Nettle in the here and now

Nettle Basket Weave Cowl

Nettle Basket Weave Cowl Close-up

 As we become increasingly conscious of the environment and look for better ways stay in balance with nature, we often turn to the past. It seems that our ancestors might have known a thing or two after all. There has been a strong trend over the last several years to find alternatives to cotton. Flax and Hemp come to mind. Another recent addition to the list is Stinging Nettle.

Nettle is unusual in that it can be easily cultivated in cold, wet climates such as Scotland. Nettle yarns have been used for centuries. The yarns are woven, crocheted, and knitted into many different types of items-- everything from clothing and ceremonial accessories to fishing nets and bags. It has been used for years in fine Scottish linens such as tablecloths and sheets. These yarns have a texture similar to natural linen and like linen will soften with wear. Nettle is a natural moth repellent and is often used for backing wool carpets. It is also often used as a carry along yarn. Nettle fiber is unique in that it is hollow. This makes it a natural insulator.

Universal Yarn's Nettle Lana and Nettle Lana Expressions is a soft braided medium weight yarn with gorgeous color variations in earthy tones. Made of 70% organic wool and 30% nettle, it provides both crisp stitch definition and lovely drape.  The combination of wool and nettle imparts a lustrous sheen to the yarn that is hard to beat. The yarn is made in Italy. It comes in a 98 yd. ball.

Jo Ellen is offering her Nettle Button Cowl pattern free as an incentive to try Nettle Lana. The pattern uses two balls of yarn. 

I was skeptical at first when I learned this yarn was made with nettles. Remember your mother telling you to stay out of the nettles and briar patch? I sure do, and they do hurt.

However, this yarn is nothing like that. It is soft and drapes well. This is my new go-to cowl for this winter.

Download your free pattern for your  Nettle Basket Weave Cowl PDF Pattern