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Topic: looking for info on period use of hemp fabrics

Nikki
Member
Member # 27

posted 04-26-2004 03:41 PM

I'm looking for information on the use and construction of hemp fabrics in period -weave, uses (esp vs linen - was it used for the same stuff interchangeably? ), etc. Was it bleached and woven like linen? I've seen various and sundry mention of hemp in sources, but never with any solid information backing it up.

Apparently there was a breakthrough in hemp processing technology in the 1980s which allows for cheaper processing of the fibers without reduction in the nice qualities (like strength). There has been a recent surge in the availability of hemp fabrics in a variety of weaves; there's even a new line of hemp clothing in the latest Orvis catalog. I am hoping that prices for the fabric will start to fall in the next few years. It would be nice to know what kinds of currently available hemp fabrics might be appropriate for the period (talking late medieval here, mid 15th, northern europe).

Has anyone seen any articles/archaeological info (not likely, I know) with specifics on hemp?

TIA! -Nikki

Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

Karen Larsdatter
Member
Member # 382

posted 04-27-2004 03:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Nikki:
Has anyone seen any articles/archaeological info with specifics on hemp?

In the Florilegium hemp-cloth-msg webpage, Þóra Sharptooth mentions "hempen textiles ... excavated in Viking archaeological contexts," and briefly describes some Birka finds. (You might want to ask her directly for more information.)

[ 04-27-2004: Message edited by: Karen Larsdatter ]

Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

Nikki
Member
Member # 27

posted 04-28-2004 09:46 AM

Thanks, I'll try and track down some of the references from that thread.

Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

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