Hemp Summercloth Curtains

The snow is melting and the sun is shining! That’s all it took for me to change out my curtains today. Down with the heavy winter drapes and up with light, breezy curtains made of Hemp Summercloth.

These aren’t anything like the narrow, wimpy cotton panels you typically find at retail. You know, the ones that come in a zippered plastic bag, reek of chemical orders and shrink 4” in length even when you wash them in cold water.

The hemp curtains I make are anything but wimpy, or stinky. They are a generous 55” wide. (That’s 5” to 13” wider than what you’ll find at Target or Pottery Barn.) And, they include a 1” double rolled hem on the side edges and deep 3” hems at top and bottom.

Hemp Summercloth is similar to flax at first glance but has more body and more texture. I love how it drapes, with or without lining. Even though the weave is somewhat open it still filters light and provides privacy. This eco-friendly fabric is my favorite for making Spring/Summer curtains.

 

Click below for resources and more photos. Spring is on the way!

Instructions for sewing simple curtains are easy to find at bookstores, libraries and on-line. The easiest curtain styles to sew are tab top (shown here) or pocket rod. 

You can find the 7.5 sq oz hemp summercloth at NearSea Naturals or Hemp Traders. The color I used is called semi-bleached. The creamy color is achieved with a non-toxic whitener.

 

Unlined hemp curtains will fade on the back  side slowly over time but the fiber doesn't seem to deteriorate. I've found the front side deepens in color slightly from indirect sunlight.

 

Preshrink hemp fabric before you cut and sew. Wash curtains in cold water and warm dry. If you don't like the overall soft crumbled look straight out of the dryer, press while still slightly damp.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Karen]

Allison,

The hemp summercloth I used to make these unlined curtains has a semi-open weave, which is best suited for warm weather... when a breeze is welcomed through the curtain. When cold weather arrives I attach a cotton flannel liner (snapped on at the top) or replace them with a lined curtain made of a denser weave .

Here's some of my favorite eco-fabrics for curtains that will help insulate:

1. Hemp canvas, 11 oz -- nice texture, same color as the hemp summercloth and when lined the curtain does a great job at blocking the draft.
2. Hemp & Cotton Corduroy -- this 8-wale low pile fabric makes a plush, warm curtain when lined with hemp/cotton muslin.
3. Organic Cotton Twill, 7 oz -- a fine line twill texture and dense weave. I would add a cotton flannel liner.
4. Hemp & Organic Cotton Twill, 10 oz -- a more defined twill texture than #3 and good at blocking drafts due to the dense weave. Line it with a organic cotton muslin.

Are you planning to make the curtain yourself? Let me know if you need fabric resources for the above. If you're looking for ready made curtains visit my Etsy shop where I offer made-to-order eco-curtains www.healthyhomefabrics.etsy.com.

Thanks for your questions.

Karen

[Allison K.]

Are these curtains only suitable for Spring/Summer weather? I'm looking for a curtain with a nice texture like this, that lets a little light in, but am mostly concerned about finding one that will help insulate and aren't merely show. Are these fitting?