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.