LINEN

Linen Fabric Properties

Linen, which comes from the Flax plant is one of the oldest fibres in the world, and one of the oldest to be used to make fabric.  

Linen is part of the Bast fibre family, which means it has similar properties as Hemp, Ramie, Jute and other wild plants such as Nettle.  These fibres have wonderful properties such as being breathable, durable and antibacterial.    

 

Growing and Cultivation

• Flax requires fewer pesticides than cotton.
• The crop grows quite quickly and can be harvested around 100 days after being sown.

 

Processing and Use

• Flax fibres needs to be retted, which involves rotting away the inner stalk leaving the outer parts in tact.  These are then combed to remove the long fibres from the small fibres and straw.
• Flax or Linseed is another crop that utilises majority of the plant.  This includes Linseed Oil for nutritional supplements, wood finishing, Linoleum and printing inks; the consumption of Flaxseeds and the utilisation of fibres that are made into Linen fabric.  

 

Fabric Properties

• Breathable
• Stronger than cotton
• Soft (gets softer with age)
• Moisture-Wicking
• Manufactures well
• Anti-static
• Biodegradable