Do you have enough facts about linen? Where have you planned to buy the products?
Despite constant interaction, do you know the best properties of investing in linen fabrics?
Linen clothing hits the shelves to give you a perfect and comfortable look if chosen correctly. Did you know linen existed in the market over 10,000 years ago?
What is linen fabric?
Around 85% of the linen fibres originated from Europe. The quality of the fabric depends on the raw material, growing, and harvesting of the flax plants. The natural fibres will be removed from the flax plant, spun into yarn and woven into linen fabric.
It is used in clothing, towels, rugs, pillows, tablecloths, bedsheets, wall coverings, or curtains. Globally, some luxury fashion designers and brands use it in their collections. The manufacturing process of this fabric is:
- Cultivate
The flax plant needs over 100 days to grow perfectly. It is highly delicate, so it cannot grow in hot weather. So, it is important to plant it according to the weather conditions and soil quality necessary for the growth.
- Harvest
The flax plant gives various indications for the right time to harvest, around 90 days. The leaves will wither away, stems become yellow, and seeds turn brown. You can go with the process manually or mechanically.
- Retting
The stalks will be processed to remove leaves and seeds. After this, the fibre will be separated from the interior part of the wooden. You might need experts to ensure there is no wastage.
- Break
The plants now need to go through the breaking process. The stalks will be moved through the rollers to separate the exterior fibres from bast, used to make linen.
- Combing
Straightening or combing the fibres helps separate the short, long, and fine fibres. The long ones are used in spinning and the short ones for making coarse goods.
- Spinning
The long ones are known as line fibres which go through a spreader machine for spinning. They are passed through rollers called roving, which means they are ready to be spun.
- Reeling
After the spinning process, the fibres are converted into threads into spools. It makes the fibre strong and flexible. This process is carried out in humid conditions, and the linen fibres are run through hot water to bind them closer.
- Dry
This is the final step for the yarn. It is used for textile manufacturing in various types.
Also Read: What is Cotton? Advantages of Cotton Fabric
How should you check the linen fabric quality?
Pure linen is rare, which makes it expensive. It also increases the chances of getting a fake one. Many blends of synthetic fibres like polyester, rayon, nylon, or viscose fabric are sometimes mislabelled as linen.
Let us give you a short and crisp method to know the linen fabric:
- Search for natural colours. The actual colour of undyed linen is more like a pale yellowish-grey. Also, this depends on the fabrication process, meaning the colour can be beige, grey, cream, sand, ivory, and taupe.
- The fabric is very long-lasting, strong, durable, and resistant. This means you must examine it for no trace of wear and tear.
- Linen fabric has great imperfections that make it appealing. There will be small bumps throughout the material which can be felt with your hand.
- Take a close look at the coarser fabric and thicker than other natural fibres. The material will be rough but gives a smooth texture after some time.
- Linen is not very flexible, so you might see wrinkles throughout the fabric. Moreover, the natural creases are a great indication of it being natural.
- The material is highly absorbent. Press the fabric with your fingers and look at the speed with which it absorbs the liquids. Also, the liquid does not leave any wet spots.
- Make sure that the linen fabric is breathable, durable, and absorbent
Not to mention that lines can be converted into various varieties depending on the need. This can be a bedsheet, curtains, towels, or clothing for men, women, and little ones.
What are different types of linen fabrics?
Plain Woven Linen
It is used in many places in kitchen household work. People use it for towels to clean dishes and hand towels. These types of linenare highly durable and perfect for fine lines for cleaning.
Loosely Woven Linen
This type of fabric is loosely woven, which is highly reusable and absorbent.
Linen and Cotton
This is used to soften the fabric and store the fullness, reducing wrinkles and giving a crisp look.
Handkerchief Linen
This is fine, plain-weave, lightweight fabric is slightly sheer and drapes perfectly. It is used for blouses and handkerchiefs.
Damask Linen
It is a standard fabric used for making tablecloths, apparel, and bedding as it is remarkably soft. During the weaving process, it forms patterns to give it an ornate look. The subtle design can be used for special occasions or decorative additions.
Suiting Linen
This type is a highly absorbent, strong, comfortable, and medium-weighted fabric with a crisp fabric. If you are going for Italian suiting, this might be a great choice as it has a variety of weaves, including plain-weave, herringbone, or twill.
Closely Woven Linen
It might not be highly durable, but it is a great absorbent. This comes in multiple varieties and blends with cotton fabric if needed.
Linen and Polyester
This combination helps to make it easier to maintain and retain colour faster. In a synthetic method, it makes the fabric softener.
Linen and Rayon
The blend of rayon and linen fabric increases the material’s sustainability with a more fluid drape and subtle sheen from the rayon.
The Ideal Linen Fabric!
You know the best tip is, buy less but get quality products. Linen fabric gives you a natural look and feels with amazing qualities. May this linen fabric rejuvenate and redecorate your place into ultimate wellness, sustainability, and comfort around the year.
