Handwoven Stinging Nettle Fabric: Plant-Dyed Sustainable Textile, 44" Wide

1) Fabric Overview A rare and deeply textural handwoven stinging nettle fabric, crafted in small batches and plant-dyed in grounded, mineral-rich tones. At 320 GSM, this is a substantial, heritage-weight cloth with a dry, matte surface and visible handloom character. The weave reveals subtle irregularities — not flaws, but signatures of human craftsmanship. Stinging nettle fiber has historically been used in Himalayan and European textile traditions as a durable, breathable alternative to linen. This fabric carries that same quiet strength — structured yet alive. 2) How It Is Made Stinging nettle fiber is extracted from the bast (inner bark) of mature nettle stems. The fibers are: • Retting and hand-decorticated • Sun-dried • Spun into yarn • Handwoven on traditional looms The cloth is then plant-dyed in small dye baths using botanical sources to achieve earthy tones such as Walnut, Mustard, Olive, Indigo, Apricot, Rose Pink, Caramel, and Old Gold. Because plant dyes interact organically with natural fibers: Slight tonal variation is inherent Depth may shift under different lighting Aging develops character rather than fading flat This is a slow textile — not industrially uniform. 3) Technical Specifications • Fiber: 100% Stinging Nettle (bast fiber) • Construction: Handwoven plain weave • Width: 50 inches • Weight: 320 GSM • Dye Process: Botanical plant dye • Opacity: Opaque • Texture: Dry, textured, matte • Stretch: None 320 GSM places this in the structured medium-heavy category — ideal for garments requiring body. 4) Handfeel & Drape Dry hand with subtle grain. Comparable to a cross between heavyweight linen and raw silk noil — but firmer. It holds shape beautifully. Drape is architectural rather than fluid. It creates defined silhouettes, clean pleats, and structured seams. With wear and washing, the fabric will soften while maintaining its integrity. 5) Ideal Uses • Structured jackets • Overshirts • Artisan trousers • Utility dresses • Tailored separates • Textile art panels • Heritage home accents This is not a sheer or flowing cloth — it is meant for presence. 6) Wash & Care + Disclaimers • Dry clean recommended for first wash • Thereafter: gentle cold hand wash separately • Use pH-neutral detergent • Do not soak • Dry in shade • Iron inside-out on medium Plant-dyed fabrics may exhibit: Minor crocking in early washes Natural tonal shifts over time Subtle dye irregularities These are characteristics of botanical dyeing, not defects.