| We have all heard of linen. The word linen is | | | | fibres by a mechanized process called rippling or |
| commonly used for the knitted or woven cloth used | | | | winnowing. |
| for table cloth, bed cloth, napkins etc. Linen was also | | | | The fabric on the stalks is loosened by the process of |
| used collectively for the undergarments, but in actual, | | | | scotching. The stalks of the flax fibres are crushed |
| the reality is different. Linen is one of the most | | | | and are separated. Then, they are heckled to remove |
| luxurious cloths. It is very expensive also, because it is | | | | small fibres form long fibres. |
| made through a very sophisticated process. | | | | When these fibres are ready to be converted into |
| If we look into the history, we would come to know | | | | textile, they are first spun to make yarn, and then, they |
| that linen is a word derived from the Latin word linum | | | | are woven to make the finished textile. Now, you must |
| and the Greek word linon, both meaning flax. It has | | | | have realizes why this fabric is so valued. |
| been in use since the ancient times. | | | | This textile can further be dyed or printed to make the |
| Linen is made by a very labour intensive procedure. | | | | end product, according to the requirement of the |
| Therefore, it is very expensive. Not only this, it is also | | | | market. |
| very much valued as it is considered to be a symbol | | | | Linen has been used for making different products. It |
| of purity by many nations such as the Egyptians. | | | | has been long in use for bedding, clothing, and kitchen |
| The Egyptian mummies are wrapped in linen because | | | | textile. This includes, as we all know, table cloths, dish |
| it used to be a symbol of purity for them. The history | | | | towels, bed sheets, suits, dresses, skirts, shirts. |
| of linen goes back to many centuries. Initially, people | | | | Undergarments are widely made from linen. |
| used to make linen for their home by themselves. | | | | Apart from the home use, it has been used for |
| Then, the first industry of linen was set up in the | | | | industrial and commercial purposes as well, for items |
| ancient Greece. Through proper flax production, the | | | | such as luggage, canvases, sewing thread wallpaper |
| first proper linen production started in Ulster, which is a | | | | wall coverings, upholstery, and window treatments. |
| small town near Belfast. Belfast itself has been a | | | | It has also been used by painters as canvas, but since |
| known city throughout the history for its linen. | | | | it is very expensive, very few big artists use it as their |
| Linen is one of the most used natural fibres. It is made | | | | canvas. Billiard cues are widely made out of the Irish |
| from the plant of flax. To make linen from the fibres of | | | | linen because of its absorbing properties. |
| flax plant, the flax plants are very carefully harvested | | | | Linen is widely liked because of the coolness and the |
| with hands. Then, the seeds are removed from the | | | | comfort that its fibres provide. |