Flax fabric – description of the fabric, photo of the texture, types and their properties, reviews

Natural and historically significant, flax fabric is prized for its ageless beauty and resilience. This fabric, which is made from the flax plant’s fibers, has been prized for its durability and breathability for centuries. Flax provides a versatile solution, whether you’re looking for a summertime piece that’s airy and light or an everyday fabric that’s strong and durable.

The distinct texture of flax fabric, which varies based on the weave and processing method, is one of its primary characteristics. This texture gives the fabric more visual pop and improves its breathability, which makes it perfect for warm weather. Certain varieties of flax fabric, like linen, have unique qualities of their own that make them suitable for a variety of purposes.

Flax is a popular choice because of its inherent properties and advantages for the environment. It’s a sustainable option because flax plants don’t need as much water or pesticides as other crops do. Furthermore, a lot of customers like the way flax fabric feels on their skin; they frequently characterize it as cool, soft, and cozy.

Type of Flax Fabric Properties
Pure Linen Strong, breathable, natural texture
Blended Linen Softer, more flexible, often mixed with cotton
Linen Gauze Lightweight, sheer, good for summer wear
Heavyweight Linen Durable, ideal for upholstery and outerwear

A little history of the origin of the fabric

With good reason, flax is regarded as a crop for all purposes: it is utilized to make ropes, technical goods, food additives (oil and seed), textile materials, and medicinal raw materials.

The plant has been recognized since antiquity. Five thousand years ago, flax fibers were used, according to artifacts. These kinds of threads were used to wrap the mummy bandages of Egyptian pharaohs. The Etruscans produced books three millennia ago, and their pages were made of flax. Antiquated frescoes have provided historians with proof of the cultivation, gathering, and processing of this crop.

During the Stone and Bronze Ages, flax was cultivated by the people who now live in Germany and Switzerland. In this case, the fiber was mostly utilized to make fishing lines and tackle. It’s intriguing that a unique method of making cloth from flax yarn existed in ancient Egypt. The fabric was translucent and so thin that it could fit through a ring with ease.

It is also known that long before the state of Kievan Rus was established, Slavic tribes in Rus processed flax. Back then, weaving and farming were done for personal use. Additionally, fabrics were not made for commodity exchange until the 13th century. The 19th century saw the establishment of a factory in Russia that produced textiles for export, largely due to the efforts of the French mechanic Philippe Girard, who invented a method for mechanically obtaining thin flax fiber. By the end of the 1800s, sales of these fabrics brought in a third of the treasury’s revenue from the supply of goods to foreign nations.

While the material was regarded as an expensive fabric in Europe, it was classified as ordinary in the USSR. Reviving the production of linen in contemporary Russia is now one of the legislative priorities.

Production of linen fabric

The type of fabric known as linen and its production process should be carefully considered. The finishing, dyeing, and manufacturing techniques meet the standards of GOST 15968 – 2014, which has been embraced by the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Flax is grown in Russia in order to produce fiber. This is a small, gray-blue annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has narrow, alternating leaves. Most places have natural conditions that facilitate good harvests. Similar to grain crops, one- and two-phase harvesting techniques are employed at the primary stage.

Pressed stacks are sent to the production line, where primary roving tape, a long yarn made from plant materials, is produced. To get rid of contaminants, the raw material is first scutched and carded. The main threads are then merged into a single roving in groups of four to six.

Stage in between: wet spinning. To soften the pectins, it involves running the roving through heated water (50°C). After that, the tape is removed, leaving a smooth fiber behind. Fabrics are made from the ensuing threads. They are finally bleached and, if needed, dyed (based on the purpose).

The percentage of each component in blended materials, as well as the use of dyes and additives in fabrics meant for children’s clothing, are strictly regulated by GOST.

Characteristics

Looking at the photo of the linen fabric is insufficient to adequately convey the characteristics of the material. Furthermore, the texture and weaving technique of some cotton varieties can be seen in numerous photos to be strikingly similar to this textile. Although flax has a distinct texture in a high-quality photo, it does not evoke tactile sensations.

It is crucial to understand the properties of linen fabrics for individuals who are sewing or shopping for clothing and home textiles. The following table lists them:

Properties

Indicators

Moisture absorption rate Average
Air permeability Above average
Vapor permeability Optimal (above average)
Electrification Moderate
Side Double-face weave (except jacquard fabrics)
Dyeing and finishing methods Bleached, plain-dyed plain fabrics, printed (rarely), jacquard
Indicators of wear resistance and tear strength High
Texture of fabric Slightly rough surface, non-slip
Wrinkling High
Drapability Good
Fraying of cuts Significant
Manufacturers Russia, Belarus, Italy, Belgium, USA
Standardization GOST 15968 – 2014
Price Above average: from 590 RUR. per 1 meter for mixed types, and from 890 rubles. and higher for 100% linen

Natural and breathable, flax fabric is prized for its strength, adaptability, and environmental friendliness. Because it comes in different varieties, each with distinct textures and attributes, it’s a popular option for everything from home décor to apparel. This article examines the various varieties of flax fabric, their characteristics, and offers reviews that highlight its advantages and applications in addition to offering visual insights into the texture.

