Raw Hemp Cheesecloth – Natural Open-Weave Hemp Fabric

100% Hemp | 148 g/m² | 200 cm Wide | Natural, Unbleached & Unfinished

Beautifully rustic and wonderfully versatile, our Raw Hemp Cheesecloth is an open-weave fabric made from 100% natural hemp fibres. Left raw and unbleached, it retains the earthy beige colour, distinctive texture and original character of the plant.

Its loose, airy weave makes it particularly interesting for textile artists, natural dyers, herbalists and anyone who enjoys working with traditional natural fibres.

From lightweight bags and herb-drying cloths to historical costumes, embroidery and decorative textiles, this unusual hemp fabric offers endless creative possibilities.

One of its most distinctive characteristics appears after washing, when the open weave naturally contracts and develops a beautiful crinkled, slightly crepe-like texture.

The Fabric

Woven from 100% hemp in an open plain weave, this cheesecloth has a loose, breathable construction and a naturally rustic appearance.

Unlike tightly woven hemp fabrics, its open structure allows air to pass freely through the cloth, making it suitable for lightweight bags, sacks, decorative textiles and traditional craft applications.

The fabric is supplied raw, in its natural beige colour, without bleaching or additional finishing.

At 148 g/m², it is relatively lightweight, although its character is quite different from that of a smooth dressmaking fabric.

A Beautiful Natural Crinkle

During the first wash, the open weave contracts and develops a characteristic crinkled or crepe-like texture. This change is a natural feature of the fabric and part of its appeal.

The cloth can be largely smoothed again by ironing, although some of its original texture may remain.

Please note: Allow for approximately 5–10% shrinkage. We strongly recommend prewashing before cutting and sewing, particularly where accurate dimensions are important.

Natural Dyeing

Raw Hemp Cheesecloth offers exciting possibilities for natural dyeing and experimental textile work.

As a cellulose fibre, hemp can be dyed with many of the same dyes used for linen and cotton.

Because the fabric is supplied in its natural, unbleached state, it provides an earthy beige starting colour rather than a bright white background.

Its open weave and developing crinkled texture make it especially interesting for:

• Natural dyeing

• Textile installations and sculptural work

• Embroidery and mixed-media textiles

For the best results, hemp should be thoroughly scoured and prepared with an appropriate cellulose mordanting process.

Dyeing Tip: Prewash the fabric before mordanting or dyeing. The first wash can significantly change the fabric's structure, and its natural beige colour will influence the final shade.

Suggested Uses

Traditional Crafts & Practical Uses

• Herb drying and botanical processing

• Lightweight shopping bags and sacks

• Cheesecloth-style straining applications, subject to food-contact suitability

• Rustic storage and craft bags

Textile Art & Natural Dyeing

• Natural dyeing

• Embroidery and decorative stitching

• Experimental textile surfaces

• Sculptural and mixed-media textile projects

Costume & Historical Textiles

• Historical costumes and reenactment

• Rustic costume details and accessories

• Decorative layering

• Traditional-looking textile projects

Homeware & Decoration

• Open-weave decorative accessories

• Rustic table decorations

• Lightweight decorative panels

• Natural-texture craft projects

Product Details

Continuous Lengths: Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length wherever possible, unless otherwise requested.

Important: This is an open-weave fabric. Its dimensions and appearance will change during the first wash, so please prewash before cutting and sewing.

Sustainability & Natural Fibres

Hemp is a remarkably versatile plant fibre, traditionally valued for its strength, durability and relatively modest growing requirements.

In suitable conditions, hemp can be cultivated with comparatively little irrigation and can offer an alternative to conventional synthetic textile fibres.

Raw Hemp Cheesecloth is made entirely from hemp, without synthetic fibre blends. It is supplied in its natural beige colour, without bleaching.

The fabric is biodegradable under suitable conditions and its versatile construction allows it to be used across a wide range of textile and craft projects.

