When we say hemp fibre you’d probably think: macrame cord, household twine and sturdy ropes. But did you know hemp also makes beautiful yarn?
Eco-friendly, plant-based, breathable and strong, hemp yarn is a brilliant, if often overlooked, choice for knitting and crochet. Until now.
In this guide we'll explain more about how hemp yarns are made and their top uses, and reveal a selection of the Gathered team’s favourites.
Whether you're looking for a trusted big-name brand or a small indie producer, pure hemp or a blend of fibres, we have something for you in our round-up of the best hemp yarn for crochet and knitting.
What is hemp yarn?
First things first: yes, the hemp that's used to make yarn is part of the cannabis family. But: no, it's not the same as the plant that's used to make the drug.
The class of cannabis sativa we're talking about here is a cultivar also known as 'industrial hemp', which has been bred for commercial use (for example in animal feed, construction and textiles).
It technically still contains the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but there's generally much less of it (normally less than 0.3%) and the amount that is present is so small that it won't cause any psychological effects. This amount may also be tightly regulated, depending on where you are in the world.
For yarn producers, the important part of the hemp plant is the stalk. A process called retting is used to remove the woody inner pith from the stalk, leaving the remaining fibres ready to be broken down, separated and cleaned. Prepared fibres are then twisted together into roving, before being spun into yarn – perhaps alongside other fibres, such as cotton, wool or bamboo.
Each step can be done by hand, but machines are used for mass produced yarn.
What can hemp yarn be used for?
Hemp yarn stands out for its strength and durability. In terms of feel, hemp is comparable to cotton and linen. Lightweight, breathable and fade-resistant, it's good for summer garments, giving lovely drape and stitch definition. This is especially true when it's blended with another fibre such as cotton or bamboo.
Hemp softens with washing but does retain some stiffness, so open, lacy designs tend to work better than closed, textured stitches. Open designs are also easier on your hands, as hemp yarn can be rough to hold onto.
Due to its strength, absorbance and mildew-resistance, we'd recommend pure hemp for homewares including market bags and cleaning or dish cloths. Hemp yarn is generally machine washable and dryable – though check the label first! – and doesn't pill, making it hard-wearing and practical for the home.
Hemp is inelastic, which makes it a great choice for structured items such as baskets and placemats but also affects how easily it works up.
If you're used to crafting with cotton or linen, or you mostly crochet, then this may not be an issue, but for knitters it can take a little getting used to. For some extra stretch, you may want to choose a fibre blend instead of pure hemp.
14 of the best hemp yarns
1. Hemptique Hemp Cord
Hemptique is a popular brand for macrame and jewellery making, but it's worth considering its high-quality hemp cords for yarn crafts too. With the right project and stitch it could be used for knitting or crochet.
The cord is firm and inelastic, which makes it suited to home decor and accessories, so why not use it to whip up some rustic storage baskets and other cottage-core homewares? You get 62.5m of cord per 50g spool and there's a choice of solid and variegated shades, including this stunning earth-toned colourway.
2. Lion Brand Just Hemp
Sold in 85m/100g balls and a range of muted shades, Lion Brand Just Hemp is a bulky 100% hemp yarn that works up quickly on 6.5mm needles and hooks. We think it would be great for everything from jumpers to shower puffs.
- Buy Lion Brand Just Hemp now from Ebay
3. Patons Hempster
With its mix of 55% hemp and 45% cotton, Patons Hempster is a brilliant hemp yarn for crochet – though knitters will find lots to love too. We're taken by the bold colour palette, stand-out stitch definition, and good-value yardage at 174m/100g. This yarn has been discontinued, so snap it up wherever you find it!
- Buy Patons Hempster now from Etsy
4. Adriafil WoCa
If you're new to working with hemp yarn, Adriafil WoCa is a great first choice. It's a gorgeous blend of 70% wool and 30% hemp, combining the warmth and handle of the former with the durability of the latter.
You get 110m of yarn per 50g ball, and because it's a double knit (DK) weight it can be used for a huge range of knitting and crochet patterns. WoCa comes in a collection of tweedy colourways, including timeless neutrals such as black, white and grey.
Hand wash it and cool iron to keep your projects in tip-top shape.
- Buy Adriafil WoCa now from Etsy
5. Berroco Meraki
With its thick-and-thin texture and flecks of contrasting colour, Berroco Meraki is a hemp yarn that isn't afraid to be distinctive. Made from 71% cotton, 24% hemp and 5% polyester, and available in 120m/50g balls, this DK yarn is a great garment all-rounder. Tees, cardis, jumpers – you name it, they'll all look fab!
- Buy Berroco Meraki now from LoveCrafts
6. Wool and the Gang Buddy Hemp
A favourite hemp yarn for crocheters, Buddy Hemp is an airy blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. Channel your inner hipster with on-trend string bags and open-stitch cover-ups for the town and beach. Buy it in 174m/100g balls and 11 tempting colours.
- Buy Wool and the Gang Buddy Hemp now from Wool and the Gang
7. Rowan Hemp Tweed
The heathered shades of Rowan Hemp Tweed make us think of autumn days tramping through fallen leaves in cosy, chunky jumpers and leg warmers. A great hemp yarn for knitting, get the agrarian look with 95m/50g balls and a blend of 75% wool, 25% hemp.
