subject: Linen Fibre An Exquisite Gift From Nature [print this page] Linen fibre, etymologically known as linum usitatissimum, is made from the fibres of the flax plant. It has become quite expensive nowadays and is often labelled as a luxury fabric. It is a vegetable fibre and very comfortable to slide into. People inhabiting places near the equator are particularly fond of this wearable textile because the material is cool, good conductor of heat, guarantees freshness and wicks perspiration away from the skin that is so needed in the torrid zones.
It is one of the oldest textiles in the world. It is popular not only in the equatorial regions but also in other different parts of the world because it can be used to make unlimited number of products, domestically as well as commercially. This fibre is exceptionally easy to manage, it lets go of dirt easily, can be ironed without much ado, does not let piling get the better of it and can put up a brave show to extremities of temperatures.
Linen fibre is generally of two types: the longer line and shorter tow fibres. The former is used in the making of fine fabrics and the latter is needed for making rougher materials. It wrinkles easily because it has poor elasticity but can be dyed, printed, bleached, treated and processed for umpteen number of uses.
From being used as a currency in ancient Egypt to draping the corpses of the Egyptian pharaohs, to adorning of the tabernacles of the ancient Hebrews, from being turned into shields to bowstrings, paper to billboard cues, clothes to upholsteries, Linen is an indispensible creation of man and seldom fails to impress us. It is becoming a private fetish for the rich as high end designers are spoiling them for choice.
The linen fibre has survived the ravages of time and bears an undeniable charm that surrounds the stuffs made of it. When it comes to gifting people, linen products win hands down. It is also used by oil painters as the substitute for canvas. It is also worn as a symbol of purity by the Greek, Egyptian and Jewish priests. Ireland is the biggest manufacturer of fine linen. It is followed by Japan and Belgium in producing it.
