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.
