Linen in crafts – a sustainable and ecological material

Linen in crafts – a timeless, durable and beautifully vibrant material

Linen is one of those materials that does not follow fashion but rather moves alongside it from year to year and decade to decade. It is both traditional and modern, everyday and valuable. In crafts, linen is a special material: it demands respect from its maker and rewards its user with longevity and beauty. In crafts, linen is an ecological material and it is also a natural material

Linen has been chosen as the material for Juuttisäkki precisely for these reasons – it fits perfectly with craftsmanship, durability and timeless aesthetics. Many of Juuttisäkki's durable products are made from linen or use it as part of their structure precisely because the material is durable and long-lasting.

Flax as a raw material – a brief look at history

Flax is one of the oldest textile plants used by humans. Archaeological finds suggest that it has been cultivated and used for over 8,000 years. The first linen textiles have been found in the Mesopotamian and Egyptian regions, where linen was valued for its purity, durability and cool feel.

In ancient Egypt, linen was even a sacred material. It was used in the clothing of the clergy and as shrouds for mummies, and it symbolized purity and wealth. The finest linen was a luxury item of its time.

Flax cultivation spread to Europe during antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the Nordic countries, flax rose to an important position, as it was well suited to cooler climates. In Finland, flax was cultivated in almost every household for centuries, and was used to make both everyday clothes and festive textiles. Flax has been a central part of Finnish craft traditions and a self-sufficient lifestyle.

With industrialization, the use of linen temporarily declined, but in recent decades it has experienced a new rise in appreciation due to sustainable development and the popularity of natural materials. Today, linen beautifully combines history, ecology, and modern craftsmanship.

From field to cloth – how flax becomes a textile

Linen textiles are made from a long and multi-step process that starts in the field and ends in the finished fabric. Linen's value as a raw material is partly based on this careful manufacturing chain.

Flax grows best in cool, humid climates. Fiber flax is grown specifically for textile use, and the plant has a growing period of about 90–120 days. The long, straight stalk is the basis for high-quality fiber.

During harvesting, the flax is pulled up by the roots to keep the fibers as long as possible. The flax is then soaked, which loosens the fibers from the rest of the plant. Soaking is a delicate step: too short or too long a treatment will reduce the quality of the fiber.

After drying, the flax is ginned and combed, removing the woody parts and leaving behind pure fiber. The long fibers are used for the finest textiles, the shorter ones for coarser products.

Finally, the fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabric using different weaves depending on the intended use. The finished fabric is washed and finished, after which it is ready to be transformed into a handcrafted product – such as Juttisäkki kitchen textiles or home textiles .

Linen as a craft material

Linen is used in a variety of crafts: interior textiles, bags, clothing and home textiles. Its natural appearance and strong structure make it an excellent choice for products that are expected to last over time and use.

The most important properties of flax are:

• durability and longevity
• breathability and good moisture absorption
• antibacterial
• pleasant feeling in different seasons
• lively, beautifully patinated surface

Linen is not a completely smooth or flawless material – and that is exactly why it is so attractive. It lives, wrinkles, softens and improves with use.

Linen compared to other materials

Compared to cotton, linen is generally more durable and ecological, but also more prone to wrinkling. While cotton is soft when new, linen develops with use.

Compared to jute, linen is finer and softer, making it more suitable for clothing and home textiles. Jute, on the other hand, is coarser and stiffer, making it especially suitable for sacks and coarse interior design products.

Benefits for the consumer

Linen products offer their users:

• long service life
• timeless appearance
• a pleasant user experience
• responsible choice
• easy to combine with different styles

Linen is not a disposable material, but a thoughtful choice that will last over time.

Linen is prone to wrinkles and can feel stiff when new. However, with proper care, these characteristics can be turned into advantages.

Linen products should be washed at 30–40 degrees, avoid hard spinning and air dry. Light ironing when damp or with steam is sufficient. Each wash makes linen softer and more comfortable.

You can find more detailed washing instructions in the blog post: Washing and care instructions for fabrics

Linen and ecology

Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly textile fibers:

• it requires less water than cotton
• needs few pesticides
• is biodegradable and recyclable
• and lasts a long time in use

It is precisely these properties that make linen a natural choice of material for the Jute Bag.