MEET LINEN
FROM:
Flax plant fibers
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
Yes.
IS IT DURABLE?
Yes.
IS IT BREATHABLE?
Yes.
IS IT WARM?
No.
HISTORY:
Linen production can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. Particularly well-known for their skill in producing linen was ancient Egypt. Linen was highly valued for its qualities of strength, durability, and comfort. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a luxury fabric and was associated with royalty and wealth. The Egyptians used flax fibers, obtained from the flax plant, to produce it.
Other ancient cultures also held linen in high respect. Both the Sumerians and the Babylonians exploited linen in Mesopotamia for textiles, clothing, and even writing. In China, the fabric was used for traditional clothing. Linen continued to be popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Linen was favored for its breathability and cooling properties, making it suitable for warm climates. The Industrial Revolution prompted significant changes in production. The popularity of linen declined as cotton and synthetic fibres were introduced. The demand for linen fabrics was affected by the affordability and simple production of cotton, in particular. In recent years, it has gained popularity in fashion, home textiles, and eco-friendly markets.
Today, linen is produced worldwide, with major linen-producing regions including Europe, particularly in countries like Belgium and Ireland, as well as China and Eastern European countries.
PRODUCTION PROCESS:
The process begins with the harvesting of flax plants, which are grown primarily in areas with moderate climates. Flax plants need well-drained soil and are often planted in the spring. They are harvested when they reach maturity which usually occurs after they have bloomed and the seed capsules have formed.
Harvesting is done by pulling up the whole plant, including its roots. Retting is a crucial step in the production of it. It involves the decomposition of the flax plant’s outer stem (you can read more about what RETTING is on the Glossary page). After retting, the flax stems get crushed to separate the fibers from the woody core.
Thta involves mechanically crushing the stems to break them open and scutching, which means removing the broken straw and bark from the fibers. The fibers are then hackled – combed to remove shorter fibers and dirt. The fibers are spun into yarn or thread. The spun yarn is then woven into fabric on looms. Various weaving techniques can be used to create different types of linen fabrics, such as plain weave, twill weave, or damask weave.
After it has been woven, the fabric goes through finishing procedures to improve its qualities and look. Bleaching, dying, or adding specific finishes for softness or wrinkle resistance are a few examples of these procedures.
