If there is one fabric that is appreciated for its softness and breathability, that will be linen. Due to its classy look, linen fabric had already established itself as the fabric of choice if your goal is to create lasting impressions.
The fabric is mostly used in home décors such as curtains, draperies, tapestries, bed sheets, table cloths and chair covers.
Linen Fabric
Linen fabrics are already in use since 8,000 B.C. in Switzerland. In fact, it is considered as the oldest fabric.
Nonetheless, the flax plant, which is the main raw material in making linens, was generally taken for granted. During those times, most families have a flax garden.
Nevertheless, there are evidences that linens were already in used in Egypt since over 3,000 years ago. The fabric is used in mummification. Indeed, King Rameses II was wrapped in high quality linen fabrics.
Throughout the 1900s, linen was considered the ‘workhorse’ since it is mainly considered as a household fabric including aprons and kitchen towels.
In the 1970s, however, linen apparel production increased by up to 70%. Clothes manufacturer recognized the durability and absorbent properties of linen that makes it suitable for summer wear.
Despite this, the fabric is still regarded as the household textile due to its insulation properties. Mittens and napkins are mostly made from linen.
Regardless of its type, linen is very lightweight. However, it is pricier than cotton mainly because of how linen is manufactured. Linen is a non-elastic fabric which makes weaving difficult.
Linen goes through extensive manufacturing processes, part of which is growing flax. The quality of the fabric will depend on the quality of growing as well as harvesting the plant. For instance, flax must be uprooted or cut closer to its root.
Next, the plants should undergo a winnowing process. Flax seeds will be removed wherein the chaff will be separated from the grain. Air can be blown to the seeds or they can be tossed in the air to separate the husk chaff
Afterwards, the fibers will be loosened from the stalks by means of retting. Soaking will prepare the fibers for scutching to separate the fibers from the woody parts.
The perfect time to conduct scutching is from August to December. When the fibers are already exposed, these will then undergo a combing process. The short fibers will be separated from the long ones.
Linen fabric is ideal because it require less care than cotton. Owners simply need to iron the fabric while it is damp, removing wrinkles in the process. Linens must be dried completely before storing since damp linens can become a breeding ground for mildew.
