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 Linen
has been woven from the flax fiber for the last 10,000 years, making linen
is one of nature's most useful fibers. In fact, the Shroud of Turin is made
of Linen. While every part of the flax plant is used - for oil, paint, fertilizer
and even banknotes - flax is most renowned as the raw material for this
extraordinary fabric.
Today, linen is made in many parts of the world. However, climatic conditions
in Western Europe are ideal for growing flax and there are nearly 130,000
acres under cultivation annually. Flax requires considerably fewer pesticides
and fertilizers than other crops, and the fibers are recyclable and biodegradable.
To preserve the fibers during harvesting, flax is never cut, but always
uprooted. The flax is then weathered, combed and spun into fibers. After
weaving, it is finished and often dyed.
Irish Linen has qualities which make it particularly desirable. The
soft water in Irish streams, the fineness of the yarns achieved by Irish
spinners and the skills of the weavers, handed down through generations,
produces linen which is especially soft and beautiful. And of course this
hand finishing comes at a price.
Linen usage
Linen is strong, soft and lustrous with a distinctive drape, a luxurious
touch and crisp coolness. The more it is used, the softer and stronger it
becomes. It can absorb up to 50% of its weight in moisture (more than cotton)
before it feels damp, and easily releases moisture to the air to remain
cool and dry to the touch. The combination of smooth fibers, luster, natural
porosity, strength and durability make linen a very desirable natural fiber
fabric.
Living in Texas we feel that linen is the best fabric for this climate:
breathable, wicks off moisture, and washes easily. Linen is admired by
designer and consumer alike; its brilliant colors, crisp drape, pleasant
feel and its dimensional stability are unexcelled. Fashion is fond of
linen for its elegance and the feeling of luxury it generates.
Linen remains colorfast, washes easily, travels well, and is non-allergenic.
Linen sheets are again popular, and we have all always loved linen for
the kitchen and table. Linen offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort,
supreme elegance and down-to-earth practicality.
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who can deal with
wrinkles and those who can't. Whichever type you are, you might want to
check out our Linen Care pages (under the 'Fabric care' button to the
left) for suggestions on making living with linen simpler and cheaper.
Yes, linen itself is machine washable.
Linen Weight
- Handkerchief weight 4oz
- Medium weight 5.5oz
- Heavy weight 7oz
Usual Inventory
We have a lot of 100% linen fabrics. Click on the link buttons to the left
to see the colors we carry.
- 100% handkerchief linen
- 100% linen prints
- 100% linen solid colors
Please call or e-mail to inquire about availability of a particular fabric.
The Burn Test
Want to know what that fabric is? The Burn Test is a quick way to determine
the fiber content of an unknown fabric:
In a well-ventilated area, and away from flammable materials, unravel
a few threads of the fabric in question. Lighting a match or lighter,
move the sample slowly first up to the flame and then into it, watching
carefully. Remove it from the flame, still watching it and extinguish
it if necessary.
Linen fibers won't shrink from the flame, will burn with a yellow
flame while in it, continues to burn when the flame is removed, and smells
like burning paper. There is a little grey ash residue after extinguishing.
Cotton reacts much the same, because they are both cellulose, but
cotton has much shorter, limper fibers. Practice with a little of each
known fiber to get a feel for the difference. See the other main fabric
pages for more burn test results.
Copyright ©: 1998-2006, Silk Road, inc.
3910 N. Lamar, Austin, TX, USA 78756
Tel: +1 (512) 302-0844
Fax: +1 (512) 302-0611
Comments? Questions? Write us at: webmistress@srfabrics.com
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