*Picture shown here is of hemp/cotton fleece sewn into inserts for pocket diapers.
This Hemp/Cotton Fleece is sold by the yard.

When most people hear the word "hemp" they immediately think "marijuana".  While hemp and marijuana are related (sort of like cauliflower and broccoli are related), they are not grown the same.  Hemp used for industrial purposes is grown for its stalks, while marijuana, used for its mind altering and sometimes medicinal purposes is grown for its flowers.  To become intoxicated using the Cannabis sativa L plant, you need to expose your body to high levels of TetraHydroCannabinol (THC).  Marijuana is made from the flower of the Cannabis sativa L, which contains 3% to 20% of this THC.  Alternatively, industrial hemp, like that used to make our diapering material, contains only .3% to 1.5% THC.  All hemp products found or purchased in the USA have been imported from other countries because the United States government has outlawed our farmers to grow any form of the Cannabis plant.  Therefore, the US must rely on importing all hemp from outside its borders.  Fortunately, regardless of where it is grown, this plant requires no pesticides or herbicides!  For more information on this topic, please see The Arizona Industrial Hemp Council’s website.

In the world of hemp fabric, there are several different combinations of material from which to choose.  Please be aware that no matter which combination you choose, you can expect your hemp fabrics to shrink significantly in the direction of the grain!

Available for Purchase at IttyB3:

hemp/cotton fleece - 55% hemp & 45% cotton is smooth on one side with a cozy-soft brushed surface on the other; one of the most popular diaper making fabrics because of its diversity; can be used to make inserts and soakers because of its amazing absorbency as well as for the outsides of fitted diapers and inside liners because of its soft sweatshirt-like side.  In addition to diapering, this material works well for any other project requiring cotton fleece (i.e. sweatpants, leg warmers, sweatshirts, etc.)

Available for Purchase at Diapercuts:

hemp/french terry - 55% hemp & 45% french terry is plain on one side and looped on the other (think towel terry); in the diapering industry, it is most commonly used as a liner for diapers; generally regarded as more durable than plain cotton terry

hemp/cotton jersey - 55% hemp & 45% cotton jersey is a thin, comfortable material like your favorite Saturday t-shirt

HINT:  If sewing hemp into inserts, hemp inserts work best when stuffed along with a microterry insert.  Place the microterry insert so that it will be closest to your baby and place the hemp underneath it.  Microterry abosorbs liquids quickly so as soon as your baby wets, the liquid will be soaked up.  Hemp absorbs A LOT!  So, at the liquid soaks through the microterry, it will absorb into the hemp.  This allows the microterry to be ready for the next flood.  They work well as a pair - you will be pleased with this combo!

Important information about your hemp material:  Hemp contains natural oils.  It is because of these oils that you will need to prime (prepare by washing) your newly sewn hemp products prior to using them.  The oils prevent your hemp from absorbing liquid.  (Oil and water don't mix, right?)  It is important to prepare your hemp by washing these oils away.  The more you wash hemp, the more absorbent it becomes.  In the beginning, you must wash your hemp separately from other diapering items.  This is to be sure the natural oils do not wash out of the hemp only to be deposited onto your other diapers.  Until it has been washed 6 to 8 times, hemp will not reach its maximum absorbency.

Priming your hemp:  Wash your newly sewn hemp creations separately from other diapers and diapering accessories at least twice prior to use.  Wash them on hot with a small amount of detergent and then dry them.  Do NOT use fabric softeners.  If you want, you may add a couple of pairs of jeans to the wash to make a fuller load.

(After priming your hemp, you can expect it to shrink by approximately 2 inches in length; however, the width does not change significantly.)

If you decide to use this material to make inserts, we suggest the following measurements for most pocket diapers:

Width:  5 to 5 1/4 inches  

Length BEFORE Washing:                    Length AFTER Washing:

Small:  16 to 16 1/2 inches                   Approximately 14 inches

Medium:  17 to 17 1/2 inches               Approximately 15 inches

Large:  18 to 18 1/2 inches                   Approximately 16 inches