Exploring Nepal’s own indigenous Fiber Nettle Yarn for Handmade Knitwear Production

Our nettle yarn knitwear is crafted in Nepal, where this indigenous fiber has been used for centuries for its strength, breathability, and natural durability.

Harvested and processed using traditional methods, nettle yarn offers a unique, sustainable alternative to conventional fibers. Each piece is hand-knit by skilled artisans, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern design.

For brands looking to offer ethically made, eco-friendly knitwear with a distinct story, our nettle yarn apparel provides a rare blend of tradition, sustainability, and quality.

Raw Materials Introduction image of Nettle - Rochak Handknit

Where does Nettle Comes from

Raw materials where does Nettle comes from - Rochak Handknit
Nettle fiber comes from the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica and Girardinia diversifolia), which grows naturally in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Himalayas.

The Himalayan giant nettle (Girardinia diversifolia), found abundantly in Nepal, is particularly valued for its long, strong fibers. Traditionally, communities in Nepal have been harvesting and processing nettle fiber for centuries, using it to create textiles, ropes, and handmade knitwear.

This indigenous fiber is known for its durability, breathability, and sustainability, making it an excellent alternative to synthetic materials.

Where does our Nettle Yarn comes from?

Our nettle yarn comes from local supplier here in Kathmandu. This supplier purchase yarns from villagers from Himalayan region.

Currently we are planning to visit sankhuwasabha to get uniform quality of yarn in terms of yarn size, yarn shade.

Raw Materials Where does our Yarn Comes from(our nettle comes from sankhuwasbha to kathmandu)

Appeal of Nettle yarn

Raw materials Advantages of Nettle yarn - Rochak Handknit

  • Natively Found and Processed in Nepal

  • Unique Texture and drape

  • Strong and durable than wool

  • Hypoallergenic Property

  • Very breathable

  • Create unique texture when blended with other yarns

Why Choose Nettle YARN In Handmade Knitwear and Crochet Manufacturing

Incorporating nettle yarn into knitwear and crochet brings a fresh perspective to handmade accessories and apparels manufacturing. At Rochak Handknit Craft, we combine traditional handknitting techniques with this indigenous fiber.

Our nettle knitwear range includes everything from summer hat, summer vest, summer dresses, and etc each item reflecting a blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.

Raw Materials why handknitting and Merino yarn
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Hand knitted Apparels and Accessories from Nettle yarn

  • Sun Hats

    hand crochet sun haat from himalayan nettle yarn

  • Scarves / Shawls

    hand crochet shawal from himalayan nettle

  • Vest / Pullovers

    (Girardinia diversifolia) found in the Himalayan region.

Refined to Your Designs and Patterns

We love creating handmade knitwear that’s as unique as you are. Whether you have a specific design in mind or a pattern you want to bring to life, we work closely with you to make sure every detail is just right.

From choosing the perfect yarn to adjusting sizes and shapes, we’re here to turn your ideas into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece that fits your style perfectly.

Abstract representation of a multimodal model with dots and lines on a white background - Rochak Handknit

Few Patterns from Nettle yarn

Refined to Your Designs and Patterns

Colors

Nettle yarn is made in few variations of thickness. Since it is usually hand spun the thickness of yarn varies a lot even in a single batch of production. Now a days people have started using machines to spin the yarn resulting into more constant thickness of yarn.

The natural colour of the nettle yarn is light grayish-green but there are few variations in shades due to the factor of growing conditions, harvesting time and processing methods.

For Custom Color Dyeing
For dying custom color, we have to bleach it first to make it white and dye the color of the choice.

hand crochet shawal from himalayan nettle
hand crochet shawal from himalayan nettle
hand crochet sun haat from himalayan nettle yarn
hand crochet sun haat from himalayan nettle yarn
nettle yarn at rochak hand knit
nettle yarn at rochak hand knit
nettle fibres (Allo) are extracted from the stalks of nettle plants (Girardinia diversifolia) found in the Himalayan region.
nettle fibres (Allo) are extracted from the stalks of nettle plants (Girardinia diversifolia) found in the Himalayan region.
hand crochet shawal from himalayan nettle
hand crochet sun haat from himalayan nettle yarn
nettle yarn at rochak hand knit
nettle fibres (Allo) are extracted from the stalks of nettle plants (Girardinia diversifolia) found in the Himalayan region.
knitting gauge of nettle yarn
knitting gauge of nettle yarn
knitting gauge of nettle yarn

Gauge and Stitch count of our Nettle yarn

When using 6mm knitting pins we get 15 stitches and 20 rows in 20cm x 20cm swatch.

Caring guidelines for Nettle yarn apparels

It’s been a learning experience every step of the way, from working with local farmers knowing about the process of Nettle plant to collaborating with skilled artisans. While we’re still growing and improving, we’re excited to see how this natural fiber can contribute to more sustainable fashion choices.

If you’re curious about nettle yarn in Nepal and handmade knitwear & Crochet production using it, we’d love to hear from you. Your insights and questions help us improve and explore new ideas one stitch at a time.

Raw Materials Caring of Nettle - Rochak Handknit

  • Easy Grower: Nettle doesn’t need much water or chemicals to thrive, unlike cotton. Natural Fiber: Nettle yarn is biodegradable, so it won’t pollute the planet forever. Strong Stuff: Nettle makes a surprisingly strong and durable fabric. Good for the Soil: Growing nettle can actually improve the soil quality. Less Waste: Nettle is a fast-growing plant. Social impact: These natural resources help many farmers to turn into fibers, providing employment to many local growers.

  • Nettle yarn from Nepal is eco-friendly ’cause nettle grows easy, almost like a weed! They are processed by the farmers and sold to different buyers. It is usually made without any chemicals and just processed it raw.

  • It is usually soft but not as Merino. But it all depends upon the processing. Since most of them are hand spun or with small machinery, they are not much processed with chemical to treat its characteristics to make it soft. They are also blended with cotton to make it unique yarn with benefits of both the fibers.

  • The yarn we have is not used in making warmers clothes like sweaters for the winter. They are usually used in summer apparel like sun hats, vests, shawls to give that rusty look. The ones that are blended with other yarn can be made for the apparel for the winter too. But we are using the minimally processed Nettle.

  • The price of Nettle in Nepal has increased dramatically. It is almost 5 times expensive than in 8 years. It is usually due to the high demand of Nettle due to of its characteristics. It has also extensively used in carpets and blended with other yarn to make all kinds of appealing products.

  • The Nettle we are using are not highly processed. It is semi processed and usually hand spun to make a yarn. It would be much finer if the fiber is carded, combed and after processed. It will have smoother finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed the commonly asked questions. If you do not find the answers, feel free to reach out to us.

Conclusion

Nettle is fantastic yarn. It is among the few fibers that are produced and processed all locally.

We usually use the handspun and small machinery processed Nettle, that is used to make the crochet apparel like Sun hats, shawls, vest for the summer seasons.


References and latest news on Nettle yarn