Growing, Spinning and Weaving Cotton

Guys, I made fabric from dirt! This video documents my process from start to finish growing, harvesting, processing and weaving cotton. The variety of cotton I started with was a long-staple white cotton which I started indoors to avoid our shorter growing season. I was really proud of this process!
::::Tools::::
Nesco Food Dehydrator - www.amazon.com...
Electric Eel 5.2 E-spinner - www.dreamingro...
Hansen Lazy Kate - hansencrafts.c...
Clemes & Clemes Curved Back Cotton Carders - clemes.com/pro...
Ashford Joy 2 - woolery.com/as...
Woolee Winder - www.thewooleewi...
Ashford SampleIt Loom - woolery.com/as...
This video is not intended to be a tutorial.
Royalty free music from www.fesliyanst...

[@lucianobrancato5975]

I’m only 16, but I want to make all my fabric and dye with plants to make my own clothing. Thank you for this video.

[@Luthvarian]

Happy to help and best wishes. I hope you'll share your journey!

[@arthurking7059]

NIce bro! Im learning the same. Ive been studying the old way, history, & traditional crafts, etc. since i was 9. If you wanna get in contact lemme know! Id be happy to answer any questions or just share info 😃 (im 17 btw)

[@violetcarson5532]

I do to🤗

[@astefanlopez]

Hey Luciano, seems like you are not the only one! I'm 17 btw lol.

[@yathatsme132]

Me too! 17 here. I want everything to be natural, sustainable and friendly to my skin

[@Tantail]

It makes me so happy to see the full textile process from seed to sample :)

[@Luthvarian]

Me too! It is so rewarding to tell people "I made this from dirt."

[@sawahtb]

Wool was easier to process in preindustrial times because of the obvious difficulty of the cotton seeds buried in the product. Once the cotton gin (seed remover) was invented the process took off and made cotton milling profitable. It made both the American South and the English Millers enormously rich at the same time creating a wide spread abuse of slaves and factory workers. Machines have advanced to the point of eliminating most human labor from the process and greatly increasing production. The same is true of wool but it’s still more expensive because shearing wool cannot be done by strictly machinery, although electric shears sped it up.

[@terristine9359]

I also grow my own cotton to spin but I spin it off of the seed. Just use a small dog brush to comb it out some and spin away. It pulls away from the seed very easily.

[@Luthvarian]

Luxurious!

[@violetcarson5532]

Wooooooooow 🤗

[@foxyjoyce599]

I was able to use this video to teach my preschooler how her dress was made froma cotton plant. THANKS!!!

[@Luthvarian]

This made me so happy to hear. As a librarian by profession, I love teaching opportunities!

[@jessicapearson9479]

While that was smart. It would have been better to show her how her dress was really made. This video is great if made by had but as you can see the fabric is nowhere near the same. I believe how it's made shows how fabrics for clothes are really made from cotton.

[@kellyriddell5014]

@@jessicapearson9479 This is a way clothes can be "really made." Of course, this was a looser weave, which was a choice by the weaver, but they don't have to be woven loosely. This was the way clothing was made for centuries, and some people still do it now. It definitely could help a child learn how the basic process works, and then you can follow up with educating about factories, or even sweat shops, etc. if you want to modernize it, but this video shows the steps of how a regular person can do it.

[@jessicapearson9479]

You completely misunderstood what I was writing. Try to learn how to comprehend what people are saying before lecturing them about things they already know.

[@kellyriddell5014]

@@jessicapearson9479 Well, you did say "made by had," so maybe the message wasn't so clear to begin with.

[@crabbearyscottage9899]

I'm 15 turning 16, I'm starting my garden with avocado and green onion because my mother suddenly bought avocado and the green onion I got from the fridge had roots. I want to have cotton garden and make my own clothes with them. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@Luthvarian]

Green onion is a good garden veggie. I've got onion and garlic going, myself. I'd love to hear if you try cotton!

[@PreciousMkhonto]

I don't understand how can a plants make fabric

[@briandderrick]

What a fantastic video! I grew my own cotton this year and needed some direction. This is perfect. And such a lovely sincerity!

[@mirith]

This is so cool! Worth mentioning that growing cotton in some US states is illegal because of pests that could infect commercial crops. Not saying the police will raid any gardens, but to those watching, check to see if it's legal to grow where you are! I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to grow marijuana but not cotton 😂

[@Luthvarian]

Absolutely true.

[@annvassallo2604]

You can't grow it is n Tennessee.

