Fibers

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.