Looking for some beautiful linen by the yard? This post is all about linen: what it is, what to look for, and how to shop for linen by the yard!
Shopping for Linen by the Yard
As I prepared this, I found a blog post written by someone else that said, “as we all probably know, linen is made from the flax plant.” Or something to that extent. Maybe I am an idiot, but I didn’t know what linen was made from. So I asked around, “hey, do you know what linen is made from?” The usual answer… “cotton?“…
I am not sure what I thought linen was made from, but I had no idea it was made of flax. After the flax is harvested, the linen is milled and spun into threads of various weights which can then be fabricated into what we know as linen.
So, if you’re like me, then you didn’t know that linen came from flax. Or maybe you did, then you’re like me, only smarter. But did you know linen is naturally anti-fungal? Me either.
Linen is also a very durable fabric that only becomes stronger when washed. Different weights and washes allow for various uses from towels to bedding. One of the most luxurious fabrics, you really can’t go wrong, so have some fun, and get creative!
The information below was initiated when I stumbled upon a Belgian linen tablecloth that I. Had. To. Have. It was over $100, so I decided I would make my own – obviously. Which led me down a rabbit hole of shopping for linen by the yard. It turns out that $100 for a Belgian linen tablecloth, is actually very reasonable. So what’s the difference between European Flax, Belgian Flax, and imported linen? Let’s break it down below.
Where does Linen come from?
After researching this a bit, I feel really stupid for not knowing that linen came from flax, but we will move on. So, linen comes from flax, but where does flax come from? Flax can be grown in many different parts of the world (it thrives in a cooler climate than cotton does), but the best fibre flax is grown in Europe.
The best flax for linen, like Champagne, comes from a specific growing region in Europe. It’s almost the only place in the world with absolutely ideal conditions for growing, specifically in a growing belt spanning from Cannes to Amsterdam (including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands).
What is the Difference Between Belgian Linen vs Belgian Flax Linen:
Ah, there are tricksters out there, don’t be fooled by them! The difference between Belgian Linen and Belgian Flax Linen is comparable to that of Champagne and Methode Champenoise.
Belgian Linen is made entirely in Belgium, from start to finish, sort of a farm to table situation. Grown, harvested, milled, and fabricated all in Belgium. While Belgian Flax Linen is simply linen made with flax from Belgium, but fabricated in another part of the world.
What is European Linen?
Also known as Belgian Flax Linen, this type of linen is made from European flax, but milled or spun outside of Europe/Belgium, such as in China or India. This generally means less expensive linen, and often, linen of a lesser quality than Belgian Linen (although not always). This title really means nothing, it’s like putting ‘no high fructose corn syrup’ on lucky charms.
What is Irish Linen?
Although it is widely known that linen produced from Northern Europe is the highest quality, the craftsmanship of Irish linen producers is admired in the industry. Many high quality linen fabrics are produced in Ireland, and linen bearing the name ‘Irish Linen’ can be counted on as being produced in a traditional and honored way. Irish Linen is a very high quality linen.
What is Linen Blend (sometimes just ‘linen’)?
Linen blend is a mixture of cotton and linen. For example, Pottery Barn’s linen by the yard, is actually a linen blend consisting only half of actual linen. At $40/yard, this probably isn’t your best bet.
So… How to buy linen by the yard:
Remember those tricksters I talked about earlier? A group of European flax-ers gathered together to form a no-trickster-linen-club. They named it “Masters of Linen“. No, really, that’s what they named it, and that’s how you can tell if your linen was sustainably made, in the European flax belt from start to finish.
Only linen of the highest quality can carry the title “Masters of Linen”. It’s like a Girl Scout patch for fabric.
You may come across linen with the patch “European Flax Linen“, this is a subset certification that moderates linen producers outside of Europe abiding by the standers of the Masters. So this linen is pretty good too.
WHERE TO BUY Linen by the Yard
Simply look for “100% Linen”, and if you’re feeling fancy “Belgian Linen”:
Certified ‘Masters of Linen’: Two Sisters EcoTextiles
Belgian Linen: Restoration Hardware (21 colors!) • Online Fabric Store • Amazing Prices
Irish Linen: Great for Clothing
Inexpensive, 100% Linen: Wide Width & Amazing Variety • Stripes • More Stripes • Houndstooth • THE most beautiful color
Just when you thought you knew it all, you realized there’s an entire hierarchy of linen, and you’re knocked to the bottom again.
