> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learning.loftyfiber.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learning.loftyfiber.com/euroflax-linen/euroflax-linen.md).

# Euroflax Linen

## Information about Linen

Linen yarns are produced from the Flax plant. The entire plant is pulled up slightly before maturity to yield the finest linen fibers. Water retting is used for the finest linens, allowing microorganisms to dissolve away the cellular tissues and pectin, leaving the bast fibers accessible.  Next the fibers are dried and “scutched” to remove the woody pieces attached to the fibers.

The long fibers are used to produce line linen; the finest linen is smooth and shiny because it is spun from the longest, strongest, and most lustrous fibers. Tow linen is the by-product of the scutching and hackling process and these shorter fibers require more twist to make yarn, thus making yarn that is duller and sometimes “hairy”.  Tow linen can be useful as it’s more absorbent than line linen and can make a “grabby” warp for wool rugs.

Both line linen and tow may be dry or wet spun.  Dry-spinning is usually used for coarse yarns.  Wet spinning smooths the fibers.

Like other yarns, linen can be plied or used as a single. Plied linens are stronger than singles, although some singles are spun tightly enough to be used as warp.  The degree of twist varies in linen yarns. A tighter twist will produce a firmer fabric, less twist produces a more absorbent and softer fabric. 

### Properties of Linen

* Soils and Stains are easily removed (plus for table linens and clothing)
* Antistatic – doesn’t attract dust (great for upholstery and wall hangings)
* Little shrinkage (4 to 5%)
* Very absorbent - can absorb 20% of its weight without feeling damp
* Dries quickly
* Beautiful sheen due to smooth fibers and pectin content
* Heat regulating quality due to pectins
* Stronger than cotton and wool, even stronger when wet
* Antimicrobial
* Very Durable, does not "pill"
* Somewhat subject to abrasion
* Not Stretchy or Elastic
* Yarn and Fabric is initially stiff but softens with use
* Easy Care - may be machine washed and dried, pressed with a hot iron without damaging the fibers

## Euroflax Linen

Euroflax linen is long-line, wet-spun linen.  It's smooth, lustrous and of the highest quality.  

The flax used to produce Euroflax is grown in the coast regions of Belgium and France where the soil and conditions are ideal for flax. The Belgium factory that produces Euroflax has been in operation for several generations; their experience and craftsmanship resulted in a special process of finely splitting the fibers prior to wet-spinning, then double-boiling for softness.  Euroflax is certified EUROPEAN FLAX®, meaning that in addition to the certified source, the production of Euroflax is done with respect for the environment with no irrigation, no GMO and no waste along with 100% mechanical fiber extraction.

Our Euroflax line is certified:

* No pesticides
* No fertilizers
* No herbicides
* No fungicides
* No irrigation
* No chemicals in the Linen production (naturally and mechanically processed)

### Euroflax Yarn Sizes

The size of linen yarns is based on the traditional measure of the lea, which is 300 yards of yarn. For linen singles, a number 1 lea yarn measures 300 yards (1 lea) per pound.  Be careful not to compare the numbering system for a linen yarn (such as 30/2) to a cotton yarn (such as 16/2) as the measurement systems are different!  Using the yards per pound as a reference is a better way to compare the diameter of the yarns.

Euroflax is available in the following yarn sizes:

14/4 Euroflax (Sport Weight)

> This linen is widely loved by knitters and crocheters for clothing and shawls. This yarn size has been available for over 20 years!   It generally knits or crochets to a gauge matching for most Sport (#2) or DK (#3).  However, we do see a wide range of knitting needle sizes used for various Euroflax patterns, for example some are knitted on size 5mm (US 8) needles. 
>
> Knitting Gauge: 2.75-3.5mm needles (2-4 US), 6 stitches per inch
>
> Weaving Setts 10 or 12 for plain weave, 15 for twill

14/2 Euroflax (Lace Weight)

> This versatile linen yarn is popular with both knitters and weavers. Knitters often use it for lightweight shawls and openwork projects, typically working on larger needles to take advantage of its fine lace-weight size. For weavers, 14/2 Euroflax is an excellent choice for a first 100% linen project, offering the beauty and durability of linen while remaining easy to work with.
>
> Knitting Gauge: varies, close gauge with US 2 needle
>
> Weaving Setts 15 or 16 epi for plain weave, 18 epi for twill

30/2 Euroflax

> This is a favorite linen for weaving.  It has beautiful sheen and drape. Warping with this linen is recommended for weavers who have learned to put on a wel tensioned warp.  Beginners, however, can use this as the weft yarn with 8/2 cotton warps. 
>
>  Some knitters will carry one strand along with 14/4 or 14/2 Euroflax in a slightly different color for a marled effect.
>
> Weaving Setts 22-24 epi for plain weave, 28-30 epi for twill