[@Luthvarian]

@@annvassallo2604 Yeah, any state where cotton is grown commercially, you'd need a permit. If you're interested, contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. If you can show that it is for educational purposes, it is a big plus.

[@susanmiller7472]

THE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.

[@jessicapearson9479]

Actually, that is not true. Importing already growing plants is illegal because they could bring pests with them. But it is legal if you grow directly from seed.

[@bobdole27]

Very nice not many really make their own stuff anymore so its nice to find channels that can show more insight into these kind of things

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you!

[@vernonbowling5310]

Absolutely Amazing I am extremely impressed on the twist you got from your cotton plus it is a nice financial change from the ever increasing price of wool.

[@Luthvarian]

The finer the fiber and yarn, the more twist it can hold. 💛

[@ewacharmacnissen2927]

Finest in the world silk

[@valeriemillikan833]

Thank you for making this! I'm a homeschool mama, teaching my kiddos about the Civil War and the cotton industry and the Lowell Mills and factories, and was searching for a video that would at least come close to showing how cotton became thread way back then. My 13yo was especially impressed and now wants to learn how to weave like this.

[@Luthvarian]

So glad it was helpful to you and inspiring to your 13yo!

[@SommerIsley]

Cotton Industry? So...slavery you mean

[@smtrivedi]

This is marvellous!! Back to basics and living almost carbon free. Best wishes

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you!

[@bweaverla]

Did you procure gossypium barbadense seeds? Which variety (Sea Island?)? Where did you purchase or procure them from? Such careful, clean work you did on your piece! Clemes is using such gorgeous woods now for its cards! Congratulations on your hard, consistent work! Have you tried growing the green or brown version of cotton? The seeds are fairly easy to find. I've grown both colors easily. The staple length is less than for any of the white versions but I found the result worth it!

[@tiaward3220]

i thoroughly enjoyed this

[@davidhamilton1446]

Cute squirrels for some, garden terrorists for others.

[@Luthvarian]

Definitely terrorists in this case. :-)

[@kasia8119]

Oh my gosh how fascinating! Could you let me know what brand/model of items and machines you use? I’m a strong knitter, and casually into spinning and weaving, and my goal is to do just this and grow fiber in the back yard!

[@Luthvarian]

Good call. I'll add them to the description. Look for them there shortly.

[@MichaelScottPerkins]

I love this so much!!! I bought some Sea Island Cotton seeds online last year, but have yet to plant them. I live in Charleston, SC, which is right where THE Sea Island really is. Can you tell me what resource(s) you used to grow your cotton? I am a 100% n00bie when it comes to growing anything. I would like to go ahead and start growing my cotton seed inside, and maybe transplant them to outside once the hot weather returns, but... that may be the wrong thing to do. Anyway... LOVE the video, and I hope to follow your lead and grow my own cotton as soon as I can. Where did you learn how to grow it?

[@Luthvarian]

Start by reaching out to your local extension office to make sure there's not a special permit you need to grow cotton where you live. Cotton seedlings grow pretty easily, but need consistent warmth and light to thrive. I use an aerogarden setup to get my seeds started and wait until temperatures are consistently in the mid-70s before I transplant outside. You'll need to dig your holes deep, as cotton has a long tap root. I taught myself through trial and error. Good luck!

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

I live in Charleston almost half of the year maybe a little less now that I'm in remission. The other half I live in the North Myrtle Beach area and Holden Beach. I've grown up on a farm most of my young life but didn't to experience the cotton side as much as the produce side of farming. I can't wait to start this process of learning and growing cotton like I grow my vegetables and herbs.

[@yazminmczorn-hines6165]

Be mindful, SC is indeed on the no grow list.

[@lisawilkerson5671]

Please keep in mind that in some parts of the United States growing cotton (even in your private garden ) is illegal. My state of Alabama is one so check your state laws if living in the US. Great video...so informative 👏 👌 👍

[@Luthvarian]

Yes, check with your state's Department of Agriculture. They can issue special permits for small, educational gardens.

[@lisawilkerson5671]

@@carolthornley1265 cotton, tobacco, ect...are considered "cash crops" especially here in southern states. Us south folks have to have a permit to grow it. I know it's crazy and probably wouldn't kick up any trouble for a small garden amount but you never know.

[@Kathryn8078]

@@carolthornley1265 It's so that the State can keep an eye on the boll weevil population. Commercial farms are inspected, but they can't visit every household and they don't want another infestation (at least, that is what I was told ;))

[@bweaverla]

The boll weevil was eradicated in all places in the US except some parts of southern Texas in 2009. So you should check with local governances on the illegality. I suspect they will catch up with the current science soon.

