Hemp Spinning and Yarn Production

Hemp fibre spinning converts retted and decorticated long line fibre (Nm 5–20) and short tow fibre (Nm 1–5) into yarns using wet spinning (line fibre, count Nm 5–30), dry spinning (tow, count Nm 2–10), or cottonised hemp on cotton ring-spinning systems (count Ne 8–30). Wet spinning draws sliver through a water bath at 60–80°C to soften hemicellulose and improve fibre parallelisation, producing smoother, stronger yarns (tenacity 15–25 cN/tex) than dry-spun equivalents at 10–15 cN/tex. Hemp-cotton blends (30–70% hemp) are most commercially common, combining hemp's strength and breathability with cotton's softness and spinnability. Global hemp yarn production is 15,000–20,000 tonnes/year; yarn price ranges €3–8/kg for industrial grades and €12–30/kg for fine apparel yarn. China produces 65–70% of global hemp yarn, with European producers focusing on niche premium applications.