What actually is linen?
Fun facts about linen
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Before the advent of cotton, flax, the flax fiber from which linen fabric can be made, was in some parts of Europe the only natural fiber used in the clothing industry. The only other alternatives were animal products (wool, leather, silk or skins).
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Because linen can be grown without any problems in our climate, there are only short transport routes. These are one of the reasons for the low CO2 emissions.
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The flax plant is naturally sustainable as it hardly needs any fertilizer or pesticides. Organic linen is grown with alternating crop rotation, which is a natural protection against pests and fungi.
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In the production of organic linen, the flax is left in the field and natural bacteria and fungal organisms break down the fibers until they can be processed.
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Linen absorbs up to 35% humidity and quickly releases it back into the environment. Linen therefore has a cooling effect and still remains dry.
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Linen is extremely resistant to dirt - the fibers of the flax are very smooth and trap little air. This also makes linen lint-free, antistatic and bactericidal.
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The word "canvas" is not an accidental word creation, but "linen fabric" is actually used for the covering.
Linen fabrics
The fiber flax is obtained from the linen plant (common flax). The linen plant is an annual, grassy plant and belongs to the bast family. It has been cultivated as a native plant in Europe since ancient times, so it has a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
With organic linen, the fibers are obtained by what is known as dew roasting. This process is extremely environmentally friendly, since many nutrients are returned to the soil in this way. Here, the flax is left on the field after cutting and natural bacteria and fungal organisms take over the decomposition processes. Turning the flax regularly ensures that it is evenly decomposed. This process takes longer than the decomposition via water roasting in conventional production, but is significantly more environmentally friendly.
Fabrics made from linen are more resilient and robust than fabrics made from cotton of the same thickness. Linen can absorb 35% humidity and releases it well into the environment. Linen therefore has a cooling effect and is ideal for summer clothing.
Linen and the environment
Linen is a very sustainable natural fiber. Since linen can thrive very well in the European climate, there are no long transport routes, so that CO2 emissions remain low. The water requirement for the production of linen is significantly less than for the production of the same amount of cotton. The natural rain in the cultivation areas is sufficient for plant growth, so that no additional irrigation is necessary.
In addition, organic linen is planted in alternating crop rotation (e.g. with mustard and clover), which protects the soil and effectively prevents pest and fungal infestation, so that the use of pesticides and plant protection products can be dispensed with. The above-mentioned dew roasting means that important nutrients are already returned to the soil during fiber production, so that less fertilization is necessary.
As a natural fibre, linen is completely biodegradable because it consists of cellulose.
Linen clothes
Since flax is a very smooth fibre, it is difficult for dirt to settle on it - linen is therefore downright dirt-repellent and also lint-free. It is ideal for the warmer months of the year, as it has a cooling effect on the skin and is comfortable to wear because little air is trapped and moisture exchange can take place so well. Since the flax fibers constantly absorb and release moisture from the environment, the fabric is almost completely antistatic.
The flax fiber itself is extremely tear-resistant, which makes linen significantly more robust than cotton, but linen fabric creases more quickly. Since linen inhibits bacteria and can bind up to 35% moisture, linen is considered to be naturally germicidal and hygienic. The material even neutralizes odors and is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for allergy sufferers with sensitive skin.
Linen care instructions
Linen should not be washed warmer than 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Since linen fabric does not like rubbing, you should avoid using the dryer and only fill the washing machine halfway. Linen is best dried outdoors in the shade so that the color does not fade. Linen likes to "float", so if possible add extra water with a water+ button.
If your machine does not have a gentle cycle, please use the wool program with the usual low spin speed.
It is possible to iron linen if you don't like the usual slightly creased linen look - the best way to do this is to place a damp cloth between the fabric and the iron. Linen is then insensitive to high temperatures and can be ironed at up to 200 degrees - the only thing the material does not like is dry heat.
Properly cared for, a linen textile remains dimensionally stable and lastingly beautiful for a long time!
Linen Sewing Instructions
In addition to woven linen, Danisch Pur also offers linen knitwear. This is knitted unlike most linen fabrics on the market which are woven. This makes the fabric softer and more pliable and stretches slightly.
Can be sewn with a universal needle and a stretchable stitch or the overlock. Suitable patterns are cuts for fabrics that only stretch slightly, such as sweatshirts, or cuts for woven fabrics, which can then be sewn slightly tighter. The linen knit is stretchable, but not suitable for cuffs. We therefore recommend cuts where the cut-outs are sewn or hemmed, for example with facing. For skirts or the like, we recommend working in an elastic band or working with cuffs.
The linen woven fabric should also be sewn with a universal needle and trimmed (preferably before washing).