Linen is one of the oldest natural fibers in history. However, the date or place where it was first used for textile creation is still unknown. Even so, we know today that it was cultivated in Egypt about five thousand years ago.
Its importance to the local population was such that pharaohs' mummies were wrapped in pieces of this type of textile, as can be seen from the archaeological discoveries already registered. In Portugal, the history of linen also goes back thousands of years. Particularly in a tomb discovered in Monchique, Algarve, in which a small piece of linen was found there.
A type of natural fiber that was first used to demonstrate power or wealth – and to which some magical powers have been attributed – linen has come in and out of fashion countless times over the centuries.
More recently, this raw material has been attracting the attention of producers and consumers alike, given its reduced environmental impact during cultivation. This is because linen is a high-yield, low-maintenance plant, mainly composed of long and delicate natural fibers.
These fibers are then processed and spun, giving rise to the threads that make up the circular knitted fabrics made from linen. The entire process is truly sustainable.
Cultivation of its plants requires minimal amounts of chemical products for healthy growth and all the potential waste recorded during the production process is later used in other areas other than textiles, such as the paper industry.
Furthermore, this is a type of renewable crop, making linen one of the most ecological options available in the textile market today.
Linen is a natural fiber used for the creation of circular knitted fabrics. Its yarns are found in all kinds of materials, from the most elegant garments to the most rudimentary kitchen towels, used every day.
In between, there are decorative pieces such as curtains, truly essential pieces such as bed sheets, or even a wide variety of colors or patterns for designing sofas of all sizes.
However, it is in sustainable fashion that this raw material has found its place in the sun.
In fact, it is in the sun that linen shines the most. When summer days and nights bring the temperatures up, this fiber stays cool and comfortable. With an unexpected elegance, a fine texture, and yet a casual look, linen is an exceptional type of natural fiber for creating light and smooth circular knitted fabrics.
To understand the characteristics of circular knitted fabrics made from linen, it is important to look at the attributes of the natural fiber itself in the first place. After all, this is also where its main qualities come from.
Linen fibers are recognized around the world for being long, with a length that lies somewhere between 40cm and 70cm, or 15.7 inches and 27.5 inches. Its surface is smooth, and, at the same time, it has a great absorption capacity. Later, it is precisely this ability that will give linen circular knitted fabrics an immense number of possible tonalities.
In addition to being an ecological option, this circular knitted fabric is, above all, very elegant and delicate.
It is very resistant, and its appearance improves from wash to wash without losing its softness to the touch and its somewhat silky appearance.
With antibacterial and anti-allergic properties, the circular knitted fabrics made from linen allow air to circulate between the user and the body, helping to balance temperatures between day and night. When 100% pure – that is, without being crossed or mixed with other types of fibers – linen is considered a very comfortable, luxury product.
Linen is a natural fiber with a history that has accompanied the development of our society. Traces of its use go back to the great kings of Egypt, but its influence has been noticed all over the world, throughout the ages.
Its renewable production process makes this type of circular knitted fabrics one of the most sustainable options on the market, only available at ITJV by requesting a catalogue and validating samples.
This text was written and published in 2021
