Flax

Flax is grown both for its seeds and for its fibres. Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.  Dyed flax has been found that dates to 30,000 BC.  The fabric produced from flax is linen.  Flax fibre is stronger than cotton, but less elastic.  Flax is hard-wearing and strong. It softens with age.  You should be able to  see some sheen in the photo.

This flax is called Line, meaning it's the long straight fibres from the plant, the flax most valued by the spinner.  Flax should be spun with little tension and little twist.  Wet your fingers as you spin if you want a smooth yarn.  The yarn produced will be strong and crisp.  It is also being used in wet-felting.  Flax is used for spinning, carding, felting, dyeing, paper making and blending with other fibres.

A large portion of the world's flax is produced in Canada.

Natural-colored flax is sold in 100 and 200 gram portions.