So...tell me, what's so great about...

[Touch of Sunshine]

hemp? I've never so much a seen it. Im ordering a bit to play with, but what is so good about it?

Tell me, convince me I have NO clue.

[fraya]

After you wash it a billion times, it's soft & absorbent (& breathable). I have some hemp wipes that took a year to soften!

[Touch of Sunshine]

Does it shrink? Should you prewash it before cutting for projects?

LOL.. I'm completely clueless.

[AnnR33]

It will shrink a lot! I think they say it shrinks up to 20%?? I could be wrong but I know it's a lot so definitely prewash/dry twice before sewing or else you'll size it wrong.
For the same weight-hemp is more absorbant than cotton and it's also more resistant to bacteria because of the natural fibers.
There are lots of types of hemp like cotton-hemp jersey and hemp fleece are the most common for clothing and diapers as far as I know.
When you get it be prepared that it comes in a tube that you cut in half to get your full size.
If you're using it for dipes I think it's great but I do have to watch for detergent build up-I double or even triple hot wash about every 3 weeks without soap to get the residue out.
Good luck
Ann