16 May
How are Hemp Clothes Made?
How does a simple plant magically turn into a quality hemp clothes?
The process is simple!
It’s done 3 simple steps!
1. Harvesting
2. Processing
3. Weaving
Step 1 – Harvest
For the purpose of large scale production hemp is harvested using machines. The hemp used to make clothing is cut down by a special machine designed to keep the plant fibers long because they are preferred for making clothing. These machines also keep the bast fiber(the outer layer of the plant)in good condition. The machines will be back to pick up the hemp later. First it has to sit out for six weeks. This is to allow the environment to remove pectin from the plants. If the pectin were left on the fibers you’re shirts would be hard as rock! After sitting out the machines come back to flip them and finally bail them. The bails will be moved to the processing plant.
Step 2- Processing
The first step of processing is breaking down the plants into their various fibers. The bast is removed using rollers or hammer mills that crush the plants. The bast fiber is washed and then trimmed to the desired fineness. After washing and cutting, there are many variations of processing done to make the various fiber types available to make your clothes. Spinning is a typical way to bring the fibers together for clothing.
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Step 3- Weaving
Once the fibers have been spun they are put into industrial weaving looms that make the final cloth to be shipped to various designers.
That’s it! The hemp cloth is cut and sown into the shirts and pants you’re wearing today! Neat huh?
