This beautifully textured Nepse cotton fabric is distinguished by its organic flecked surface and quietly sophisticated handloom character.

At approximately 140 GSM, it falls within the lightweight-to-midweight range. The cloth feels airy and breathable while retaining enough body for garments, accessories, and elevated soft furnishings.

Its defining feature is the nep texture: tiny fibre knots and flecks incorporated directly into the yarn. These irregular details create visual depth and a gently tactile surface, giving the fabric an artisanal appearance rather than the flat uniformity of industrial cloth.

This is a thoughtful handloom textile for makers who value natural texture, visible craftsmanship, and understated elegance.

WHAT IS NEP COTTON?

Nep cotton yarn contains small knots, clusters, or flecks of fibre known as “neps.”

These neps may form naturally during fibre preparation or be intentionally retained in the yarn to create a textured, speckled appearance. Once woven, they appear as small irregular flecks distributed throughout the cloth.

The texture is part of the yarn itself. It is not printed, embossed, glued, or added as a topical surface treatment.

Variations in the size, density, colour, and placement of the neps are expected and contribute to the fabric’s individual character.

HOW THE FABRIC IS MADE

• Woven from 100% cotton yarn containing characteristic fibre neps

• Crafted on a traditional handloom

• Constructed in a breathable plain weave

• Nep texture is incorporated within the yarn rather than applied to the finished surface

• Lightly finished to preserve softness, breathability, and natural texture

• Small weaving and yarn variations are retained as part of the artisanal finish

Because of the handloom process and the irregular character of nep yarn, no two sections of the fabric will appear completely identical.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fabric: Handwoven Nepse Cotton

Fibre Content: 100% cotton

Yarn Type: Nep cotton yarn

Construction: Traditional handloom

Weave: Plain weave with nep texture

Width: Approximately 44 inches / 112 cm

Weight: Approximately 140 GSM

Weight Class: Lightweight to midweight

Pattern: Naturally flecked texture; not printed

Surface: Matte, softly textured, and handcrafted

Opacity: Lightweight opaque; may vary with colour and lighting

Stretch: None; stable woven construction

Drape: Fluid with gentle body

Breathability: High

Finish: Light and natural

End-Use Category: Apparel-grade handloom cotton

HANDFEEL AND DRAPE

Handfeel: Soft, dry, and naturally textured

Surface: Matte with subtle irregular flecks

Texture: Gently tactile without feeling coarse or bulky

Drape: Fluid with light body

Structure: Softly stable rather than limp

Breathability: Comfortable for warm and transitional climates

Against the Skin: Soft and suitable for everyday garments

The fabric falls into relaxed folds while retaining enough substance to create a clean silhouette. It works well for gathered, loose, and softly structured designs without feeling heavy.

IDEAL USES

• Dresses and tunics

• Shirts and blouses

• Kurtas and relaxed tops

• Wrap skirts

• Lightweight trousers

• Shorts and contemporary separates

• Overshirts and layering pieces

• Lightweight jackets

• Vests and waistcoats

• Scarves and stoles

• Bags, pouches, and accessories

• Cushion covers

• Decorative throws

• Table runners and soft home accents

• Patchwork and quilting

• Slow-fashion projects

• Capsule wardrobe garments

This is a stable woven fabric without mechanical stretch. It is not suitable for patterns that depend on elasticity unless sufficient ease or suitable closures are incorporated.

COLOUR AND OPACITY

The nep texture may create subtle tonal movement across the surface, particularly where fibre flecks contrast with the base yarn.

The fabric is generally opaque for its weight, although lighter shades may appear slightly translucent under strong light. A lining may be added where complete coverage is required.

The appearance of the nep flecks will vary throughout the yardage. This uneven distribution is characteristic of the yarn and is not considered a defect.

SEWING RECOMMENDATIONS

• Pre-wash the fabric before cutting

• Test shrinkage using a measured swatch

• Allow the fabric to rest flat before placing pattern pieces

• Use a universal needle suitable for lightweight-to-midweight cotton

• Test a size 70/10 or 80/12 needle

• Use good-quality cotton or polyester thread

• Select a medium stitch length after testing on an offcut

• Stay-stitch curved and bias-cut edges

• Finish raw edges with French seams, binding, overlocking, or enclosed seams

• Use lightweight interfacing where additional support is required

• Avoid cutting directly through prominent fibre knots where possible

• Secure any unusually loose nep fibres near seam lines

• Press from the reverse side with moderate heat

• Use a pressing cloth where necessary

For garments requiring additional opacity or structure, a lightweight cotton lining may be added.

WASH AND CARE

• Pre-washing is recommended before cutting

• Allow approximately 3–5% for possible shrinkage

• Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle

• Wash separately for the first few washes

• Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent

• Do not bleach

• Avoid harsh fabric softeners

• Do not soak for prolonged periods

• Avoid wringing or twisting

• Air dry flat or line dry in the shade

• Avoid tumble drying to minimise shrinkage

• Reshape gently while damp

• Steam lightly or iron on a cotton setting

• Iron while slightly damp for the smoothest result

• Press from the reverse side to protect the textured surface

The fabric is expected to become softer and more relaxed after its first wash and with continued use.

NATURAL HANDLOOM CHARACTERISTICS

This fabric may naturally display:

• Irregular fibre flecks

• Small knots and neps

• Variations in yarn thickness

• Minor changes in weave density

• Slight tonal movement

• Subtle irregularities in width

• Occasional handloom marks

These characteristics are inherent to nep yarn and traditional handloom production. They are part of the fabric’s handmade identity and should not be considered faults.

PLEASE NOTE

• Nep placement and density will vary throughout the fabric

• The flecked pattern is woven into the yarn and is not printed

• Slight variations between separate cuts and production batches are expected

• The fabric contains no elastane and has no mechanical stretch

• Natural cotton may shrink by approximately 3–5%

• Pre-washing and testing a measured swatch are strongly recommended

• Lighter shades may require lining for complete coverage

• Avoid pulling prominent fibre knots from the surface

• Colour and texture may appear different depending on lighting and screen settings

We recommend ordering a swatch before purchasing larger quantities when exact colour, opacity, texture, weight, or drape is important for your project.