Flax hemp. It’s a fibre as old as time.
In fact, it’s the oldest fibre known to mankind.
The earliest evidence of humans using flax dates back 34,000 years – with the first traces of spun, dyed and knotted flax fibres found in a cave in the Republic of Georgia.
It was also the first fibre to be domesticated and transformed into a textile in the Middle East (circa 10,000 years ago), extensively utilised by Ancient Egyptians. In Europe, there’s much evidence to suggest flax was grown and used – throughout the Bronze Age and Middle Ages – to make everyday practical items such as cloth and rope.
Flax certainly has a very long and intriguing history. And if we fast forward to the present day, it’s still a fibre that’s harnessed worldwide and continues to be used for numerous purposes.
One such purpose – furniture restoration.
Last month, we were delighted when our recent customer – Amanda – reached out to us, with a lovely testimonial about our flax hemp and a few photos of her beautiful elm rocking chair.
Bought over 50 years ago (for the grand sum of £8!), the chair may not date back quite as far as flax hemp fibres. But it’s still got a lot of history, made with a level of skill and attention to detail that’s difficult to find these days. And whilst it may just be a rocking chair, we’d like to bet, it has a lot of memories and sentimental value attached to its elm.
Amanda used our 6mm flax hemp to re-weave a new seat, making the chair usable again and giving it a new lease of life – ready for the next 50 years!
We think you’ll agree, the results look fantastic.
Flax hemp rope is a fantastic choice for this type of renovation project – both whimsically (an old rope for an old chair🪑) and practically. In fact, it’s a great choice for a variety of decorative domestic projects, indoor and outdoor.
Here we take a closer look at why, exploring some of its key properties and benefits.
5 benefits of flax hemp rope
For antique furniture restorations and more.
- A traditional aesthetic
Naturally sourced and natural in its appearance.
Flax hemp has a ‘classic rope’ look and feel. Rustic and rugged, with a light brown colour, fuzzy texture and slight sheen, it perfectly complements timberwork – especially the elm of Amanda’s rocking chair. Giving it the refresh it required, whilst maintaining its original character.
Whether you’re sprucing up old furniture, zhuzhing up a stair bannister, adding some new decking to your garden etc., it’s the perfect option for creating a traditional aesthetic.
- Surprisingly strong
For a chair that’s stayed strong for 50+ years, only a tough rope will do.
Flax is recognised as one of the strongest natural fibres on the planet – and this superior strength is echoed in the final rope. Boasting an impressive level of strength and durability, it can withstand many years of use (and many bottoms!), and will still look just as good.
It also demonstrates excellent resistance to abrasion, heat, UV rays and general wear and tear. So however you choose to use it – indoors or outdoors – it’ll stand the test of time.
- Sturdy knots with staying power
Flex hemp is a savvy choice if your project involves tying knots.
Not only is it very soft-to-the-touch and flexible, thanks to the naturally hairy texture of the fibres, it provides excellent grip and traction – making it very easy to handle and tie. What’s more, due to its rough surface, any knots created in the rope will stay firmly in place.
- Cheaper than a rocking chair
Amanda may have only paid £8 for her rocking chair back in the 70s, but fast forward to October 2024, and it’s cost her even less to spruce it up – especially having shopped at RopesDirect.
Our 6mm natural flax hemp currently starts from just 48p when bought by the metre and just 34p per metre if you buy a discount 220m coil. Our delivery costs are very reasonable too, making it an affordable option for anyone looking for a tough, natural rope.
- An old rope with modern-day principles
Ideal now that sustainability is a priority.
Flax hemp is derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum).
As a drought-resistant plant, this doesn’t need much water to grow. Compared to some other crops, it doesn’t rely heavily on chemical fertilisers or pesticides, it doesn’t lead to soil erosion, and it consumes significantly less energy – having very little impact on the environment.
Adding to its eco-credentials, untreated flax fibres are also biodegradable – meaning they can break down naturally at the end of their lifecycle, minimising environmental pollution.
Go old-school with flax hemp rope
Despite dating back many millennia, flax hemp is a timeless option that will always be a reliable choice for home-based decorative projects – furniture restorations or otherwise.
Our natural flax hemp rope is available to purchase in coils, reels and by the metre, in diameters ranging from 6mm-36mm. Manufactured by our trusted partners in the UK and Europe, it fully complies with EN ISO 1261 standards – and despite its competitive price – you can expect a superior quality product that’s built to last.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Whether you’d like to find out more about flax hemp, are still unsure if it’s the right option for you or need assistance placing an order, we’re more than happy to help.
And be sure to keep in mind, if you do buy flax hemp rope from our store – just like Amanda’s rocking chair – we’d love to see how it was used and the final results of your project. Please tag us in your photos on social media using @RopesDirect. Or for a chance to feature in our blog, send them to info@ropesdirect.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.