How Linen Is Made

Do you know that linen fabrics are made from the flax plant? Flax is the only natural fiber still being cultivated on a large scale in western europe. The best flax plants are grown between khan in france and amsterdam in holland, where climatic conditions and soil are ideal. The growing cycle of the flax plant is Show more

short, with only 100 days between sowing in march and harvesting in july. The plant grows to an ideal height of approximately four feet. When close to maturity, the flax plant blooms, dotting the fields with blossoms of violet, blue or white. Each flax flower blooms only one day. Show more

The flax plant is harvested in july. To preserve the full potential of each plant, flax is never cut but must be uprooted, as the flax fibres are not only in the stem of the plant but also in the roots. Harvesting is done by mechanical growers who pull and lay the flax plant on the fields. During the ratting process, flax is Show more

exposed to moisture to break down the pectins that bind the fibers together in the stem. The flax is spread out on the fields, exposed to rain, dew and sunshine for several weeks. Show more

At this stage, the fibre is getting its unique natural color by the interaction of the flax with the soil, the rain and the sun. The flax plant is being turned regularly in order to dry and get an even reading process. Show more

When flax is ready and dry, it's removed from the fields in large bales. Sketching and hackling are the following Show more

mechanical steps in the production process. Flax fibres are separated from the stem. The raw flax fibres are combed and transformed in several steps into a very fine fibre ready to be spun into flax yarns. Short fibers are called toe long fibers line. europe produces close to 120 000 tonnes of flax grown on 75 000 acres of land. Show more

During the spinning process, the flax Show more

fibres are spun into yarns of various weights and thicknesses. The fine yarns are wet spun to get a smooth and shiny appearance. The shorter yarns are spun dry or half wet, giving a more structured and coarse aspect. Bobbins with flax yarns are being delivered as weft and warp yarns to the linen weavers. Before any weaving occurs, linen yarns are examined for strength, evenness and color. Once certified, they can be integrated in the weaving process. Show more

The first step in the weaving process is the making of the warped beam. Bobbins with warp yarns are placed on a rack and are wound onto a fully automatic and computerized warping machine. Each warp thread on the warp beam has to be threaded through a yarn watcher, through a heddle and through the reed each having their own specific function. On the weaving loom, the bobbin ends are wound again onto Show more

large bobbins in order to be used again. So that no valuable flexions are wasted in the weaving mill, the warp beams are Show more

set up on the weaving looms. Bobbins with weft yarns are placed next to the looms. The weft yarns are crossed with the warp yarns at very high speed. All looms are connected to a central computer monitoring system to detect faults and to do constant quality and efficiency control. After weaving we do a thorough quality Show more

control of the loom state fabric. The fabric is controlled meter by meter in full width, and weaving faults are repaired by hand to assure a top quality fabric. Linen fabrics can be sold loom state Show more

untreated off the loom. Most of the fabrics, however, get a finishing treatment such as dyeing, bleaching, washing, easy care, fire retardant or water repellent. The unique flax colour is obtained naturally. No chemical dyes are used in the rolling department. We have a Show more

thorough and final quality control and automatic packaging of the linen fabrics. Finally, the roles are transported on a Show more

band into the warehouse where they can be stopped or shipped immediately to the customer. Linen fabrics can be used in so many ways: interior decoration, upholstery and drapery, household linen and apparel artist canvas and technical fabrics. Show more

For centuries, belgian linen has had a worldwide reputation based on years of knowledge and expertise, traditional craftsmanship and local production. The belgian linen quality label is an internationally registered trademark. Belgian linen is known around the world as the finest available. Show more

Flax is the most natural fibre in the world. Growing flax requires no irrigation and very little use of chemicals. Since every part of the plant is used, there's no waste. The flax plant is fully recyclable and biodegradable. Impact on the environment is minimal throughout the process. Belgian linen possesses a unique combination of very desirable properties. Linen has a lasting durability, offers an Show more

unrivalled comfort with high absorbency and thermal insulation. Linen is hypoallergenic and lint free. Belgian linen places as much emphasis on Show more

quality and comfort as it does on health and the environment. Flax is the fiber of the future. You Show more