Choosing natural fibres and making durable, reusable textiles are simple ways to encourage more thoughtful use of materials.

Care Instructions

Before Sewing

• Prewash to allow for approximately 5–10% shrinkage.

• Expect the fabric to develop a crinkled or crepe-like texture.

• Allow the cloth to relax fully before cutting.

• Measure again after washing, as the width and length may change.

Washing & Drying

• Machine wash at 60–90°C on a normal cycle, according to the supplier's recommendations.

• Use an eco-friendly laundry detergent.

• Use a low spin speed.

• Hang to dry while still dripping wet.

• Avoid excessive tumble drying.

Ironing & Finishing

The characteristic crinkling that develops during washing is a natural feature of this open-weave hemp fabric.

For a smoother appearance, iron the cloth while slightly damp. Ironing can largely restore a flatter surface, although some texture may remain.

Alternatively, leave it unironed to enjoy its beautifully rustic, naturally crinkled character.

FINOLINA – Naturally Dyed European Linen Fabric

100% European Linen | 170 g/m² | Approx. 130 cm Wide | Woven in Italy, Naturally Dyed in Ireland

FINOLINA is our signature naturally dyed linen – refined, breathable and full of beautiful botanical colour.

Woven in Italy from European-grown flax and dyed by hand in small batches at our studio in County Clare, Ireland, FINOLINA brings together the long tradition of European linen weaving with the art of natural dyeing.

With its smooth, cool touch, fine plain weave and gentle drape, this beautiful linen is ideal for garments, home textiles and creative sewing projects.

Each length is dyed using our own indigo vats and carefully selected plant-based dyes, creating colours that are rich, individual and full of character.

Naturally Dyed Colours

FINOLINA is available in three beautiful botanical shades:

Our fabrics are dyed in batches of approximately 5 metres. As with all naturally dyed textiles, slight variations in shade may occur between batches and across the fabric.

These subtle differences are part of the beauty and individuality of working with natural colour.

The Fabric

FINOLINA is woven from 100% European flax in Italy, using a fine, balanced plain weave.

At 170 g/m², it offers a lovely balance between lightness and substance. It has enough body for everyday garments while remaining breathable and comfortable against the skin.

The smooth surface and gentle drape make it especially suitable for shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts and relaxed summer clothing.

Originally developed for us in a natural white, FINOLINA is dyed entirely in-house, allowing us to work closely with the colour and finishing process.

The fabric is washed during dyeing, leaving it beautifully soft and ready for sewing.

Please note: The finished width is approximately 130 cm following the natural dyeing process. Allow for approximately 5% further shrinkage when washing.

Our Natural Dyeing Process

Every length of FINOLINA is naturally dyed by hand at AppleOak FibreWorks in County Clare, Ireland.

We work with traditional indigo vats and botanical dyes, building colour through carefully controlled processes that respect the characteristics of the linen.

Our blue shades are created with indigo, while Emerald Green combines indigo with the yellow tones of pomegranate peel.

Small-batch production

• Woven in Italy from European-grown flax

• Naturally dyed by hand in County Clare

• Traditional indigo vats and botanical dye extracts

• Dyed in approximately 5-metre lengths

• Washed and finished after dyeing

• Subtle variations make each batch individual

Natural colours develop their own character over time. Gentle changes in shade with washing, wear and exposure to light are normal characteristics of plant-dyed textiles.

Suggested Uses

Clothing

• Shirts and blouses

• Summer dresses and skirts

• Lightweight trousers and relaxed garments

• Layering pieces and comfortable everyday clothing

Textile Art & Creative Sewing

• Patchwork and quilting

• Embroidery and decorative stitching

• Visible mending and textile repairs

• Artisan clothing and textile design

Homeware & Interiors

• Curtains and lightweight window treatments

• Table runners and decorative table linens

• Cushion covers and home accessories

• Creative interior textile projects

Product Details

Continuous Lengths: Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length wherever possible, subject to availability within the same dye batch.

