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What is Linen?
Linen is probably the oldest textile fiber. Samples of the plant and rudimentary fabrics made from it date back to 8000 BC. Samples of linen fabrics have been found in Egyptian tombs—frequently as shrouds for mummies. And linen and its industries are part of the political and cultural history of several western European countries, especially Ireland’s.
Linen is a bast fiber; it comes from a stringy part of the plant’s stem that nestles between its inner and outer core. Linen fibers range from 2” to 36”—the longer fibers are used for fine linen fabrics, the shorter fibers for coarser fabrics and yarn. Linen is often pictured as a stiff, unyielding fabric, but in fact, spun from the longer fibers, it can be smooth, lustrous, and soft. And as it ages, as it is worn and washed--and this is true for linen yarn as well as woven linen fabrics--it grows softer and more pliable.
Linen is a great warm weather fiber; it’s cool to wear. Because it takes up moisture rapidly, it wicks away dampness from your skin, and as the moisture evaporates from the fabric, it cools you.
Which Classic Elite yarns include Linen?
• Interlude
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