Flax Linen History
Linen is a textile made from flax plant fibres and has been known since 6000 BCE. Babylonians were the first who started weaving flax and started linen trade. At one time linen was so widely used as even today “linen” stands for bed sheets and pillowcases – even if they are made from other fabrics than linen.
Roman soldiers used armour which was strengthened with hard flax fibres to protect from arrows as in ancient Egypt finest woven linen been worn by pharaohs and upper class citizen - even mummies been wrapped into fine flax linen to preserve them for afterlife.
During the history flax has been known and worn by variety of cultures and fashions. The old day’s linen production was quite labour intensive and the best fabrics were only afforded by the richest, while today modern technologies allowed us to make linen affordable and in many variations to suit our needs and wishes. Linen is fast becoming known again and sought by people looking for natural, organic and healthy options!
Today pure linen fabric is used for making bedding, curtains, throws and blankets, towels, used in pharmaceutical sector, making clothing and other various items. Natural properties of linen are widely known and successfully used. Linen becomes fashionable item on its own due to the quality and longevity of use. Quality linen products will serve for many years to come and in some countries linen is passed through generations as gifts, dowry or memorabilia!
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