Organic Bedding

Organic Fabrics by the Yard

How to Care for Hemp Fabrics:
Hemp is a very tough natural material that can take the abuses of normal life and last much, much longer than conventional fabrics.

The natural properties of hemp are unusual; it is one of the only fabrics that becomes stronger when wet than dry, so repeated washings do not weaken fibers. In fact, frequent washings result in hemp fabrics becoming softer and more lustrous with time.

A few care alerts:

• After purchasing hemp fabrics by the yard (especially canvas), it is recommended you test wash a scrap, because some hemp weaves may shrink up to 5%. If shrinkage occurs (usually with canvas or heavier upholstery fabrics), we recommend dry cleaning, or spot cleaning with regular freshening in open air.
  
  If your test piece shrinks, you may opt to pre-shrink fabric before cutting and sewing.  Be sure to SURGE first!  After several washings, if you are satisfied no more shrinkage will occur, it should be safe to machine wash your finished pieces.
  
  

• Before sewing, SURGE all hemp pieces, to avoid fraying in the wash!
  

• NEVER use bleach on your hemp fabrics, which can weaken fibers; and avoid detergents containing Optical Brightening Agents (OBA's).
  

• Recommended water temperature of 120 degrees F. is fine for most color fast or undyed hemp fabrics.
  

• Tumble drying is fine for most hemp fabrics.
  

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