Colour Variation: Due to the handmade nature of natural dyeing, slight differences in shade may occur between batches. We recommend ordering sufficient fabric for your entire project at one time.

Sustainability & Natural Fibres

FINOLINA brings together two of our passions: European linen and natural colour.

Flax is a renewable plant fibre that can be grown with relatively little irrigation in suitable European climates. Linen is naturally strong, durable and biodegradable under suitable conditions.

At AppleOak FibreWorks, our natural dyeing processes are designed with careful consideration for water use, materials and the environment.

We use harvested rainwater in our dye studio and work with traditional indigo vats and botanical dyes and extracts rather than synthetic textile dyes.

By dyeing in small batches, we can closely manage the dyeing process and produce fabrics with distinctive colours and character.

Our aim is to create beautiful, long-lasting textiles that encourage thoughtful making, wearing and care.

Care Instructions

Naturally dyed linen benefits from gentle, thoughtful care to preserve its colour and character.

Washing

• Machine wash at 30°C with a mild, pH-neutral detergent.

• Wash separately or with similar colours, particularly during the first washes.

• Avoid optical brighteners, bleach and fabric softeners.

• Do not soak for extended periods.

• Allow for approximately 5% further shrinkage.

Drying

• Hang to dry naturally or lay flat while damp.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when drying.

• Avoid tumble drying to protect the fibres and naturally dyed colour.

Ironing & Finishing

Iron while slightly damp if a smoother finish is desired, or leave unironed to enjoy linen's naturally relaxed appearance.

With washing and wear, FINOLINA becomes softer and more supple. Its natural colours may mellow gently over time, developing the beautiful character associated with traditionally dyed textiles.

FANEEL – Handwoven Himalayan Nettle Fabric

EXPECTED DELIVERY EARLY NOVEMBER

100% Himalayan Nettle | Hand-Spun & Handwoven in Nepal | Straight Weave

Discover the distinctive texture and natural character of FANEEL, a traditional handwoven fabric made entirely from Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia).

Wild-harvested, hand-spun and woven in Nepal, this beautiful plant-based textile combines strength, texture and traditional craftsmanship. Its naturally earthy shades and individual variations make every length unique.

Unlike our ALLO Himalayan Nettle Fabric, which features a herringbone weave, FANEEL has a classic straight weave. Both fabrics are otherwise identical in fibre composition and production.

Fabric Specifications

Please note: Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) is a different plant from European stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

The Fabric

Himalayan nettle is a remarkable natural fibre, traditionally valued for its strength, durability and insulating qualities.

The fabric has a distinctive, rustic texture that gradually softens with washing, handling and wear. Its natural colour varies depending on the harvested fibres, creating subtle differences between batches and individual woven lengths.

The straight weave gives FANEEL a classic appearance, making it particularly suitable for garments, accessories and interior textiles where natural texture and character are appreciated.

Traditional Craftsmanship

FANEEL is produced in Nepal using traditional fibre-processing and weaving techniques.

The Himalayan nettle plants, which can reach heights of approximately three metres, are harvested by hand. The extracted fibres undergo a traditional softening process involving wood ash, stone beating and clay treatment before being hand-spun into yarn and woven into fabric.

Production supports Nepalese makers, including women and families who work from home, helping preserve traditional textile skills while providing paid employment.

Suitable For

• Clothing: Jackets, blazers, trousers, waistcoats and outerwear

• Accessories: Bags, textile accessories and decorative pieces

• Home textiles: Cushions, table runners, curtains and tablecloths

• Creative work: Embroidery, textile art and traditional craft projects

Care Instructions

Wash at 40–60°C. Allow for approximately 10% shrinkage, particularly before cutting fabric for garments or fitted projects.

We recommend prewashing and testing a small piece before beginning your project.

Ordering & Availability

Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length whenever possible, unless otherwise requested.

