HEMP TEXTILE WORKSHOP

From Field to Fibre to Fabric

Saturday 8th August 2026

Spend a day immersed in the ancient craft of hemp textiles, exploring the journey from living plant to usable fibre and yarn.

We begin the morning with coffee and a gentle wander through the magical hemp “jungle,” connecting with the roots of cloth. During the walk, participants will gather fresh hemp leaves to use later in the afternoon’s natural dyeing session.

The morning continues with a guided farm tour, including a visit to the retting pits and an explanation of the retting process and how important it is.

Claire will then share the fascinating history of hemp textiles, with a focus on the rich heritage of hemp production and cloth making in East Anglia.

Participants will then learn traditional hemp processing techniques using our bespoke tools. You’ll be introduced to the key stages of transforming hemp straw into fibre: breaking, scutching, heckling, and bunching the traditional process of turning “straw into gold.”

After a shared lunch break ( lunch from silva bakery ) the afternoon session moves from fibre to yarn. Kitty will demonstrate spinning, and participants will have the opportunity to try spinning hemp on both a spinning wheel and a drop spindle.

At the same time, Claire will teach the ancient skill of cordage making. By the end of the session, you’ll have created your own hemp yarn/ cordage.

The day concludes with a natural dye workshop using the hemp leaves collected earlier, exploring how the plant can also provide beautiful colour. You will dye something special to take home with you.