Properties of linen
The history of linen
Flax began to cultivate as a culture back in the Neolithic period (VIII-III centuries BC).
This is confirmed by findings of samples of linen fabrics, which were discovered during excavations of an ancient settlement in Switzerland. We can see them in museums even nowadays. Later the other samples of linen fabric were found by archaeologists on the remains of Egyptian pharaohs.
Later, linen was widely used in Russia, Assyria, India, Persia, Mesopotamia and Rome. In our country, linen was treated with particular respect and trepidation: it was appreciated for its healing and purifying properties. Clean and white linen dress was a symbol of innocence and moral purity.
Production of linen fabrics
The production of linen fabric is not difficult, however, it is quite laborious. The main stages are:
- Collecting flax and getting flax straw (with the help of harvesters or other machines).
- Flood of flax. The stems were spread in the fields for 2-3 weeks to soak with dew.
- Primary treatment: drying, flax beating, flax scutching
- Spinning industry : flax spinning (flax combing, forming a tape, getting a roving from a ribbon – a thin twisted tape).
- Weaving factory: fabric weaving (on a loom with two yarn systems).
- Finishing production: bleaching, dyeing.
Basic properties of linen cloth
The main properties of linen fabric:
- Absolute ecological compatibility.
- High thermal conductivity.
- Wear resistance and strength.
- Breathability.
- Minimal static characteristic.
Linen fabrics are one of the few that are produced from absolutely natural raw materials. Linen has valuable hygienic properties, for example, the ability to remove heat and moisture. In hot weather, a person dressed in linen clothes has a body temperature 3-4 degrees below that of clothes made from other fabrics (especially synthetics).
It is also proved that wearing linen clothes protects against some diseases, since linen has rare bacteriological properties – neither fungus nor bacteria could live on it. This completely environmentally friendly fabric is considered a natural antiseptic. Also, linen kills microbes and various infections, wounds heal faster with linen dressings. Linen contains silica, which retard development of bacteria.
At present, linen is the only and invaluable plant material used in the application of sutures in surgery: our body does not reject it and completely dissolves it.
Special aspects of care
White and natural (not dyed) linen fabric can be washed at 90 degrees, and after washing you can still boil laundry it. Dyed clothes of linen are washed at a temperature of not more than 40 degrees, in a gentle mode, with a detergent intended for this type of tissue, without the addition of bleaching and chlorine-containing preparations.
Aggressive drugs, such as chlorine, contribute to the rapid destruction of flax fibers.
To iron products from linen is better still slightly damp or to use a damp gauze for the best smoothing. Iron with steam will also facilitate the process of ironing the laundry, while its temperature should not exceed 200 degrees.
It should also be noted that linen cloths are rarely stained, they need less washing, which increases the service life. In addition, unlike cotton, linen does not turn yellow because of wearing and washing, but keeps fresh and white.
Over time, the linen becomes softer and it is easier to take care of it. Therefore choosing a linen fabric for sewing a dress or a suit, you will have a brilliant look.