USES FOR LINEN

Linen, cool, comfortable, and fun to wear and use in home furnishings, is becoming increasingly popular each passing season. Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fibers known to man and it seemingly lasts forever. The more linen is washed and worn, the more beautiful it becomes. Linen is hypo-allergenic and it is used to make women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing. Home furnishings designers are using linen extensively on furniture, bed linens, pillow cases, duvet covers, curtains etc.

LINEN, THE ROYAL ROBE

Linen is the world’s oldest known textile. Its use dates back to 8000 B.C., where it was found in the remains of an ancient city in what is now Switzerland. Its use began in Egypt around 6000 B.C. This noble fiber was reserved for the use of the royal family because of its beauty and durability. Incredibly, royal linen robes from ancient Egypt are still as soft and supple as though they had just been woven.

THE HARVEST AND WEAVING OF LINEN

The flax plant, from which linen is made, is an annual plant. It can often reach one meter in height before being harvested. In order to weave linen cloth, the flax plant must be carefully uprooted and left uncut, thus preserving the full length of the fibers.

After harvest, the retting process occurs. This consists of separating each fiber individually from the root. The retting process usually lasts three to seven weeks and is a result of decomposition from the effects of rain, wind, dew, and the sun.

Next, the raw fibers are separated mechanically from the ligneous part of the plant. This process, called scrutching, allows every part of the flax plant to be utilized. Scrutched flax is used to make beautiful linen clothing, bedding, and home furnishings. Long fibers are wet spun and used to make thin yarns for fine linens. Tows are made from short fibers and are dry spun to produce rough yarn to make rope. Shives, on the other hand, are made into chipboard used in carpentry. Finally, linen seeds are used for oil, varnish, and cattle fodder. The efficiency of this process allows every part of the flax plant to be used. As a result, the use of linen promotes the health of the planet because there is no waste.

QUOTES FROM DESIGNERS

Giorgio Armani:

"I like linen because it is a noble product with unlimited possibilities."

Nino Cerruti:

"I like linen for my clothes because it is, in my opinion, the fabric which takes care of the needs of today’s woman . . . Linen offers comfort, and freedom of movement."

Hanae Mori:

"For me, linen evokes freshness, authenticity, and the charm of a young woman, feeling well in her time; unfettered by heartbreak."

Valentino:

"Linen is extremely elegant and can be put to many varied uses. It can become as supple as silk, as soft as cashmere and as fluid as muslin, while always being stylish."