In the next installment of our natural fibers series, we examine Abaca, a species of non-fruit bearing banana that has long been a source of fiber for high quality textiles. In fact, banana cultivation for clothing and household use dates back to 13th century Japan, and all signs point to its return to popularity in today’s haute couture.
While Abaca grows in many parts of the world today, its origins are in the Philippines, where it was once known as Manila hemp. Cultivation of this prolific plant began in the 1920’s, and continues today in Central and South America as well as Southeast Asia. Under average conditions, it can be harvested every three to eight months once the plant is established (taking anywhere from one to two years), which classifies this fiber as a rapidly renewable resource.
Abaca plants grow up to 12 feet in height, and extracted fibers from both the leaf stalk and the trunk range in length from 5 to 11½ feet. Raw fibers are stiff and fibrous, and are in the same class of fiber as Sisal. In preparation for handweaving, the fibers are stripped by hand and then cured in the sun before they are bundled and sorted according to thickness and color.
Abaca fiber has a wide variety of uses: its pulp is an ingredient in specialty papers and currency; fibers are hand-knotted into bags, carpets and furniture; once woven, it can also be crafted into strong rope. Amazingly, even once processed, abaca is completely biodegradable at the end of its useful life.
A number of weaves in our woven-to-size Liniedge® Collection are carefully crafted from this fiber, and its versatility is seen in the variety of finishes our Master Artisans are able to achieve. See an installation of LE1104 Tussah and more in our handcrafted natural window coverings image gallery.
actuality part of the grass family. They grow in large swaths along calm riversides, and can reach more than six feet in height. Reeds flourish in equatorial, tropical climates and are harvested all around the world for a wide variety of uses. 
