A premium linen fabric starts with a premium linen yarn. There is no getting around that fact. Every link in the production chain is going to be based on the quality of the yarns you select. There is no magical process that can take poor linen yarns and produce a quality linen fabric.
Producing a fantastic linen cloth is a rigorous and long process. It is a beautiful combination of art and science. The yarn itself is the result of an organic material (Flax) that has its own agenda for thriving in this world. It is alive and responds to forces of nature that at times exist beyond a grower’s control. The relationship between grower and flax becomes more of a partnership. Where they dance around the climate, the richness of the soil and time. This is why a flax farm location is key in producing premium linen yarns.
Natural Flax Lightweight Linen Fabric
Because of all of those factors, flax is a plant that cannot just thrive anywhere. It is in France where we find the most successful flax crop grown for fabric production. The consistent humidity in this temperate climate is perfect for optimal flax growth. Producing strong, uniform with good stem structure. This is the foundation for premier linen yarns. Once spun into smooth consistent threads it is ready to be woven into what it was brought into this world for, a luxurious linen fabric.
This is what we at Ulster Linen strive to provide our customers. And this is why we select French yarns for our weaving of linen masterpieces.
Find out why quality linen fabric from Ulster Linen is the MOST luxurious Linen available today.
We break down the key factors to set Ulster Linen apart from the rest.
What Makes Quality Linen Fabric?
1) The Flax
Quality linen fabric – France and Belgium
The quality of linen fabric is first determined by the quality of the flax used.
Top rated flax is produced by ideal conditions such as suitable soil, the correct climate and the under the expertise of experienced flax growers. All our flax is grown in France or Belgium. These locations are considered to be the best flax source in the world.
2) The Yarns
The yarn chosen is the next influencing factor is the quality. France’s yarn standards are very high and this is where most of Ulster Linen’s yarns are sourced. The spinner carefully examined and assessed the flax for strength, uniformity, color and other qualities that may affect its performance when processed. A good yarn produces a product that is less linty and will also be much more durable.
3) The Weaving
A consistent quality of weaving. Our weavers follow high standard and practices that create consistency. They use modern looms that can address varying factors in a natural yarn – weaving to the proper count to achieve the correct weight and characteristics.
4) The Finishing
Proper finishing to bring out the quality of the cloth. Ulster Linen insists on finishing that achieves the look our customers desire. Because of this, Ulster Linen’s finished linen is renowned for its for stability and durability, and why it is used in very high-end fashion products.
Why Choose Ulster Linen Above “the other guys”?
Natural Linen Fabric
There is always a way to make a product faster and cheaper. But for Ulster Linen we believe this just hides the cost to the consumer. In many cases, and especially with linen, some short cuts taken in the process can destroy the essential quality of linen. That’s why at Ulster Linen we continue to do things the right way, the better way. We choose quality from soil to loom to ensure that our product withstands the test of time. To produce linen done right, it may take a little more time. We want all that we produce to be the best it can be.
Ulster’s quality linen fabric is stocked in the US. This means that we have brought in the best product to be within your arms reach for whenever you are in need. No need to wrestle with big shipping costs and deal with customs, we have sorted that all out for you.
What does this mean from a manufacturing perspective?
It is important to have high quality linen for a few reasons: A less linty fabric means less problems – for example, a “linty” linen for printers often means clogged printer heads. For fabric workrooms, it means amassing a huge amount of lint in their sewing equipment, as well as in the surrounding air. Many printers and workrooms request Ulster Linen fabric because they know they will be working with good linen that will ensure smooth, problem free project completion. They also request it because they know they will get a product that will hold up to whatever handling and manipulation they need to put it through to get their desired design output.
What does this mean from a consumer perspective?
Most importantly is what high quality means from a consumer’s perspective. Using a quality linen means a beautiful finished product that will have a long lifespan. Investing in a product that will maintain its intended use is not only economically wise, but environmentally conscientious. This also means, rather than disposing, you can pass down the cherished products made from Ulster Linen. High quality linen products will also perform better: for example, high quality linen draperies and sheets means less lint in the air so homes will have less dust (and who doesn’t want to do less dusting!). It means towels made for drying will leave stem ware shiny and clear, without leaving behind streaks and lint. High quality linen can also be washed time and time again, each time getting softer.