As this fabric is entirely handmade, slight variations in weave, width, texture and natural colour are part of its character.

Availability is limited by traditional production. Please contact us for larger quantities or bulk enquiries.

LUNA – Handwoven Himalayan Nettle & Cotton Fabric
Origin: Nepal | Weave: Herringbone | Width: Approx. 100cm

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

The humble Himalayan nettle is in fact a remarkable natural fibre plant. It can be used in herbal medicine, for natural dyeing, and most notably, for spinning into a strong, versatile fibre similar to flax.

LUNA is the lightest of our nettle fabrics, featuring a soft herringbone weave. A natural cotton warp is woven with fine, hand-spun Himalayan nettle yarn, creating a breathable, airy textile with subtle texture and beautiful drape.

Each piece of LUNA is handwoven and unique. The nettle yarn varies naturally in colour—ranging from straw yellow to grey-brown or deep brown—while the cotton warp provides a soft, even-toned base that highlights the weave.

The Company:
This fabric is made from wild-harvested Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia), ethically produced in Nepal. It supports local women, homemakers, and families by offering fair wages and home-based work opportunities, helping to reduce the need for labour migration.

The Fabric:
In Nepal, Himalayan nettle grows up to 3 metres tall and is still processed entirely by hand. Once harvested and peeled, the fibre is soaked in a semi-boiling wood ash bath overnight—this not only softens the fibres but also enriches the soil when reused as fertiliser. The fibres are then beaten on stone and rubbed with clay to remove debris, yielding a clean, strong, and sustainable yarn.

Naturally insulating, breathable, and durable, this fabric softens beautifully over time and wear.

In a Nutshell:
• 50% Himalayan nettle, 50% cotton
• Approx. 100cm wide
• Hand-spun nettle yarn
• Handwoven herringbone weave
• 315 g/m²
• Naturally varied in colour
• 40–60°C wash, 10% shrinkage
• Rinse gently with mild soap
• Orders cut as one continuous length unless otherwise requested

Uses:
Perfect for:
Blazers, jackets, vests, summer and children’s clothing, trousers, cushions, tablecloths, curtains, bags, light upholstery, embroidery, and more.

History:
Himalayan nettle has been used for generations in Nepal for everything from clothing to rope. In Europe, nettle fibre also had a long and rich history as a linen alternative. The 18th-century poet Thomas Campbell once 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.”

LUNA continues this tradition—offering a fabric that is beautiful, practical, and deeply connected to place and craft.

ALLO – Handwoven Himalayan Nettle Fabric

EXPECTED DELIVERY EARLY NOVEMBER

100% Himalayan Nettle | Hand-Spun & Handwoven in Nepal | Herringbone Weave

Discover the beautiful natural texture of ALLO, a traditional handwoven fabric made entirely from Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia).

Wild-harvested, hand-spun and woven in Nepal, this distinctive plant-based textile combines strength, durability and traditional craftsmanship. Its elegant herringbone weave adds subtle pattern and character, while the naturally earthy colours make every length unique.

Unlike our FANEEL Himalayan Nettle Fabric, which features a straight weave, ALLO has a traditional herringbone pattern. Both fabrics are otherwise identical in fibre composition and production.

Fabric Specifications

Please note: Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) is a different plant from European stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

The Fabric

Himalayan nettle is a remarkable natural fibre, traditionally valued for its strength, durability and insulating qualities.

ALLO has a distinctive rustic texture that gradually softens with washing, handling and wear. Its traditional herringbone weave creates a subtle zigzag pattern, adding visual interest and depth to the fabric.

The naturally occurring shades range from straw yellow to grey-brown and darker earthy tones. These variations reflect the harvested fibres and traditional production methods, giving every handwoven length its individual character.

The fabric is particularly suited to projects where natural texture, strength and traditional craftsmanship are appreciated.

Traditional Craftsmanship

ALLO is produced in Nepal using traditional fibre-processing and weaving techniques.

