FANEEL – Handwoven Himalayan Nettle Fabric
Origin: Nepal | Weave: Straight | Width: Approx. 65cm
Please note, this is Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia), not European nettle.
Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length unless directed otherwise.
The humble nettle—often dismissed for its sting—is a true natural treasure. It can be eaten, brewed as tea, used for dyeing, gardening, and, most notably, spun into fibre like flax.
FANEEL differs from our ALLO Nettle fabric with its straight weave rather than a herringbone pattern. Otherwise, they are identical.
The Company:
Made from wild-harvested Himalayan Nettles, this fabric is ethically produced in Nepal, supporting homemakers, women, and families with fair wages and home-based work opportunities.
The Fabric:
Once known as the "linen for the poor" in Europe, nettle fabric was widely used before being replaced by linen and cotton.
In Nepal, Himalayan nettles grow up to 3m tall and are still harvested by hand. The fibres are softened in a wood ash bath overnight, beaten on stone, and rubbed with clay to remove plant debris. Naturally coloured, each piece varies from straw yellow to grey-brown or dark brown. Every handwoven length is unique, offering an eco-friendly, durable textile that insulates body warmth, withstands boiling, and softens beautifully with wear.
In a Nutshell:
- 100% Himalayan nettle
- Hand-spun and handwoven
- Approx. 65cm wide
- Naturally varies in colour
- 40–60°C wash, 10% shrinkage
- Orders cut as one continuous length unless directed otherwise
Uses:
Perfect for making blazers, jackets, trousers, vests, winter clothing, children’s wear, cushions, tablecloths, curtains, bags, upholstery, and embroidery.
History:
Nettle yarn was once a staple fibre in Europe, rivaling flax and hemp. The 18th-century poet Thomas Campbell praised its versatility, from fine table linens to durable fabrics. Durable and sustainable, nettle remains a valuable natural fibre today.
Due to its handmade nature, availability is limited. Please contact us for larger quantities.
