel
• Latch hook eye for smooth, snag-free threading
• Ideal for bulky yarns, multi-ply threads, and hand-knits

A must-have for anyone who loves mending, knitting, or working with textured fibres.

Gold Eye Embroidery Needles No. 3/9 – Pack of 16

Elevate your embroidery with this versatile pack of Gold Eye Needles. Designed for strength, precision, and ease of use, these steel needles feature a smooth, gold-plated eye that makes threading effortless — even with embroidery floss or multiple strands.

With 16 needles in assorted sizes (No. 3 to No. 9), you'll have the perfect tool for a wide range of hand embroidery techniques, from fine detailing to broader stitches.

Features:

• Sizes: Assorted No. 3–9 (16 needles total)
• Material: High-quality steel with gold-plated eye
• Easy to thread and durable
• Ideal for embroidery, crewel work, and general hand sewing

A staple in any hand-stitcher’s kit — perfect for both beginners and experienced makers.

Gold Eye Tapestry Needles No. 24 – Set of 6

Perfect your tapestry and cross-stitch work with these high-quality Gold Eye Needles No. 24. Designed with a blunt tip and large, gold-plated eye, they easily pass through woven fabrics without snagging or splitting fibres — and are a dream to thread!

Made from durable steel, these needles are ideal for needlepoint, cross-stitch, counted thread embroidery, and other detailed needlecraft projects.

Features:

• Size: No. 24
• Material: Steel with gold-plated eye
• Quantity: Typically comes in a pack of 6
• Blunt tip for use with evenweave and tapestry canvas
• Easy to thread and smooth to use

A staple for embroidery and tapestry enthusiasts — ideal for both beginners and experienced stitchers.

Sashiko Needles – Set of 3

Perfect your Sashiko stitching with this premium set of long, durable needles designed specifically for the traditional Japanese embroidery technique. Sashiko (刺し子), meaning "little stabs," is a time-honoured method used to mend, strengthen, and decorate fabric — originally practised by rural Japanese women using white thread on indigo-dyed cloth.

These steel needles are distinguished by their length and thickness, making it easier to load multiple stitches at once — a key feature of the Sashiko style. Whether you're mending, quilting, or embellishing, this set offers the right tools for smooth, precise stitching.

Set includes:

• 1 needle – 1.14mm x 69.8mm
• 1 needle – 1.14mm x 60.3mm
• 1 needle – 1.07mm x 57.2mm

Material: Steel
Quantity: 3 needles (1 of each size)

Ideal for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike, this set is an essential addition to any visible mending or slow stitching kit.