Yarn from Wild Nettles: A Practical Guide

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Birte Ford began experimenting with nettles in the 1990s when she moved to Scotland. In her quest to find the simplest way to get spinnable fibres from nettles, she has experimented with dew and water retting, the two traditional methods for retting flax and hemp. While both these methods work well for nettles, Birte found a simpler method for a cold northern European climate, which she termed root retting. This book is about her work with wild nettles and her results.

The book covers information on working with wild nettles in Scotland, Urtica Dioica - the Common Stinging Nettle, and what equipment you will need. The author’s own root retting method is explained; harvesting dry nettles, drying and storing, and the processes for extracting the fibres, baking, breaking, carding and spinning.

The traditional water and dew retting method is also described, including harvesting fresh nettles, retting, and drying.

The author also provides tips for using the yarn, further treatment and plant dyeing, as well as using the pulp for papermaking.