What is a homespun cloth?

The homespun cloth is strikingly different from modern natural materials produced by the machine method. It is made in a completely different way, adhering to the ancient technologies handed down to family members by generations. At the same time, the methods could change, falling into new hands in order to improve the quality of the result. But faith in the forces of nature, embedded in the fabric, never faded, and still hovers in fans of Slavic culture.

For what was used

The medicinal properties attributed to this material can, of course, be exaggerated, but clothing made from it has undeniable advantages in comparison with synthetics. However, hand-made fabric, in former times used everywhere. The masters adorned it with various patterns-wards, in order to present them as gifts or to save for themselves.

Such homespun linen embroidery is still very popular, although the technology of material production has changed a lot. And now, from him, perhaps, only the name remains.

Raw materials

A lot depends on the plant that was used to create the fiber. Those that our ancestors took, had similar properties and allowed to keep clothes for a long time in the proper form. As a rule, they prepared under the homespun cloth linen and hemp. The latter was less demanding in care, and therefore it was used as raw material much more often. By the way, even in our time, the elements of the wardrobe from this plant are very popular. And those who once donned a thing from cannabis, after they can not switch to cotton or synthetics, considering it sacrilegious in relation to their own action.

Weaving business

To get a real homespun cloth (photo is presented above), you have to use old machines, so the masters of this case are now less. The cost price of the applied efforts is too high and few are able to pay a similar price for the natural material for tailoring. The manufacturing process is approximately as follows:

1. Cut the hemp for a while soaked, then the sodden plant is left to dry. When the moisture completely evaporates, the raw materials are put back into the water. This allows you to significantly soften the material for further work.
2. Next, the stems are rolled with a rolling pin and divided into fibers, from which, after combing, yarns are obtained.
3. The future homespun cloth is created with the help of a loom, which requires quite a lot of time, because you need to drive the mechanism with your own hands. And no automaticity.
4. The finished material is exposed to a very peculiar bleaching process, leaving it under the scorching sun or in the frost.

In the quality of dyes in the old days, only natural decoctions of various plants or fruits were recognized. Therefore, the real homespun cloth never shone with a variety of colors, since only gray, brown and green shades were available. However, this dubious drawback was compensated for by skilful embroidery.

Benefits for the body

The material from cannabis was especially appreciated, as this raw material has excellent absorbing properties and has similar effects to thermobond (keeping body temperature within comfortable limits regardless of weather conditions). In addition, it does not irritate the skin, despite the external roughness.

Previously, homespun cloth used for grinding and lotions. However, in some countries hemp fabric is still used for such purposes, and even doctors note its bactericidal properties. Therefore, to wear clothes from this raw material is not only pleasant, but also useful.