Hemp Chabu

These chabu are handwoven from organic hemp by the H'mong of Northern Vietnam, then dyed by hand with plants and flowers gathered from the local forests. Each length is the work of many months and many hands, and no two are quite alike.

The process begins in the field. From planting to a finished cloth takes seven to nine months of cultivating, harvesting, drying, separating the fibre, weaving and dyeing. H'mong women are renowned for their weaving, and prize hemp for its strength and durability. The natural dyes come from what the forest offers: spinach, turmeric, avocado skins and seeds, indigo root, yam root, eucalyptus and more. Reaching a deep, even colour can mean dyeing and drying a single cloth more than thirty times, and small variations in weather and temperature make each piece a reflection of its season. No harmful chemicals are used, and the dyeing water is returned to the fields for irrigation, leaving the soil clean.

We honour the craft and devotion held in these cloths, and the traditions, in harmony with nature, that they keep alive. We hope each one is a beautiful addition to your chaxi and a quiet support to your practice.

As these are truly handmade with natural dyes, the colour, texture, finish and exact size vary a little from piece to piece. Because the dyes are natural rather than synthetic, a little colour may release if the cloth becomes soaked, so we recommend keeping it from heavy water. A little care will keep the colours vibrant for years to come.

Three sizes are available for most colours:

• Extra Long: 145–150cm x 30–35cm
• Long: 130–135cm x 30–35cm
• Short: 80–85cm x 30–35cm