Description

Flax fabric: a thin, dense material with a matte, rough surface. does not gather dust, but it does have the ability to slightly accumulate static electricity. With ideal vapor permeability, it is air permeabile. Linen fabric has thermoregulatory qualities; it warms in the winter and cools in the summer.

The material creases and shrinks significantly. Keeps its shape and drapes nicely. Linen is highly resilient to tearing and abrasion. Technical materials are made from thick and coarse yarn that is obtained from waste at the primary stage. These materials are thicker, more rigid, and have a non-uniform texture.

Cotton materials are not as strong as linen materials. Natural, unpainted textiles are milky, beige, and gray. Shades can sometimes refer to "flax color," and other textile types also use this idea. Dyeing the fibers is a challenge.

What linen looks like

Determining the composition of the material is challenging due to its resemblance to natural cotton. To differentiate between the two types of fabric, you must be aware of the characteristics that are taken into account when making the assessment:

  • unlike cotton fabrics, the surface of linen has a slight sheen when visually inspected. Cotton is matte;
  • by tactile features: linen fabric is somewhat hard to the touch, and gives a feeling of coolness when touched;
  • color: unbleached materials have shades of ivory, beige, tree bark, and various shades of light gray;
  • by fiber structure. A thread pulled from a fabric sample has a sharp tip. It will be fluffy for cotton fabric.

Composition

According to composition, there are three primary types:

  • pure linen (100%);
  • flax (92%);
  • Half -off (at least 30%).

Natural substance made entirely of flax has antiseptic qualities. One of the most desirable kinds of hypoallergenicity and environmental friendliness.

To enhance their operational qualities, additional materials are incorporated into the textiles. Traditional blends of 50/50 flax and cotton are timeless. Additionally, add viscose in different ratios as a component.

Features of blended materials:

  1. Half. In the classic version, this is a mixture of linen and cotton threads in an equal percentage. Demonstrates the advantages of both types of yarn, the fabric is susceptible to staining, softer and less whimsical in care.
  2. Mixed species with the addition of artificial raw materials – viscose yarn. Are highly aesthetic, easier and softer is draped.
  3. Synthetic fibers in the composition make the fabric more elastic and extensible. Reduce shrinkage and creasing. Easy care. For example, lavsan is similar in appearance to natural flax, and at the same time the mixed material does not wrinkle, it is easily smoothed. The percentage of synthetic additives ranges from 33 to 60.

The texture of Belarusian flax is different from that of domestically produced materials. This is because only about 15% of the plant is grown domestically; the remainder is imported from Europe. The cost of linen fabrics from Belarusian factories is somewhat more than the cost of Russian-produced textiles for the same reason.

Texture

A close look reveals that the sample photo does not hide the noticeable texture of linen. The most common type of weaving used in the creation of fabric is plain weaving. The jacquard and fine-patterned (matting) techniques are applied to undergarments and interior textile types. The twill type of weaving is used to increase wear resistance.

Flax’s texture makes it a popular material for openwork and hardanger embroidery.

Flax fabric is prized for its inherent beauty, toughness, and adaptability. Flax is a dependable and fashionable material that can be used for home textiles or for summer clothing because it is breathable.

From the smooth texture of sackcloth to the gentleness of linen, the different varieties of flax fabric meet a variety of purposes. Because each variety has special qualities, flax is a good option for a variety of uses.

Reviews frequently emphasize the fabric’s longevity, comfort, and classic appeal, making it a top pick for people who value high-quality and environmentally friendly materials.

Video on the topic

Overview of linen fabric Li-0023

LINEN / LINEN FABRIC / BUY LINEN / LINEN FABRIC / LINEN FABRIC / SILK / SILK FABRIC / BUY SILK / FABRICS

LINEN / LINEN FABRIC / LINEN FABRIC / BUY LINEN / FLAX BUY / FABRIC FOR A DRESS / FABRIC FOR A DRESS / FABRICS

LINEN and VISCOSE

What fabric do you most often choose for home textiles?
Share to friends
Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

Rate author
Tkani-Furnitura.com
Add a comment