Yarn Dyed Designs
Linen is one of the oldest textiles to have been woven. The linen fiber is actually the fiber from the flax plant and the fabric made from it is strong & durable. Though expensive than cotton, flax fiber cloth has come to be appreciated again due to its desirable properties, especially for the summer months. At Anuprerna, the linen fabrics are always handwoven, which are stronger than the machine woven ones. We have discussed here how linen is made step by step.
The making of linen cloth had started several thousand years ago in different parts of the world. Dyed flax fiber have been discovered in a cave in Southeastern Europe dated 36,000 years ago which suggests ancient civilizations have been creating linen from flax fibres since a very early time. In ancient Mesopotamia, flax was domesticated and linen was produced though used mainly by the wealthier class of the society. While in ancient Egypt, linen was used for mummification and burial shrouds. It was also worn as clothing daily.
Linen is a sustainable fabric made from bast fiber of Flax plant. This textile appears to be one of the oldest in the world and its history goes back several thousands of years. Linen is very strong and absorbent and dries faster than cotton. It 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. It also softens as you wear it over time. Being a durable and one of the most comfortable fabric material, makes it a great choice for making apparels.
Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments. In fact, Linen is a very good fabric to wear in warm weather because it breathes better than cotton.
It has a natural stretch, making it more comfortable to wear than cotton. Linen is also easier to clean than cotton and can withstand higher ironing temperatures. If ironed damp, this crisp ironed surface can be achieved with Linen.
However, Linen is notorious for being wrinkly as well. Many people prefer Linen dress material for its tendency to wrinkle and the rustic aesthetic it exhibits. Textiles in a linen weave texture or linen type fabric, even when made of cotton, hemp, or other non-flax fabric, are also loosely referred to as "linen". Today, linen is, usually, an expensive textile produced in relatively small quantities.
Many products can be made with the linen fiber fabric: aprons, bags, towels, napkins, bed linens, tablecloths, runners, chair covers, and men's and women's wear. Many other products, including home furnishing items, are also often made from linen. Linen is one of the preferred traditional supports for oil painting due to its strength, durability and archival integrity. It has also been a popular choice for bandages for centuries as its naturally anti-bacterial.
At Anuprerna, the manufacturing of linen involves the fabric being handwoven which is actually stronger, crisper and slightly heavier initially, than the machine woven ones. Besides this, being handwoven, the linen fabrics are sustainable as well.