Linen is a textile made from flax fibers, which have been harvested and processed in a specific manner to create a durable and versatile fabric for countless generations... The use of flax for linen clothing dates back to ancient times, with the oldest known evidence of linen textiles dating to around 4,000 BCE in the Nile Valley of Egypt.
The production of linen from flax involves several stages, from planting to weaving, which require careful attention and specialized equipment.
The first stage in linen production is planting flax. Flax seeds are planted in well-drained soil in the spring, and the plants are allowed to grow for several months until they reach a height of about two feet. The flax plants are then harvested using a special machine called a combine, which separates the stalks from the seeds.
Once the flax has been harvested, the stalks are soaked in water, to remove the pectin that binds the fibers together. After soaking, the flax fibers are separated from the stalks using a process called scutching. This involves beating the stalks to break up the woody material and then combing out the fibers. The fibers are then hackled, or combed, to remove any remaining impurities and to align the fibers in preparation for spinning.
Finally, the flax fibers are spun into yarn, which can then be woven into linen fabric. Linen is known for its strength, durability, and absorbency, making it a popular choice for natural clothing.
Not only does modern day linen bring us back to our ancient roots and folk was of living, but they keep us cool in the summer, warm in the winter and stylish year round with its breathability and its timeless fashion ability.