Why Linen?

YBD just received this very informative email from Louet North America. Many of our customers are unsure as to what to make their summer projects with. Hopefully, what Louet describes below will want you to try working with Linen.

Why Linen?
Linen textiles appear to be some of the oldest in the world: their history goes back many thousands of years. Dyed flax fibers found in a prehistoric cave in Georgia suggest the use of woven linen fabrics from wild flax may date back even earlier to 36,000 BP. It was and still is prized for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. It is a very durable, strong fiber, and one of the few that are stronger wet than dry. It can gain up to 20% moisture without feeling damp. Linen is a bast fiber with a long "staple" (individual fiber length) relative to cotton and other natural fibers.

When knit or woven, linen fabric feels cool to the touch. It is smooth, making the finished fabric lint-free, growing softer each time it is washed.

Our linen yarn is made from long line flax, and is custom wet spun for Louet North America. The term "long line" refers to the long stems of the flax plant, which grows to more than a yard tall. We also steam process the yarn to ensure maximum softness and with wear it will take on a very soft, silky feel and look. All of our Euroflax Linen yarns are machine washable and dryable, too!

-Louet North America

Stop by the YBD boutique today to see the variety of Linen fibers we carry from Habu Textiles, Louet North America, Shibui and more.


Habu Textiles


Louet North America


Shibui Knits