Thanks to its versatility, hemp is used not only for producing CBD flower and extracts, but also fibers, bioplastic, fabrics and cord. The latter is becoming especially popular nowadays, since it is an extremely sustainable alternative to cotton and synthetic fibers. Additionally, it is strong, affordable and durable, making it a great choice for several craft projects and gardening.
To learn more about hemp cord and its uses, Botany Farms has created this article to help you gain some knowledge about this plant outside its already known effects on the body and mind. You will find out what hemp cord is made out of, its uses and some other interesting information about the production of these fibers.
Thanks for stopping by! Why not give something from our farm a try?
What is Hemp Cord Made of
Out of all the parts of the Cannabis Sativa L., hemp cord is made out of the outer bark of the plant. The fibers are twisted together or individually to become yarn. Once the yarn has been separated into plies, it is twisted again in the opposite direction to make it thicker and sturdier. Thanks to its long fibers, this process makes it easier for manufacturers to obtain higher yields of hemp cord per acre. When there are plenty of plies of yarn, they are twisted to form a single strand. Depending on the size of the cord, one or more strands will be twisted together to achieve the desired diameter. After the cord has been secured in both ends, producers polish it with paraffin wax, vegetable starch or beeswax to protect the fibers and eliminate kinks and frizz. As a final step, the cord is dyed -some brands will prefer using environmentally friendly or natural dyes to avoid any potential damage to the skin- to fit the different needs of customers. When growing hemp for producing cords, farmers usually plant the seeds densely together. The reason behind this is that the closeness makes them compete for sunlight, growing taller and with fewer leaves and stems, which is necessary to obtain higher yields of fiber.What is Hemp Cord Used for
Just as a hemp plant has a wide variety of uses, so does hemp cord. For a long time, it was extensively used in the age of sailing ships, since it was strong enough to hold and move any kind of object. Nowadays, the uses of it have expanded to the crafting world, serving as a great alternative to cotton, which is not as resistant. Additionally, gardeners and even chefs use hemp cord to address specific needs in their work.- Macramé: from belts to plant hangers, Macramé is created by tying knots together, which requires a material that can securely hold them. Hemp cord is great for this purpose, making macramé artists opt for this product to create their items.
- Hemp Jewelry: because it is easy to work with, hemp cord is becoming more used to create bracelets and necklaces. The natural appeal of the final result has made teens feel very attracted to making their own hemp jewelry, creating unique and stylish pieces.
- Packaging: the simple and natural look of hemp cord gives a great finishing touch to packages. Once they are wrapped in paper, people often add a hemp tie to give it a more natural finish, which embellishes the final result.
- Spirelli string art: string art consists of weaving colored yarn -in this case, hemp cord- between hammered nails to create beautiful patterns.This organic idea started once for educational purposes, but has grown to be an addicting craft that is inviting the most experienced artists and curious minds alike.
- Gardening: because of its strong nature, hemp cord is used to secure plants in place while holding up to any weather condition. The biggest diameters of this yarn are often used to hold heavy pots, matching perfectly thanks to its natural look.
- Chefs’ favorite: thanks to its sturdiness, chefs use hemp cord to hold food together as it cooks. Since hemp is environmentally friendly and compostable, it doesn’t pose a problem when in contact with food.