Himalayan nettle plants, which can reach approximately three metres in height, are harvested by hand. The extracted fibres undergo a traditional softening process involving wood ash, stone beating and clay treatment before being hand-spun into yarn and woven into fabric.

Production supports Nepalese makers, including women and families who work from home, helping preserve traditional textile skills while providing paid employment.

Suitable For

• Clothing: Jackets, blazers, trousers, waistcoats and outerwear

• Accessories: Bags, textile accessories and decorative pieces

• Home textiles: Cushions, table runners, curtains and tablecloths

• Creative work: Embroidery, textile art and traditional craft projects

The herringbone pattern makes ALLO especially attractive for tailored garments, bags, lamp shades and home textiles where the weave itself becomes part of the design.

Care Instructions

Wash at 40–60°C. Allow for approximately 10% shrinkage, particularly before cutting fabric for garments or fitted projects.

We recommend prewashing and testing a small piece before beginning your project.

Ordering & Availability

Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length whenever possible, unless otherwise requested.

As this fabric is entirely handmade, slight variations in weave, width, texture and natural colour are part of its character.

Availability is limited by traditional production. Please contact us for larger quantities or bulk enquiries.

LINON – Lightweight White European Linen Fabric

100% Linen | 125 g/m² | Approx. 150 cm Wide | European Production

LINON is a beautifully fine, lightweight European linen fabric with a crisp white finish and a delicate, flowing character. Woven from 100% flax fibres and oxygen bleached, it offers a breathable, versatile cloth for clothing, embroidery, natural dyeing and creative textile projects.

Initially slightly crisp, LINON softens beautifully after its first wash, developing the supple texture and natural drape that make linen such a pleasure to work with.

The Fabric

At just 125 g/m², LINON is a lightweight woven linen, ideal for summer garments, delicate textile work and projects where breathability and a natural feel are important.

The fabric is not prewashed and will soften and relax considerably during its first wash. We recommend prewashing before cutting and sewing to allow for natural shrinkage.

Natural Dyeing

LINON is suitable for natural dyeing, botanical printing and textile experimentation.

As a cellulose fibre, linen benefits from appropriate preparation, including thorough scouring and a suitable cellulose mordanting process, to achieve more consistent and lasting results.

Please note: The fabric has been oxygen bleached. Although white, it is not an unprocessed or unbleached linen. We recommend testing your chosen dyeing process on a small sample before proceeding with larger projects.

Suggested Uses

Clothing

• Summer dresses and skirts

• Blouses and lightweight shirts

• Loose, breathable summer garments

Natural Dyeing & Textile Art

• Natural dyeing and botanical printing

• Embroidery and decorative stitching

• Surface design and textile experimentation

Homeware & Crafts

• Patchwork and quilting

• Lightweight accessories

• Decorative home textiles

Product Details

Continuous Lengths: Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length wherever possible, unless otherwise requested.

Sustainability & Natural Fibres

Linen is produced from flax, a renewable plant fibre traditionally grown across Europe. Flax can require relatively little irrigation in suitable growing conditions, and different parts of the plant can be used for textiles, linseed oil and other products.

Linen is naturally durable, biodegradable when untreated and free from synthetic fibres. Its strength and longevity make it an excellent choice for textiles intended to be worn, used and cherished for many years.

LINON has been oxygen bleached to achieve its white finish, an additional processing step compared with natural, unbleached linen.

Care Instructions

Before Sewing

• Prewash to allow for approximately 10% shrinkage.

• Allow the fabric to relax before cutting.

Washing & Drying

• Machine wash at 60–90°C, as appropriate for your project.

• Use a gentle spin cycle.

• Hang to dry naturally, preferably while still damp.

• Avoid excessive tumble drying to minimise additional shrinkage.

Ironing & Finishing

Linen becomes softer and more supple with repeated washing. Iron while damp for a smooth finish, or leave unironed to enjoy its naturally relaxed texture.