Linen. Reminding us of breezy summer days and rustic interiors. It's a wonder why most of us don't know more about linen fabric and its rich history. It was once so precious that it was used as currency. Today, linen is used to make upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, rope, and more. It's even blended with cotton to make the sturdy, paper-like substance that's used to create dollar bills.
Because of the laborious time it takes to produce linen yarn, and the manual processes that have to be undertaken, linen has become a higher priced commodity, and considered among many to be a luxury fabric.
Composition
Linen is a sustainable fabric made from flax fibres. The flax plant has been cultivated in just about every country in the world and has been used to make fibre for over 6,000 years. To extract the fibres, the plants are either cut or pulled by hand from the ground. The seeds are then removed through a process called winnowing or ripping, followed by retting which removes the plant stock from the fibres. Once separated to collect the longest pieces, which can be up to 20 centimetres long, they are then spun into yarn and eventually woven into fabric. The entirety of the Flax plant is used in the process, leaving no room for waste.
The Benefits of Linen
The resulting linen textile is two to three times stronger than cotton and dries at a much faster rate. Because of its porous nature, linen is a popular fabric to use for upholstery or bedding in the summer. The natural fibres also hold dye colours better than some other materials, being available in almost any imaginable colour. Not only eco-friendly with its biodegradable qualities, linen is also naturally anti-bacterial. which made it a popular choice for bandages for centuries and a favourite for accessories such as accent pillows at present.
Versatility
Linen is used in a variety of ways, sturdiness making it ideal for upholstery and industrial products. Curtains, tablecloths, bed sheets, and tea towels are all common linen items found in the home. Linen has also been used as canvas for oil paintings, by artisan bakers, and even as part of the material that makes up the American dollar bill.
Warwick Fabrics offer multiple linen compositions. All come in a wide range of colours and are upholstery friendly. From rustic faded blues, to fiery reds, all of our linen collections harbour a natural feel, with sustainable qualities. Choose a luxurious, light, natural fabric, perfect for the summer season.