[@reetachowdhury384]

Why is that so? It's not a drugs plant right?

[@juliechipo257]

Wow! What an incredible process. I'm absolutely amazed and beyond grateful that you created and shared this video. Thank you and all the very best for your creative pursuits! 🙏🏽🌺

[@Manas_Ka_Safar]

Loved the Video!

[@Killadey]

This is an awesome video. Fascinating and educational, plus your work is beautiful. So much patience and skill.

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you very much!

[@isabelarnaud5340]

HELOOOO!!!! I grow and spin my own cotton. Since I live in tropical climate, Im fortunate to have now a Cotton tree! 4 years old. So I share your spinning fever!!!! I liked your video very much. I liked your carding technique... So im going to try it, since I think my messy rollags are keeping me from more consistent yarn. Thank You!!!!

[@Luthvarian]

Oh wow! That's incredible! Good luck and happy spinning!

[@yumaborderreport8657]

Very enjoyable video! I bought seed from Missouri from Rex. I got two plants growing and the bolls are opening. Here in Yuma Arizona cotton grows well. I was out at the Border where thousands of migrants get through. Check my channel for my posts. But on the way back I saw lots of tufts of white. I gleaned a bunch that apparently got loose in harvest. Pick Pick Pick!!! There must be a better way!! Now I know. I don't have a spinning wheel. I just like growing odd things. Maybe someone in Yuma has one...

[@Luthvarian]

I'm not sure if the guild out there is still active, but there was a Yuma Weavers and Spinners Guild. Good luck!

[@yumaborderreport8657]

I just checked. I never thought of that. Yes there are Guilds all over Arizona but alas not in Yuma at present. I will look around. Somebody must have a wheel. I should remember a pioneer would BUILD one. My job is to keep Harvesting and planting MORE. ;)*

[@kidzbop38isstraightfire92]

2:05 lol was that Dream Theater?? Did not expect to hear them in this video 😂

[@Luthvarian]

:D

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

I tried to grow cotton here indoors, but my climate still isn't right for it (too cloudy I think). Flax for linen grows better here (in the Netherlands)

[@Luthvarian]

Cotton does need a long growing season. I often have to bring the plants inside near the end of the season. I just pull them up by the roots and let the cotton bolls dry on the plant, hanging upsidedown.

[@danielsdiary8371]

Jesus loves you

[@JESUS.saves.Repent.]

Amen to that ❤❤❤🙏🙌👏

[@curtisdixon1123]

How many plant does it take to produce enough cotton for a shirt

[@Luthvarian]

It depends on a lot of factors, including variety of cotton, how much sunlight the plants get and how the yarn is spun up. That said, from my garden, it probably would have taken about 15-20 plants. In a warmer climate with a longer growing season, 5-10 plants would have probably done the job.

[@MrGooglevideoviewer]

it's an awesome video. Great process to watch and extra points for the squirrel and the drama at the beginning of the video 🤣🤣🤣 great video!! thanks for making it!!!

[@CrowingHen]

Beautiful yarn and cloth! Loving seeing the whole process in your beautiful video. One thing I love doing is to put a couple of cotton plants in pots at the end of the season and keep them as houseplants 'till next spring. It gets them off to a good start for next year.

[@Luthvarian]

What a great idea! Do they transplant okay?

[@CrowingHen]

@@Luthvarian mine lose any flowers they had, but I think they would do better if I was more diligent at digging up the roots and actually watering potted plants.

[@ChandChandramukhi]

I did this, they germinated and evolved into a little plant with 2 leaves, and then died. I tried again and again died. Do they need a lot of heat? or some special soil?

[@CrowingHen]

@@ChandChandramukhi Mine like the same conditions as starting tomatoes. There's a sweet spot of not too wet, not too dry, not too cold. Avoid a draft but get lots of airflow to prevent mould and damping off. I find about 70-75F is a good temp.

[@lauralbriar]

Well done - I do all that you've done on here but with wool - from washing the fleece etc. I am not sure if cotton would grow where I live (south west Nova Scotia, Canada), but I'm going to find out. Thank you for such a lovely video - so inspiring!

[@cogoid]

This was very interesting to watch. A great illustration of the process! So cool.

[@cathymadsen2930]

This is a video worth watching and saving for later. I grew some cotton for fun and now I'm not sure what to do with it, and you have shown it's actually possible to make your own cloth... I will probably crochet mine, but I do have a small loom I can try and weave on.... Thanks

[@davidsalvador8989]

Just finding this now. Very cool. Did you continue to make more? Have you made any garments? Thanks!

