What Is Linen And How Is It Made

Linen is one of the finest fabrics which is made of flax fibre and is highly admired amongst its users because of its sturdiness. Perhaps it is not one of the oldest, but in no doubt linen definitely ranks somewhere on the top level of the list as being one of the oldest natural threads found on this planet. The plant from which linen is made is known as Linum usitatissimum. Along with the quality of having a low elasticity, the linen fabric has a tendency to absorb skin perspirations.

Linen clothing has gained popularity over a period of time. Linen fabric can be worn in all types of weather, because it is available in a number of varieties. But still, it is preferred to be worn in humid weather, because it helps in removing perspirations and makes you feel fresh. Linen fabric is used for bedding, furnishing fabric, handkerchiefs, wall papers, canvases, tablecloths and much more.

Made from the cultivated plant, flax fibre, linen is stronger than cotton. The fibre from which linen is made runs throughout the length of the stem and is found inside the bark. It is found excessively in the European countries, which later became the centre of producing tons of linen.

Furthermore, the harvesting process is commenced during the month of June, and it consumes around a couple of months that range around almost 100 days. The flax plant is scattered all over the fields that contain water. The stem is the one which contains all the fibre. The fibres can be extracted easily as they come out in a loose manner as soon as the stem dries up. The entire rotting process takes around 70 to 90 days. At the same time, the seeds and the bark of this flax plant are utilized for other things. The fact should not be ignored that each fraction of this plant is used for multiple purposes.

The process used to release the fibre threads from the plant is called rotting. It is mostly done in water and rivers. The plant is sown and grown in the month of April, a climate that suits the growth of the flax plant more. Flax plant flourishes more in cool and moist weathers. Once the flax plant reaches a height of one meter and produces bluish flower, the plant is harvested.

The finishing of the linen is counted as one of the last steps as per the majority of the consumer demand. Texture treatment, bleaching, coating and dyeing are all the steps involved in the finishing of the linen cloth. As technology has improved and advanced on an extensive scale, the production of linen is not considered as complicated as it used to be.

One of the recent technological advancement in this regard has been the soft wash that helps in making the linen clothing smoother, supple and washable as well.

Linen is produced in abundant collection of colours and prints.

Linen fabric comes in a variety of colours and prints. All this is achieved by weaving linen fibres using computer aided software and designs.