Linen is a textile, which is used to make garments,
table clothes, bedding and other textiles. It is most valued for its inevitable
coolness and refreshing garments produced and worn in hot temperatures. In past
times, Linens referred to lightweight undergarments. Linen textiles seem to be
some of the oldest in the world dating back thousands of years ago. But Linen
isn’t Linen without Flax.
Flax is a
fiber extracted from the bast or skin of the stem of a flax plant used to make
Linen. It is soft, lustrous, flexible, and has the appearance of blonde hair
when bundled together. Stated previously, Flax fibers ,which make linen, are
among some of the oldest fiber crops in the world. The production of linen goes
back at least to ancient Egyptian times. Flax fibers found in a cave have been
dated back 30,000 years ago. Flax was introduced to North America by the
Puritans.
Flax is an annual plant growing almost 4 ft. tall
with slim stems, green leaves and either blue or red flowers blooming from
them. The fiber varies in length from 25 to 150 cm and averages 12-16 micrometers
in diameter. It is stronger than cotton but not as elastic. The best grades of
flaw are used for linen fabric such as damasks, lace, and sheeting. Coarser grades
are used for manufacturing twine and rope. The material is also used in the
paper industry for printing banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes and tea
bags. There are also Flax mills which produces spun flaxen yarn.
So before you can have Linen you should have flax. It
is a textile that has been around for decades and is still a lasting one. Today
is it an expensive textile to own and is produced in small quantities. So buy a
product made of linen and remember that flax it is mostly commonly responsible for
such a fine product. In case you’re interested some products such as twine,
rope, dye, paper, paint, soap, food and even medicines are also made from Flax.