[@d.ravichandran323]

Super miniature Process Mill... Thank You... 🎉

[@nonamechannel8777]

What kind of cotton-plant-seeds do you use? This video is so fascinating to watch. I was considering buying cotton seeds to grow them for trying to make some yarn.

[@JuteBagTrainingClass]

Love it.. you are just the 1 I'm searching for... Thank you for this ..

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

As a first resort, you should have started collecting the primary ingredient for squirrel stew. Food a fiber.

[@KathyReedKnits]

How do you even bear cutting your threads? "Waste" ??? Beautiful job!

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you. I used the waste to make some bookmark tassels ;-)

[@kipkip3804]

Im 17, hoping to soon make my own fibers and dyes. I crochet and knit, ill be getting angora rabbits soon, sheep in the future and maybe cotton after this video lol.

[@peachisoulff]

Very interesting and informative lot of patience ❤ love this

[@isabelandmom3103]

LoL! "Disaster!" to que up the Carl Orff-like music. I grew cotton recently and was happy with the outcome, but not sure how to card it. Looking forward to the rest of your video

[@bryancrosby2411]

Try thread knotwork# That's did when I Strung some Knives Together#🔪2 Cut 6Ft'-Dandelions🌻

[@orvos1459]

How can I make cotton using the pre-Twentieth century methods by using only tools from that time without any modern technology?

[@DrEnginerd1]

This video was the deciding factor in me growing cotton plants this year. Have no idea what I’ll do with them because I have equipment to process it but they seem to love the heat so far.

[@Mianna.]

I wish you would show more context on how you got it to thread. Like how did you pull the cotton into a skinny thread when the cotton was rolled? How did you get it to smoothly unravel from each roll

[@conniewojahn6445]

I like squirrels as long as they're in someone else's yard. Horrible squirrels ruin things on my property. Go away go away.

[@morpheus3140]

There is only 2 fabric mills listed In Michigan and both are closed. China is selling fabric manufacturing machines on Alibaba but who in America is actually buying these machines?

[@DarcieGlam]

Nice job! Your yarn came out gorgeous. It's ilegal to grow cotton where I live but I could buy some bolls and take it from there. It would be fun to try,

[@Luthvarian]

That's a great idea!

[@PassTheBoof]

you would get more views if you didn't show your face in your videos

[@jeanne3294]

Please allow to share and inspire others to buy land and make farm.

[@jthunderstriker]

U made that cloth out of air. Plants suck carbon out of the air and turn it into plant fiber. Not dirt.

[@Ekaterina58]

Is this not a dangerouse work to make a fabrick from a seed to grow? I was alwayes worried to have a headace, but if you have not notised there is a terrible thing at 2:05. That is if you pause at 2 minutes see if it is what it is . Don't pausw it if you are allone. Please lett me know if you nees some help

[@KateKappel]

Just wow, amazing. Did you buy that machine or did you make it? If so, how much did it cost and where did you get it? And is there a cheap way that you know to make your own cloth? Thank you..

[@bryancrosby2411]

This is great!! 4 Making Your Own Cosplay 💡Ideas💟

[@prasannakumarcooldude7589]

Ohh my god this is a lot on a single video.. but amazing thank you for sharing this..

[@benjaminzedrine]

I didn't understand the deal with carding, now I do. Thank you.

[@PHASES_OFFICIAL]

That is so cool! Thanks for the video.

[@Luthvarian]

Glad you liked it!

[@FrostSoul-qs6kq]

After finding out the store cotton yarn costs a ton i came here looking for a way to make my own 4 ply cotton yarn ...

[@georgiabaddeley6606]

I didn’t realise it was possible to be this cool.

[@Luthvarian]

I'll need you to come to my highschool reunion and tell my classmates that. ;-)

[@ala6861]

seed dividing 2 sticks showing like brushes where u got, please give answer

[@mirsalisawood4762]

Please tell us tools you used

[@Luthvarian]

My husband and I made all of our own tools. If you're interested in processing flax, you'll need a flax ripple, a brake, a scutching board and blade, hackles, and a mangle board. You can purchase plans to build tools from www.woolgatherers.com/

[@simplechandna7992]

Please tell name of music link in description does not have that song

[@judypowell9674]

Love you video! Thank you from Alabama

[@emmaschaale]

This was so cool! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work!

[@jugalkishorbehera-sonu7239]

What is the machine called used for pulling cotton

[@bmwvintageprincess]

MUM for my next birthday I want a cotton tree.

[@brittneyus]

It would of been nice to hear you narrate what you were doing

[@EvangelinaFelix-x5h]

thank you for sharing beautiful.

