Linen Fabric
Egyptians used linen fabric extensively. From wrapping mummies in long lengths of linen to walking in sandals
woven from twined linen rope, the strong supple fibers contributed to an Egyptians' daily life. The ancient
Phoenician's made sails for their ships from heavy weight linen fabric. The finest lace produced in the 16th
century was created from delicate linen threads.
Linen fabric, easily produced in an ecological way, uses five to twenty times less water and energy than the
production of cotton or other synthetic fabrics. Linen is thermo-regulating, nonallergenic, antistatic and
antibacterial. Because it can absorb up to 20 times its weight in moisture before it feels damp, linen fabric feels
cool and dry to the touch. The durability and strength of the linen fabric when wet make it react well during the
painting process. The fibers have a hollow core which wicks moisture away and helps to keep mold and fungus
from growing between the layers of paint. This wicking also helps keep the layers of paint from separating and
flaking off the ground.
Ireland is a major linen producer, manufacturing 20% of the European Union's linen yarn, and weaving on
average 2,000 tons of fabric per annum. Fabrics labeled Irish linen and Irish linen fabric are some of the best
produced.
Linen and semi-linen fabrics can be used to chisel out wide varieties of:








Bed linen
Table linen
Shirtings
Dress fabric
Crinoline
Upholstery fabric
Towel fabric
Draperies
Fabrics Types
Kitchen and table linens are made of variety of fabrics. Fabrics are such that they
suit the requirements and purpose of the linens. Fabrics with quality and protective
properties are widely used for the purpose.
Following types of fabrics are used for making table and kitchen linen:



Cotton Fabric
Linen Fabrics
Hemp Fabric
Cotton Fabric
Cotton Fabric is noted for its versatility and its natural comfort. Cotton cloth has been
used since primitive ages dating back to about 3000 B.C. Today, the main uses of
cotton is in the form of garments, home furnishings, and industrial cloths. Cotton fabric
undergoes various finishing processes to meet specific end use requirements.
Cotton table and kitchen linens are available in numerous designs and styles and in
a rainbow of colors. Innovative patterns are either embroidered or printed or painted on
these linens to make them look even more beautiful.
Characteristics of Cotton Fabric












Comfortable
Soft hand
Absorbent
Absorbs and release perspiration quickly
Can stand high temperatures
Good color retention, prints well
Machine-washable, dry-cleanable
Good strength
Easy to handle and sew
Flame retardant
Pleasant matte luster
Good elasticity
Types of Cotton Weaves









Diaper Cloth is a twill, dobby or plain woven absorbent cotton.
Dimity is sheer, thin, white or printed fabric with lengthwise cords, stripes or
checks.
Drill is a strong twilled cotton fabric, used in men's and women's slacks.
Duck is a heavy, durable tightly woven fabric. Heavy weight drill is used in
awnings, tents, etc. Lighter duck is used in summer clothing.
Flannel cotton is plain or twill weave with a slight nap on one or both sides.
Flannelette is a soft cotton fabric with a nap on one side.
Gauze is a sheer, lightly woven fabric similar to cheesecloth. Is also made in
silk.
Gingham is a lightweight, washable, stout fabric that is woven in checks,
plaids or stripes.
Lawn is a plain weave, soft, very light, combed cotton fabric with a crisp
finish.
Care of Cotton Fabric




Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures.
Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.
It requires frequent pressing as it wrinkles easily.
Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily.
Linen Fabrics
Linen is noted to be the most luxurious, comfortable and elegant fabric. It is a fabric
mad from avegetable fiber called flax. Flax is a bast fiber taken from the stalk of the
plant. The luster is from the natural wax content.
Linen has long been used for making decorative and functional table cloths and
napkins. Linen is the strongest fabric even stronger than cotton. Apart from being a
strong fabric it is also lint free and is used for various purposes.
Characteristics of Linen Fabrics












Comfortable
Good strength, twice as strong as cotton
Hand-washable or dry-cleanable
Crisp hand
Tailors well
Absorbent
Dyes and prints well
Lightweight to heavyweight
No static or pilling problems
Fair abrasion resistant
Good conductor of heat
High tensile strength
Types of Linen Weaves


Damask : It is a jacquard weave, is a reversible rich weave, patterned in satin
or plain weave.
Venise : It is a very fine damask table linen consisting of large floral patterns.
Care of Linen Fabrics







Linens can be hand washable but some are recommended to be dry cleaned
especially decorative linen.
White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep their
whiteness.
Linen just loves to be washed and ironed. The more linen is washed the
softer, nicer and shinier it becomes.
If the water you use is hard due to a high lime content add a softening agent,
especially for darker-colored articles. Use plenty of water because linen is
very water-absorbent.
Do not soak, boil off, rub or wring out embroidered articles.
Linen is best stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for crease
resistance.
Hemp Fabric
Hemp is a soft and a warm fabric made from a bast fiber of a plant. Hemp fabric is
obtained from the stems of the plant. The stems of the plant are processed to dissolve
the gum or the pectin found in it. The fiber is then separated and again processed.
After the processing is over, it is woven into yarns and fabric. The finest hemp fabric is
produced in Italy. China is the world's leading producer of hemp.
The valued primary fibers are contained around the hollow, woody core of the hemp
stalk. These are converted into beautiful apparel and decoratives. Hemp make goods
table and kitchen linen because of its durability.
Characteristics of Hemp Fabric





Durable and strong
Absorbent
Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot
High heat conductivity
Low elasticity







Beautiful luster
High affinity for dyes
UV resistant
Good abrasion
Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation
Breathable
Wrinkles easily
Care of Hemp Fabric





It should be washed with warm water.
It should not be washed with bleach as bleach may weaken the surface.
It is naturally mothproof and so can be stored easily.
Avoid drying cupboards which have heated pipelines running through
because it may discolor hemp.
Use a dye free detergent with satin lifter.