Linen Towel
Ulster Linen’s consistent high quality is the reason is it asked for by name time and time again. Whether you are a manufacturer, crafter, historic reproduction company, designer or consumer, Ulster Linen fabrics is the best choice for your project’s needs.
Do you have more questions about quality linen and how to tell the difference? We are here to answer your questions.We would love to get you a sample so you can see the difference for yourself! Being a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history. That knowledge has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are the US top provider for quality linen. We specialize in a truly superior product.
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Do you want more information about Ulster Linen? Be sure to follow our Blog for weekly updates, tips and advice about all things Linen! Follow us on Social Media and be sure to email us if you have any questions! Sales@UlsterLinen.com
There are many reasons why linen fabric is the premium option for these two powerhouse industries, Fashion and Interior Design. We have highlighted our 3 best examples why linen is truly the fabric of the future – 2022.
Linen Fabric Drapery
Linen is often at the forefront of the luxury fashion industry and high-end interior designers. They both covet linen’s timeless look and surprisingly durable wear. This “modern” fabric dates back to 8000 B.C. and shows no signs of slowing down in popularity.
From hotels and hospitality décor to show houses, interior designers can’t get enough of the understated elegance that designer linen provides. Today’s modern home is required to handle a tremendous burden. It is expected to be sleek, visually appealing, stand up to wear and tear all while being delicate and refined. Linen in home products strikes this seemingly impossible balance by way of luxurious draperies, upholstered furniture, pillows and even linen accent walls. If you can dream it, linen can create it in the home.
Toweling and Runner Linen.
Linen is also the choice fabric for premium fashion designers in the Spring/Summer 2018 collections. Vivid colors reinvent this classic textile.
1. Designer Linen fabric is STRONG and can be light weight.
Today’s buyers desire materials that stand up to all the elements. Whether it’s the chic summer dress in the Hamptons or the flowing draperies in a NYC apartment, people around the world are choosing linen because of its durability, breathability and aesthetic sensibility. Linen is one of the most visually appealing textiles you can choose and one of the most versatile. Linen plays many roles in today’s luxury markets. It can perform as a fine-pressed men’s suit or a timeless Queen Anne’s Wingback Chair. Linen when used in home décor is a true showstopper. The delicate weave looks like fine china but is incredibly durable. That strength comes from not only its natural inherent characteristics but it is also very dependent on the linen process.
The process of creating linen is the most labor intensive one in the textile world. Patience and hard work pave way for a final product that is truly superb.
Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant and is one of the oldest plants in human history.
Flax Flower
From plant to fabric there are a series of steps; rippling, retting, scutching, hackling, spinning and weaving. The details are many and the process is laborious and time consuming but vital to achieve the end result, strong illustrious linen textile. A textile this labor intensive is sure to stand up to whatever life throws its way.
2. Linen is SELF-WICKING yet ABSORBANT.
When it comes to designer linen, it is thought of as nature’s wicking fabric. It can gain up to 20% moisture before it will first begin to feel damp. Linen has the ability to rapidly absorb and lose liquid. This way, you don’t have that icky feeling of dampness that’s often common when wearing clothes on a hot summer day. When it comes to furnishings having a fabric that can stay cool to the touch in varying levels of humidity is a big plus.
3. LINEN is COMFORTABLE yet STYLISH.
Linen fabric feels cool to touch. It is smooth and lint-free when it is made from quality flax and gets softer the more it is washed (a little reward for getting the laundry accomplished). Linen also has an incredible natural luster. That natural glow is so visually appealing that designers love to work with linen in its natural state to truly take advantage of its luminescence. Furniture designers especially gravitate toward linen in chaise lounges, bar stools, wing back chairs and benches. These accent pieces are just the right place to add a pop of style yet unparalleled classic comfort.
We often have to reach into the past to reveal the trends of the future. Linen is a rich part of our history as humans and has proven to be a tremendous value to our future.
To keep up with the latest designer linen trends, benefits and news be sure to follow our weekly blog or email us at Sales@UlsterLinen.com
