Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Manisha Gahlot, Beenu Singh, Manisha Kumari and Rashmi Bala

Abstract:
In India, the arts and handicraft sector is the second largest employer sector. In this sector use of bast fibers addresses sustainability issues. Bast fibers are used to make handicraft items like bags, mats, lamp shades, footwears etc. This paper reports a study on the value addition of nettle fiber through dyeing and mordanting for handicrafts. Hand-spun yarn was prepared using Bageshwari Charkha from dyed and mordanted nettle fiber. A range of products was developed from yarn through the crochet technique. The developed products were evaluated on a five-point rating scale on the novelty of design, colour combination, craftsmanship and overall appearance. The findings of the study revealed that the wine bottle cover was given the first rank followed by pot holder and dream catcher. A comprehensive effort has been made to improve the potential of environment-friendly material for sustainable handicraft production. In this way, products developed from Himalayan nettle yarn can be helpful for the rural hill population in providing a sustainable source of income through the commercialization of products.