Linen Fabric

Mar 15, 2022

By Birds of Fabriclore

What is linen Fabric?

Similar to cotton, linen fiber is obtained from flax plants but rather than extracting from cotton seed it is done from stems.
Flax fiber-based linen fabric is predominantly used for households.
Clothes designed from linen are most desirable during the summer season.
Linen production consumes more time as well as resources which makes it less popular.
Countries like China continue to manufacture linen in huge quantities irrespective of its cost.

From all the evidence gathered through the past, it seems that people during the Neolithic times were using linen for making textile.
As per several archaeologists, linen cloth was domesticated throughout ancient Mesopotamia.
Another application of linen is evident from dwellings made during ancient times that were structured on Switzerland’s lakefronts.
Since the fabric is white in color it is an obvious choice for people along with its nature of breathability as well as lack of holding moisture made linen a most valuable fabric within Egypt.
During ancient times Greeks used linen to make houseware products.
However, from past events it is observed that there were no such efforts made by European powers in order to regulate the manufacturing of flax amongst the community of farming.

Absorbency	Linen can soak upto 20 percent of moisture. It keeps heat away and makes the body cooler during hot weather and also provides warmth throughout cold weather.
Strength	After silk it is second strongest in nature. It is around 30 percent stronger in comparison to cotton, which makes it durable for several years.
Thermoregulation	It keeps heat away from the body , that is , it has a fantastic heat conductivity, making linen highly popular for clothing and sheets during summer season.
Comfort	Being an organic fabric , linen is absolutely comfortable to wear.
Abrasion resistant	As it is the strongest fabric , it also has a great abrasion resistance.
Anti-allergic	It does not have any allergic reaction as it is made from natural flax.
Non-electrifying	Due its origin from flax, a minute addition of fiber to cloth is enough to decrease the effect of static and hence make it non-electrifying.

Woven Fabrics	Men’s - Pants, Blazers, etc. Women’s - Skirts, dresses, etc.
Industrial textile	Car seats, canvas, etc.
Home Furnishing	Table cloth, curtains, napkins, etc
Other uses	Bath towels, Bed skirts, etc.

Real Linen can be recognised by creases or wrinkles all over the fabric as it is not elastic in nature such lines are indication of its originality.
By examining its sturdiness you can judge its authenticity because natural linen is strong, durable and resistant.
As it is known that linen has a high absorbency, you can check it for real linen. First moisten the fabric, press it gently and observe how fast it absorbs.
For an actual linen, imperfections are a sign of authenticity. When you hold the linen fabric you will feel small bumps all across the weave. If the appearance of fabric is smooth and flat, then it is a fake linen.
Linen fabric is thicker and much coarser in comparison to other fibers like cotton.

Linen can be washed at 40 degree celsius in a washing machine on gentle mode or on linen settings.
While drying the fabric , the spin setting must be at low.
Remove from the dryer and let it lay flat to finish the process of drying.
Linen does not require ironing, natural crumple on the fabric gives it a drapey and relaxed feel.
In case you want to iron it, do it while the fabric is damp.
Use medium to hot temperature while ironing.
Similar to cotton, linen also has a property to shrink. So, it's better to wash it in cold water.
If you wish that your fabric remains sturdy then dry cleaning is the best option.
However, linen can be washed normally but to maintain its essence do not tumble dry the fabric often.
Keep the fabric in a dry and cool place.