Linen Fabric for Upholstery: A Complete Guide

Thinking of using linen for upholstery? You’re in good company. This natural, hard-wearing fabric has been a favorite for centuries and for good reason. But what makes it so special? And how do you choose the right one for your upholstery and drapery needs?

This guide will cover everything you need about linen for upholstery, from its history and production process to how to choose the right type and weight for furniture and curtains. By the end you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision and add style and functionality to your home.

Where Linen Fabric Comes From

Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world. It’s made from the fibres of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) which has been grown for over 6,000 years. Flax grows in cooler climates so countries like Belgium, France and the Netherlands are the perfect place for its production.

Turning flax into linen fabric is a labour intensive process but the end result is a strong yet breathable fabric that has stood the test of time.

What Type of Fabric is Linen?

Linen is a natural fibre textile meaning it’s derived from plant based sources. Its fibres are thicker than cotton so it has a textured, structured weave that’s breathable and durable. Linen fabric has a matte finish and often has subtle slubs (irregularities) which add character to its look.

Linen is a versatile fabric, cool in summer and warm in winter so it’s perfect for drapes and upholstered furniture like sofas or armchairs. Curtains are the most common linen item in the home, functional and timeless.

Tablecloths are another way to bring linen into your home. Often blended with cotton or silk they can be made for different occasions – formal dinner tablecloths for example may have lace trim. Linen bed sheets and tea towels are also perfect for adding a touch of luxury and comfort to your home, after a long day.

How to Know if Linen is 100% or Not

Making sure your linen fabric is 100% pure is important for durability and overall quality. To check:

1. Feel the texture: 100% linen has a slightly rough texture that softens with use.

2. Do the wrinkle test: Crumple the fabric in your hand – linen wrinkles more than blends with synthetic fibres.

3. Check the label: You can usually tell by looking at the label. Check if it says “100% linen” or “linen”. If not you may need to look closer to confirm.

When looking for specific yarns like linen or silk pay attention to the thread grade or thickness. Yarns are spun like vegetable fibres into thread. Labels often show numbers indicating thread twists: 2-ply means two threads twisted together, 3-ply means three and so on up to 8-ply.

Higher numbers mean tighter weave, less fraying and more durable. Linen weaves often have only one ply, with one strand running horizontally through the fabric. This makes them look thinner because there are no vertical lines crossing over like other fabrics.

How Linen Fabric is Made: Step by Step

1. Harvesting: Flax plants are pulled out of the ground, fibre intact.

2. Retting: Plants are soaked in water or dew.

3. Breaking and Scutching: The woody stalks are broken, separating the soft inner fibres used for linen production.

4. Hackling: Fibres pass through combs to remove impurities and align for spinning.

5. Spinning: Fibres are spun into yarn, by hand or machine.

6. Weaving: Yarn is woven into fabric, then dyed or treated if needed.

Four Types of Linen Weave Patterns

Linen comes in four forms: damask linen, plain woven linen, loosely woven linen and sheeting linen.

1. Damask linen is woven on a jacquard loom, combining plain and satin weaves to produce a decorative fabric with a beautiful finish.

2. Plain woven linen fabric, also known as “glass towelling” is used for drying glassware. Recognisable by its stripes or checks, it’s practical and stylish.

3. Loosely woven linen is high absorbent and functional for some uses but the least durable of all linen types.

4. Sheeting linen as the name suggests is used for bedsheets. With a tight weave and higher thread count it has a heavier feel and a luxurious texture.

Linen for Upholstery

Linen is great for upholstery and drapery but not always the best option for every situation. Pure linen wrinkles a lot especially in humid climates or homes with pets so not ideal for high traffic areas. However linen has several advantages over other upholstery fabrics:

1. Exceptional Durability: Linen is very strong, perfect for reupholstering antique furniture that needs sturdy fabrics to withstand wear and tear over time. Unlike some fabrics it doesn’t tear even with heavy use.

2. Timeless Aging: Linen ages beautifully. With repeated cleaning it gets softer without losing its charm. Even if wrinkles appear after use they can be ironed out with a quick swipe of your hand and it will look polished in seconds.

Overall linen is a sophisticated and practical fabric for spaces where elegance meets endurance.

What weight of Linen is good for Upholstery?

Linen upholstery fabric is available in various weights from light to heavy. For upholstery purposes medium and heavy weight linens are most commonly used but lightweight options are also available for specific needs.

These fabrics are perfect for furniture that gets heavy use, like sofas, chairs and pillows. They are great for areas where people sit or rest, like sofa cushions or upholstered bed frames, for comfort and resilience.

• Heavyweight Linen (12-15 oz per yard): For furniture upholstery.

• Medium Weight (8-12 oz per yard): For pillows, cushions and light use chairs.

• Lightweight (Under 8 oz per yard): For drapery or decorative use, not heavy use.

Benefits of Linen Upholstery Fabric

1. Durability: Linen fibres are strong by nature so resistant to wear and tear.

2. Breathability: Its natural fibres prevent heat buildup so comfortable all year round.

3. Hypoallergenic: Linen is great for allergy sufferers as it’s natural resistance to dust and microbes.

4. Timeless look: Linen’s texture and matte finish gives a classic look to any decor.

Linen for Drapery and Natural Curtains

Linen curtains are a popular choice for its soft and airy look and functional benefits. It filters natural light and provides light privacy perfect for living rooms, dining areas and bedrooms.

Do Linen Curtains keep Cold out?

Linen isn’t as insulating as heavier fabrics like velvet but it provides a layer of protection against drafts when paired with a thermal or blackout lining.

Do Linen Curtains keep Heat out?

Yes. Linen is breathable and temperature regulating so it deflects some heat during warm weather especially in lighter colours.

Linen Fabric Impact on the Environment

Linen is one of the most eco friendly fabrics:

• Low Water Usage: Producing flax requires less water than cotton.

• Minimal Pesticides: Flax plants are hardy so less chemical treatment is required.

• Biodegradable: Linen breaks down naturally leaving no environmental footprint.

When you choose linen fabric upholstery you’re not just getting a high quality fabric for your home you’re also getting a sustainable option for the planet.

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