- Buy Rowan Hemp Tweed now from Wool Warehouse
Is hemp yarn eco-friendly?
Hemp is super fast growing, which means it crowds out any weeds and doesn't require pesticides. It has a higher fibre yield per hectare than other plants such as cotton, so it uses less land and, crucially, it doesn't need nearly as much water to process.
Another positive is that the pith leftover from the retting process can be used for animal bedding, mulch and other industrial purposes, so it doesn't need to be wasted.
Hemp is a low-impact, sustainable choice for anyone concerned about the environment. For the most eco-conscious hemp yarn, look for a producer with great green credentials too – perhaps they'll be organic certified, use plant-based dyes, or work with other recycled fibres to create yarns.
What is hemp yarn good for?
Hemp yarn can be used for both knitting and crochet, but your yarn choice will be different for each craft because inelastic yarns are easier to crochet with than knit. Knitters may prefer to stick with hemp blends, while crocheters have their pick of the yarns on offer – and could even try working with macrame cords.
For garments we generally recommend a blend of fibres (hemp mixed with cotton, wool, linen or acrylic), as these will have extra stretch and drape, making them more comfortable to wear.
For homewares, the combined qualities of hemp and cotton make these blends a popular choice for dishcloths and scrubbies. If you're making bags and baskets you'll want a stiffer yarn that gives you lots of structure: pure hemp is perfect for this.
8. Heaven Hemp 100% Hemp
Every purchase of this 100% hemp yarn from Heaven Hemp helps to support Nepalase crafters. Hand-spun in the Himalayas, each 20g ball measures around 40m and there are 10 bold colourways to choose from – our favourite has to be Rainbow.
- Buy Heaven Hemp 100% Hemp now from Etsy
9. Lang Yarns Canapa
A lovely yarn for summer tanks and tees, Lang Yarns' 100% hemp Canapa uses a special dye technique to produce a cool, faded effect. This fingering weight yarn comes in 80m/25g balls and as it softens with each wash it only gets better with age.
- Buy Lang Yarns Canapa now from Ebay
10. Rico Creative Natur Hemp Yarn
Zhuzh up your home for the new season with hemp accessories made in Rico Creative Natur. This aran-weight yarn works up quickly for near-instant results. It comes in a modern colour palette of natural and neutral shades (plus a pop of mustard yellow), and great value 100m/50g balls.
- Buy Rico Creative Natur Hemp Yarn now from Ebay
11. Traidcraft Recycled Hemp and Silk
This planet-friendly yarn is handmade in Nepal from recycled hemp and silk fibres. Each 100g ball is 64-73m long (depending on the thickness of the fibres) and features a kaleidoscope of colours. It's sold in aid of Child Rescue Nepal, so you can enjoy a gorgeous yarn and give to charity too.
- Buy Traidcraft Recycled Hemp and Silk now from Etsy
12. Eco-Stitch HEMP yarn
Looking for a lace weight hemp yarn? Look no further. This beautiful 2ply yarn by Eco-Stitch is made from 100% hemp and sold in 250m/50g skeins. Show off that sheen and drape with airy shawls and scarves, or hold it double to use it for your favourite sport-weight patterns.
- Buy Eco-Stitch HEMP yarn now from Eco-Stitch
Cast on with cotton
Cotton is another great choice for hard-wearing homewares and summer clothes, and you can find the best cotton yarns with Gathered.
13. Darn Good Yarn Hemp
100% organic and 100% hemp, with rich colours and excellent 137m/100g metrage… this is indeed a darn good yarn! Put that coarse texture and durability to good use by turning it into washcloths and shower scrubbies – perfect for thoughtful little gifts.
- Buy Darn Good Yarn Hemp now from Darn Good Yarn
14. Wonky Weaver Natural Hemp Yarn
If it's natural dyes you're after, Wonky Weaver's yarns are just the ticket. Dyed and spun in India using plant-based dyes, their Natural Hemp Yarn is made from 100% hemp and comes in a 100g skein. This white shade caught our eye, but look out for indigo, marigold and madder red too.
- Buy Wonky Weaver Natural Hemp Yarn now from Etsy
Consider your craft when selecting your ideal hemp yarn for knitting and crochet
The best hemp yarn for you will be different depending on whether you knit or crochet. An inelastic pure hemp yarn is perfect for 3D crochet creations such as baskets, but would be harder to knit with. Knitters may prefer to stick to blends containing stretchier fibres such as wool, while crocheters can take their pick of the available yarns.
It’s also always a good idea to consider the ethical credentials of your chosen yarn. Does it include organic or recycled fibres, do any of the profits go to charity, or does the company's eco policy give you a good feeling? The best hemp yarn should make you feel good about the environment and your sustainable make of choice.
Go plant-based with Gathered!
More and more of us are deciding to reduce or eliminate the use of animal products in our diets, clothing, and hobbies. Buying hemp yarns is a great start, but there are lots of other plant-based options out there – and we can help you find them.
Check out our round-up of the best vegan yarns for more scrumptious fibres recommended by Gathered.
