Linen is made from the flax plant. It is strong, cool to wear, and develops a relaxed, lived-in look as it softens with use.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Natural cellulose (flax) |
| Feel | Crisp, cool, textured |
| Absorbency | High, dries fast |
| Durability | Very strong |
| Shrinkage | Yes, and wrinkles easily |
| Care | Wash gentle; press damp |
| Common uses | Summer apparel, home textiles |
Working with linen
Linen wrinkles freely, which is part of its charm. It frays at cut edges, so finish seams. It softens beautifully over many washes.
Embrace the wrinkles. Linen will crease no matter what. Choose it for garments and decor where a relaxed, textured look is the goal.
See the Cotton Fabric Properties and the Fabric Types Explained.