Stinging nettles, Himalayan or European
- Skoglund & Clarke
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Fibers from different nettles have been used in many parts of the world in the production of textiles. However, there are approx. 2675 nettle species in the Urticaceae family, which makes it difficult to know for sure which one was used during a certain historical period. In fact, all nettles share common botanical features with flexible bast fibers that can be processed into a tough and strong yarn, but also differences such as the ability to adapt to local environmental conditions and the mechanisms by which they reproduce and spread.
In Western historical references nettles are primarily described as medicinal plants, not as a textile materials, and combined with the lack of European historical evidence of traditionally and manually made textiles, there are large knowledge gaps waiting to be filled. We can learn much from Asian textile plants like Himalayan nettle. Until today, local mountain people throughout the Himalayan foothills produce nettle textiles using traditional methods, from collecting wild nettles to processing and weaving. Like European nettle, Himalayan nettle emerges each spring, but is considerably thornier than its European relatve, which makes harvesting more difficult, but otherwise the two have much in common. Both are wild-growing and propagate through their own root system, both also thrive in shady places and have irritating hairs on the leaves and stems. The traditional Himalayan nettle harvest takes place between September and December.
There is a European historical perception that nettle textiles were made extremely thin and muslin-like, but it should be remembered that Chinese ramie (Boehmeria nivea) was already imported in the Middle Ages and has therefore been confused with European nettle. In fact, locally produced nettle textiles in Europe were rustic and in our opinion very similar to the equivalent of Himalayan nettle. In other words, European household nettle textiles throughout history resembled the equivalent of flax or hemp, something that Victor Hugo notes in ”Les Miserables”when he says; "When the nettle grows old it has filaments and fibers that resemble hemp and flax, the fabrics are as good as those made of hemp."
This week we highlight our textiles made from Himalayan nettle. Two of these are so worn that the woven patterns are almost gone, but the nettle fabric is largely intact. What they once looked like can be seen in the picture above. We are giving those away for free (only shipping cost) to anyone who wishes to delve into the world of nettle textiles. Read more about the items on following links:
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