Humidity is not Linen's friend!!
Linen is one of the most popular fabrics used in window treatments. It is loved for it's natural and relaxed look. As a fabricator it is sometimes difficult to work with because it stretches and shrinks when ironed and sewn. A love hate relationship for sure!
Linen is made from the flax plant and is known to be one of the strongest natural fibers. Because the fibers vary in lengths, most of them very long, it leads to a durable fabric with longevity. Although linen can be crisp to the touch, the more it is handled the softer it becomes. This softness happens when the fibers actually bend and break. This is what produces the wrinkles for which linen and widely known.
I try to educate my designers and clients about the pros and cons to using linen. It is a beautiful fabric that can be made into stunning window treatments and is mostly used in drapery panels and roman shades. As long as you are OK that there will be wrinkles and that it can grow and shrink with the seasons then it is a great choice. Most people know about the wrinkles. What they don't sometimes realize is that linen loves water. It can gain up to 20% moisture before it even feels wet! Which is why humidity is not linen's friend when used in window treatments. In the presence of humidity it soaks up the water into the cellulose fibers and can stretch. In the absence of humidity the fibers constrict. I live in the South near a large lake and due to the humidity in the area the finished length of pure linen panels can change with the seasons. This movement can be frustrating for homeowners and fabricators. And is the main reason I suggest using a linen blend instead of 100% linen. These blends are an excellent option to get that linen look without the issues of movement and wrinkling.
The video below shows how linen is made. Well worth the time to view!
I carry several lines of fabrics that have excellent choices for linen blends. Contact me if I can help you with your next window treatment project!
Until next time,
Amanda