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General
Information
Linen
Fabric
Egyptians used linen fabric
extensively. From wrapping mummies in long lengths of linen to walking
in sandals woven from twined linen rope, the strong supple fibers
contributed to an Egyptians' daily life. The ancient Phoenician's made
sails for their ships from heavy weight linen fabric. The finest lace
produced in the 16th century was created from delicate linen threads.
Linen fabric, easily produced in an ecological way, uses five to twenty
times less water and energy than the production of cotton or other
synthetic fabrics. Linen is thermo-regulating, nonallergenic, antistatic
and antibacterial. Because it can absorb up to 20 times its weight in
moisture before it feels damp, linen fabric feels cool and dry to the
touch. The durability and strength of the linen fabric when wet make it
react well during the painting process. The fibers have a hollow core
which wicks moisture away and helps to keep mold and fungus from growing
between the layers of paint. This wicking also helps keep the layers of
paint from separating and flaking off the ground.
Ireland is a major linen producer, manufacturing 20% of the European
Union's linen yarn, and weaving on average 2,000 tons of fabric per
annum. Fabrics labeled Irish linen and Irish linen fabric are some of
the best produced.
Linen and semi-linen fabrics can be used to chisel
out wide varieties of:
- Bed linen
- Table linen
- Shirtings
- Dress fabric
- Crinoline
- Upholstery fabric
- Towel fabric
- Draperies
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