linen batik fabric
About
Linen batik fabric is not as commonly used in batik work as other natural fibers, but it is definitely still a preferred fabric by some artists. Linen is believed to be one of the oldest fibers used to produce fabric. It was commonly used to wrap Egyptian mummies, some which are date to approximately 8000BC. It is also safe to say that it was probably one of the first fabrics used in the batik process as the earliest examples of batik are found on the bandages of mummies. Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant and it produces a very high quality sturdy fabric.
Linen batik fabric is not as commonly used in batik work as other natural fibers, but it is definitely still a preferred fabric by some artists. Linen is believed to be one of the oldest fibers used to produce fabric. It was commonly used to wrap Egyptian mummies, some which are date to approximately 8000BC. It is also safe to say that it was probably one of the first fabrics used in the batik process as the earliest examples of batik are found on the bandages of mummies. Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant and it produces a very high quality sturdy fabric.
Advantages
Linen is an extremely durable fabric that resists dirt and stains. It is a preferred material for warmer climates due to its ability to remain cool and fresh. It is also softens with repeated washing, making it increasingly comfortable over time.
Disadvantages
Linen fabric has poor elasticity meaning that if it is pulled or stretched over its limit it may not bounce back to its original shape. Linen fabric does have a tendency to wrinkle and thus will require ironing. However, repeatedly ironing creases into the fabric can cause the fabric to weaken and break at the crease points.
Care of Linen Fabric
Since linen creates such a sturdy fabric, it is also relatively easy to care for. It can be machine washed in the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. When drying linen you will want to tumble it dry on a low setting and remove it before it is completely dry. Once removed from the dryer you will want to iron the fabric immediately since linen is prone to wrinkling and ironing while still damp is more efficient at removing wrinkles.
Batiking
Linen is considered a cellulose fiber and therefore dyes best with fiber reactive dye. Natural dyes are also commonly used with linen fabric. Linen is a very thick fabric, so when using linen fabric for batik, you will want to be sure that your resist is penetrating the fibers completely or you may end up with muddied designs.
Linen is an extremely durable fabric that resists dirt and stains. It is a preferred material for warmer climates due to its ability to remain cool and fresh. It is also softens with repeated washing, making it increasingly comfortable over time.
Disadvantages
Linen fabric has poor elasticity meaning that if it is pulled or stretched over its limit it may not bounce back to its original shape. Linen fabric does have a tendency to wrinkle and thus will require ironing. However, repeatedly ironing creases into the fabric can cause the fabric to weaken and break at the crease points.
Care of Linen Fabric
Since linen creates such a sturdy fabric, it is also relatively easy to care for. It can be machine washed in the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. When drying linen you will want to tumble it dry on a low setting and remove it before it is completely dry. Once removed from the dryer you will want to iron the fabric immediately since linen is prone to wrinkling and ironing while still damp is more efficient at removing wrinkles.
Batiking
Linen is considered a cellulose fiber and therefore dyes best with fiber reactive dye. Natural dyes are also commonly used with linen fabric. Linen is a very thick fabric, so when using linen fabric for batik, you will want to be sure that your resist is penetrating the fibers completely or you may end up with muddied designs.