[@ANG903]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@federicobertacchi273]

Stupendo vedere il cotone nascere dalla terra ed essere trasformato in tessuto artigianalmente

[@Heyzilllypeople]

Can I ask, What tools/machines did you use to make it and where did you bought it? Thank you!

[@Luthvarian]

All of the tools are listed in the video description. Cheers!

[@sandrafayebrown8347]

This is cool, My mom told me about the cards, but I've never really seen it Done, This is very educational, Thank you for showing This,

[@Luthvarian]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bmwvintageprincess]

Am subscribed TOO LOVELY 😍

[@SaniveK_]

I have 3 plants full of bolls right now. The first boll cracked today and I’m so excited! Can I chop the plants and hang them upside down in the garage while they dry and crack the other bolls, or should I just leave them outside in the planters and let the crack naturally? This is my first time and I don’t want to lose any cotton. Any tips?

[@Luthvarian]

They'll do best if left to ripen on the plant, but if the weather gets too cold, you can uproot the plant and bring it in to finish maturing.

[@fredmcdaniels2912]

Peace,and thank you peace!

[@judylandry1688]

What is the tool called that looks like brushes?

[@randyh7611]

Can you do this with dog hair?

[@wisdomanderudition9687]

Wao Since I watched this video I became fan of you.really remarkable

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you

[@tryabosscarter]

Where can I purchase all the equipment

[@pritibadatya767]

Thank you

[@Luthvarian]

You're welcome

[@adude3929]

Thank you so much for this!!! I have a question for the brushing part, why did you use a brush? did you do it to make the cotton into a fine texture?

[@Luthvarian]

Brushing it untangles and aligns all of the fibers in the same direction for a smoother yarn.

[@muskanchahal6962]

don't loose hope keep struggling and yoy have a beautiful smile . # from India

[@Luthvarian]

Thank you.

[@muhammed-p6r1n]

thank you very much sister

[@fridasjoberg4494]

interesting process, thanks for sharing. I want to ask you if I can use/share this video in one of my university assignments?

[@Luthvarian]

Yes, you may use it. Thank you for asking!

[@fridasjoberg4494]

@@Luthvarian thank you :)

[@kuisatzhaderach]

Thanks for making the whole process so clear in such a short video.

[@Garreeeh]

Deserves more views than this

[@alicepamei5947]

Wow amazing process…

[@rhodamiller7338]

How were the seeds removed?

[@marangelasp7462]

Hello guys Does! Does anyone know how long does it take to make enough yarn for a piece fabric?

[@sheleighpeers677]

Short answer is anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. All depends on what tool you have to spin with, the weight of yarn you are spinning (thicker is quicker usually but isn't necessarily as useful, thinner takes more time but generally has more uses), what kind of cloth you desire by the end, and how much time you can put into spinning every day. Something more rustic could go relatively fast (few weeks) whereas something more fine could take months and months to spin enough for a garment.

[@fordismyname1]

Ok I’m so invested at this point. Can you teach people? Cause I would love to know how to do this!

[@Luthvarian]

I primarily teach at fiber conferences. My next event will be Ply Away 2022 in Kansas City. www.plyaway.com Cheers!

[@Xx_Lara2323_xX]

I need this process in my life!

[@linebois1852]

Would like to know how much time in the deshydrator and what degree plse?

[@Luthvarian]

I just kept it on the low setting, about 105F, and kept my eye on them. Most of them had opened up after about 2 hours.

[@AERSKALFA_]

Question! Can you weave cattail sprouts into fabric lines?

[@Luthvarian]

The stems can be woven into cordage or it can be processed like flax to produce and coarse fiber that can be spun into a yarn.

[@gulammustafaalam1424]

Wow 😳 awesome information ..thanks btw how do I get those gadgets ?

[@Luthvarian]

There are links to all the tools I use in the description. Cheers!

[@shalumaini5663]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@blueskymoon1planetearth309]

Is against the law to have cotton tree in California? Thanks.

[@Luthvarian]

I believe cotton is regulated in California. Check with your local extension office for more information. Often times there are special permits you can get to hobby grow.

[@mozartpaiva1]

Yes, magic!

[@michaelmoody3737]

Nice work! What would one need to do to obtain a tighter weave?

[@Luthvarian]

Two options. First, I could have spun a thicker yarn. Second, I could have changed the sett or EPI (ends per inch) by choosing a different loom reed. Cheers!

[@radishprouction2714]

Did you do all that?

[@GavinLee-d4w]

i got that for you