Known for its characteristic stinging hairs that cause itching upon contact with the skin, this plant is much more than a wild specimen. Some of its varieties, like Girardinia diversifolia, provide a surprisingly strong, lightweight, and versatile fibre for textile use.

When we think of textile innovation, we often look to technology. But sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas lie in the ancestral. That’s the case with nettle fibre — a raw material used for centuries in Central Asia, now regaining prominence in the design of sustainable rugs with high aesthetic value.

Nettle grows wild in the mountainous regions of Nepal, India, and China, at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 meters. It thrives in poor soils, extreme temperatures, and humid climates. This resilience is directly reflected in the qualities of its fibre: strength, flexibility, and durability.

At Cotlin Raw, we use nettle from the central Himalayan range. Its stalks yield the longest fibres found in the plant world — known for their exceptional strength, softness, and silk-like lightness.

The harvesting process is done by hand, in a way that respects the environment and supports the local economy in rural communities. Turning the stalk into yarn is entirely natural: it’s dried, boiled, and soaked to extract long fibres, which are then spun without any chemical additives.

Rugs made with nettle have a truly unique character. Their touch is reminiscent of rustic linen — slightly coarse at first, but softening over time. They are durable, breathable, and surprisingly light. Visually, they bring an organic, serene elegance, with tonal variations born from their natural structure.