Linen Fabric

Linen fabric feels cool to touch, a phenomenon which indicates its higher conductivity. It is smooth, making the finished fabric lint-free, and gets softer the more it is washed. Linen has poor elasticity and does not spring back readily, explaining why it wrinkles so easily.

Linen fabrics have a high natural luster; their natural color ranges between shades of ivory, ecru, tan, or grey. Linen fabric has the ability to absorb and lose water rapidly. Linen fabric is also moisture absorbent! Linen is a very durable, strong fabric, and one of the few that are stronger wet than dry. The fibers do not stretch, and are resistant to damage from abrasion.

Linen is relatively easy to take care of, since it resists dirt and stains, has no lint or pilling tendency, and can be dry-cleaned, machine-washed or steamed. It can withstand high temperatures, and has only moderate initial shrinkage. A characteristic often associated with linen yarn is the presence of “slubs”, or small knots which occur randomly along its length. Slubs do not compromise the integrity of the fabric.