Nov 29, 2023

What are the key steps in processing raw linen from the flax mill to the Raw Linen Fabric stage?

The key steps in raw hemp processing from flax mill to raw hemp fabric stage are as follows:

Retting: Soaking harvested flax plants in water or exposing them to dew to allow the natural breakdown of the pectin that holds the fibers together. The system can be done in the field or in a tank.

Crushing: Once the retting process is complete, the flax straw is damaged, separating the precious fibers from the woody middle. This can be done by manual or mechanical breaking methods.

Opening: Opening requires the removal of broken straw and various impurities from the flax fibers. This can be accomplished by beating the wood with wood or metal beating equipment.

Hack: Hack also cleans and separates the flax fibers by carding them with a steel brush called a hack. The technology also straightens fibers and eliminates shorter, thicker fibers.

Spinning: Spinning long, straight flax fibers into yarn using a spinning wheel or machine. This step involves twisting the fibers together to form an uninterrupted and strong linen yarn.

Weaving: Linen yarn is woven into raw linen cloth on a loom. Weaving involves interweaving vertical warp threads with horizontal weft threads to create the shape of the fabric.

Bleaching (optional): Depending on preferred use, raw linen may undergo a bleaching process to obtain a lighter, more uniform color. This can be accomplished by using hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents.

Natural fiber Linen/cotton and blends fabric

Finishing: Finally, raw linen fabric can be given a variety of finishing methods to enhance its strength, smoothness, and appearance. This may include processes such as singeing, mercerizing, dyeing or sizing.

These key steps transform flax fibers from their natural state into raw flax, ready for further processing or use in a variety of applications such as clothing, household linens or industrial textiles.