Linen is one of the oldest fabrics made by man, arqueologists have found examples dating to 5,000 b.C. The plant used to create linen is called flax. Flax was largely produced along the Nile's river bank. Usually flax was grown next to each other so it was forced to grow tall. High quality linen was made using the plant when it was young, before it gave seeds. The finished product was an almost transparent fabric. The maturer the plant, the lower it's quality. Farmers waited for flax to be totally grown before they pulled it out and it was now used for making linen for the ones who couldn't afford the transparency but would have to be happy with the rough texture. Linen does not take dying very well and was most of the times left it's natural colors; white or a yellowish gold although rare brilliant dyed fabrics were available for a very expensive price. The Linen Making Process included various steps: -The plant was pulled out from the soil. -Branches are soaked in water for a few days. -It's fibers were separated and pounded until soft and silky. -The fibers were put on a spinner and made into thread. -The thread was now used to make fabric using a weaving machine. |
Linen Making Process |