Textiles

Flax is often considered the oldest fiber used in the Western world. Remnants of flax fabric (linen) have been found in excavations at the historic lake regions of Switzerland, which date back to about 10,000 B.C. Although the archaeologists dispute the origins of flax, some believe that it came from the region of Tepe Sabz, Iran (Mesopotamia), ca. 5500 - 5000 B.C. By 4,000 B.C. the Egyptians were cultivating and processing flax and ancient wall carvings show laborers harvesting flax.

Examples of flax have been found that were spun so finely that more than 360 threads joined to form one warp thread. The rather incredible characteristics and properties of flax are again being recognized. Although linen has been primarily a fashion fabric, the industry and markets are beginning to recognize it as performance product, delivering strength and durability, abrasion resistance and high moisture regain, as well as a luxurious hand and appearance.