History
Loved for more than 10,000 years, linen has been used in ceremonial garments and continues to be valued for its superlative qualities of strength, durability, and aesthetic style. The flax plant stem provides the fiber that is processed into linen, and fortunately the flax plant is easily cultivated around the world where the climate is temperate and moist. In fact, the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut in the 1640’s required all farmers to plant and raise flax.

Uses
Clothing
With its resilience, cool absorbency, and good draping quality, linen is treasured by clothing designers. Static-free, colorfast, and one of the only fibers that improves with laundering, linen has returned to favor. New crease-resistance treatments have made linen clothing easier to care for, although the insouciance of wrinkled linen is part of its charm.

Bedding
As people became more concerned with cleanliness in the 19th century, only crisp white sheets convinced them that the bedroom was germ-free. This style is back in vogue though with a softer appearance. Whether hued or white, linen bedding is a treat for the senses, producing a remarkable sleep experience that most find irresistable. Fresh and cool in the summer, warm and comforting in the winter--these qualities justify the extra work that linen bedding requires.

Table
Able to withstand the highest temperatures and the toughest laundry treatments, linen is perfectly suited for tablecloths and napkins that are bound to get messy. Long reserved for special occasions, linens are now enjoyed in casual living.

Bath
Linen and water love each other; the fiber becomes stronger when wet, and undergoes a molecular change that allows it to emerge even better. A great look, linen towels work with the modern minimalist baths or with the rich grandeur of antique tubs and gilded mirrors.

Kitchen
Nothing dries like a well-worn linen dish towel. Absorbent and lint-free, they leave less behind on glass, crystal, china and silver. Once damp, they dry faster than cotton and are therefore less contaminated. Fewer items are hotter at flea markets than a broken-in linen dish towel.

Welcoming New Linens
We highly recommend that new linens be laundered before their first use to build the fiber strength, to increase stain protection, and to improve absorbency.

Laundering
Use less detergent than usual, and use a moderate temperature cycle. We suggest washing linens only with non-polyester (the pilling of some synthetics can attach finish of good fabric), color-separated items that do not include zippers.

Some shrinkage will occur, but better products are generously sized to accommodate this. Even items labeled “pre-shrunk” will shrink up to 3%.

Do not take your natural fiber linens to a dry cleaner; the chemicals may cause permanent damage. You may, however, take your laundered linens to be professionally pressed.

While white linen will tolerate chlorine bleach, we do not recommend that you use it regularly unless you are laundering tea towels. You may find it necessary to use a diluted bleach solution to treat stains on napkins or tablecloths.

While you may not wish to tumble dry all linens, you may do so as necessary. To decrease wrinkling, pull slightly damp linens out of the dryer after a brief spin, and block dry or line dry them.

Storage
Natural fibers do best when they can breathe. Storing them in plastic can enhance stains, trap moisture, and shorten the life span of your fine linens. Rather, try to find drawer or closet space where they can be folded or hung. Find a dry cleaner who will press your tablecloths on a mangle, put them on a long roll, tag them with the measurement, and then store them standing on end in a closet.

Moth balls are a dicey solution, as the chemical is harsh and unpleasant; cedar is a safer protection, though more costly. Reactivate cedar pieces or lining by sanding lightly annually.

Repairing
If you should find that a favorite linen is beyond salvation, consider recycling (cut a stained tablecloth into napkins, put napkins together to make a kitchen sack, cut an old tea towel into squares for covering homemade jam jars).