What is Linen and How is it Made?

Linen is made of flax fibre and is highly popularcouple of months (around 100 days), and it is
because of its durability. If not the oldest, linenmostly done in the month of June. The flax plant
definitely tops the list as being one of the oldestis spread in fields containing water to ret. The
natural threads. The name of the plant fromnatural rotting process dries up the stem, which
which linen is made is Linum usitatissimum. Linencontains all the fibres. Once the stem dries, the
fabric absorbs skin perspiration and has lowfibres come out loosely. This rotting process
elasticity.takes about 70 to 90 days. The fibres are then
Linen clothing has gained popularity over a periodtreated to produce linen yarn while the seeds and
of time. Linen fabric can be worn in all types ofbark of the flax plant is used for various others
weather, because it is available in a number ofthings, making no fraction of the plant to go
varieties. But still, it is preferred to be worn inwasted.
humid weather, because it helps in removingTo transform the flax fibres in linen yarn, spinning
perspirations and makes you feel fresh. Linenprocess is used. The short and long flax fibres are
fabric is used for bedding, furnishing fabric,separated. The long fibres undergo a wet spinning
handkerchiefs, wall papers, canvases, tableclothsprocess while the short fibres go through a dry
and much more.spinning process. Once all this is done, the linen
Made from the cultivated plant, Flax fibre, linen isfibre is weaved into linen yarn and fabric. Weaving
stronger than cotton. The fibre from which linen ishas revolutionized over a period of time and now
made runs throughout the length of the stem andtechnology has made weaving process very easy
is found inside the bark. It is found excessively infor the industrialists and the weavers.
the European countries, which later became theThe last step involves finishing of linen according
centre of producing tons of linen.to the preferences of the customers. Linen can
How is Linen made - The Processbe finished by texture treatment, bleaching,
The process used to release the fibre threadscoating and dyeing. Although a bit tough, but
from the plant is called rotting. It is mostly done innewer advancement in technology is making the
water and rivers. The plant is sown and grown infinishing process for linen highly efficient and
the month of April, a climate that suits thetrouble-free. Latest finishing process involves soft
growth of the flax plant more. Flax plant flourisheswash that makes the linen fabric smooth, soft
more in cool and moist weathers. Once the flaxand washable.
plant reaches a height of one meter and producesLinen fabric comes in a variety of colours and
bluish flower, the plant is then harvested.prints. All this is achieved by weaving linen fibres
The harvesting process of the plant takes ausing computer aided software and designs.