Linen

A sustainable, natural fabric with many benefits

Many fabrics in our range have a name that describes the weaving method. Usually, this involves cotton or polyester, sometimes in a blend with other synthetic fibers, which acquire their distinctive properties through the way in which they are woven or knitted. Linen, on the other hand, is a material in itself. It is made of the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is therefore a fabric that has very different properties from the cotton fabrics in our range. For example, linen absorbs a lot of moisture, but it also dries very quickly. This is one of the reasons why linen is so popular for summer clothing.

Moreover, linen is stronger than cotton. This may be surprising because the fabric is quite thin. High-quality linen will not tear or wear out easily. Clothing made of high-quality linen will therefore last for years. The robust nature of the fabric is also an important reason why linen is not only a popular fashion fabric, but also a material that is widely used for upholstery. Linen naturally does not stretch. However, linen fabrics are available that combine natural fibers with synthetic elastic fibers, such as Spandex. There are also blended fabrics containing linen and viscose. These crease less easily than natural linen.

For people with sensitive skin, linen is also a good choice, as the fabric is naturally hypoallergenic. Dust mites like to live in humid environments and therefore stay away from the quick-drying linen. Additionally, linen is naturally dirt-repellent and does not harbor bacteria. As a result, the fabric stays fresh for a long time and people with sensitive skin are less likely to suffer an allergic reaction. This is why it is often used for bedding, for which "linen" is a synonym in English. For clothing, linen is especially popular because it is airy and lightweight.

Perhaps the oldest clothing fabric in the world

Linen may be one of the oldest clothing fabrics in the world. Dried flax fibers have been found in a cave in what is now Georgia, estimated to be more than 35,000 years old. Linen is also mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Egyptian writings. The fact that we still use the material today speaks volumes about its beneficial properties. Many other fabrics that were used in ancient times have been replaced by newer, often synthetic fabrics. Natural cotton has replaced many fabrics, but linen is still popular for various applications.

Compared to most cotton fabrics, linen is more expensive, mainly because the fabric is more expensive to make than cotton. After harvesting, the flax must be dried and then retted. This involves wetting the fibers to separate them from the straw. Not all fibers can be used to make linen; only the long fibers can be used. Yarn is then spun from these fibers. The climate in our part of the world is ideal for producing strong linen from flax. In warmer temperatures, flax grows much faster, which makes the fibers less strong.

The ancient Egyptians already knew how suitable linen was for summer clothing. They wore linen clothing to protect their bodies from the extreme heat of the desert. Today, it is still the ideal fabric for a warm, dry climate. It absorbs sweat quickly and then dries quickly. Additionally, the fabric blocks about 80 percent of the UV rays from the sun. This makes linen also suitable for wearing during warm summer days in our milder climate.

Making Clothing with Linen

Making clothing from linen is similar to making clothing from cotton, as both are made from natural fibers. Linen can shrink up to 10 percent in the first wash, so it is important to pre-wash the fabric before making clothing. Soaking the fabric in cold water for a day before washing can reduce the chance of shrinkage. Linen is fully capable of being boiled, so it can be washed at 90 degrees Celsius, although it is rarely necessary. Washing at 30 or 40 degrees Celsius is better for the environment and reduces the risk of the fabric's colors fading or disappearing.

After washing, linen can be put in the dryer, but it is better to let it air dry. Linen dries quickly and is less likely to crease when air-dried. One of the few disadvantages of linen is that it is quite prone to creasing, but it is easy to iron. Linen blended with synthetic fibers creases less. Making clothing with linen is not difficult, as it is easy to sew. A universal needle with a thickness between 70 and 90 and a rounded tip is suitable for the fabric. The coarser the weave, the thicker the needle should be.

Buying Linen Online

Linen has been used for thousands of years for clothing that is practical, comfortable, and beautiful, for various reasons. It is a lightweight, airy, yet surprisingly strong fabric that lasts a long time. Quality Textiles offers high-quality linen in different colors and designs online. Some of these are linen fabrics blended with synthetic fibers, but they also have 100 percent natural linen available.

Linen clothing is often reinforced with wadding to ensure that the clothing retains its shape and lasts longer. Quality Textiles also offers wadding and a wide selection of haberdashery items.