Sources: Barn and Willow • Wiki • Linen Beauty
Cloe,
Thank you so much for doing all the hard work for me. My mother if she were alive would be so disappointed to know that I too, thought it came from cotton! She was a wonderful seamstress.
I am so happy to have found your site through your beautiful pictures on IG. I can not wait to spend time with you daily relaxing and catching up.
I hope your leg/knee is doing better.
Look forward to getting to know you and enjoying this simple life ride together.
What about Restoration Hardware’s other weaves of Belgium Linen like the cross-weave, basket-weave etc? Are those real/100% linen? Are the fabrics priced fairly? Thanks for this super helpful article!!!
Hi Wendy – thank you!! As long as it is labeled "100% Belgian Linen Fabric" you can be sure you’re getting actual Belgian linen! However, I have found that my RH linen hasn’t been quite as durable as I would have hoped. I really like "Insta Linen" for their amazing price point, and what I have ordered from them has been very high quality. They have really become my go-to source. (The cross weave or basket weave is simply just a different style of weave.) Their "linen cotton" is a mix, but it’s a nice option for things that you want to save a little bit on yet still have the linen look and feel. Hope that helps!
This is the best thing I’ve ever read. Nice work!
Thank you so much!!
Very interesting! My parents are into genealogy and found that our Belgian ancestors ran a linen factory! So it is appropriate that I get come Belgian linen. Great excuse!!
Wow, that is incredible!! It is so luxurious and beautiful, such a great excuse!!
I love this post! Now will you please help me find grain sack/ticking fabric by the yard, too? You are incredible!!
Oh yes, I have found a few sources while traveling but nothing online yet. I do offer some linen grain sacks in my shop! shop.boxwoodavenue.com
Thank you for such an incredibly helpful post! I’ve learned terms that I didn’t even know I should have been aware of in the first place.
Great article ~ thanx!
Thanks so much!
I didn’t even know that there is such a variety of linen fabric! I am buying linen from MagicLinen. Usually just buying stuff that catches my eye. Now I will have more knowledge to recognize what is what. Thanks!
I didn’t realize it either until I wrote this blog post! It is helpful to know what you’re paying for :) have fun!!!
Great blog post! Super informative and helpful. And thank you for including the links to the various sites
This was so helpful! Thanks you.❤️ I recently decided to add some more linen to my life after visiting The Frontier Culture Museum in VA. They demonstrate the process of making linen from flax, and they wear their products. Now I’m determined to make some skirts for myself and my girls, but I had no idea where to look for the real deal. Thanks again!
This was helpful for me. Thank you. Now I feel like I am on the cereal isle of the local grocery store and there are well over 100 different cereals from which to choose. Do these places sell swatches? I need to touch fabric I plan to put close to my skin.
Oh I can understand!! I believe most of the linked sources will supply samples – linen really is an investment and definitely something I can agree with testing before committing! :) Enjoy, and have fun!
Loved your explanation on Linen. But, what is Belarus Flax Linen from Russia?
It’s not a fabric that’s confined to Northern Europe – the Egyptians were growing flax and weaving linen many thousands of years ago.
Hi!
What a intersting post. I’m looking for a company that produces linen t shirts, you perhaps have any information on that? I live in Belgium.
Warm regards
Joyce
Great info. Thank you
I thought I knew a lot about linen, but there’s always more to know, isn’t there? Thank you for demystifying some of the trade terminology!
So fun! Thanks – yes linen is such a wonderful material!
Thank you so much for this.It was exactly what I was looking for. I’m hoping you can answer one more question. Most articles say linen gets stronger once washed but everything I’m seeing states dry clean only. Whats up with that?
Hi Trudy, would you like my unfiltered opinion? Haha! I think people say dry clean only to protect themselves – meaning, if something were to happen to the linen due to washing, they wouldn’t feel like it was their fault. My personal opinion is to wash as normal. I use warm water and have fine results. If you are washing something like curtains or a slip covered chair, cool water and lay flat to dry. Use a gentle steam or a wrinkle release spray. If possible, test the fabric first – but not always possible. I don’t live by the dry clean only rule when it comes to linen :)
This is a great resource, thank you!
Excellent information. Thanks
This is informative and engaging. Gives a good idea about everyday fashion and clothing. Helps me and my family keep up with the trends. Thanks.
Thank you so very much for the information. It helps greatly when choosing linen for clothing or household needs. I absolutely love linen but haven’t always know which is which.
What is the best linen to use for making dinner napkins, such as hotel qualitynapkins?
I would look for linen that’s either Irish linen at 6.7 oz per square yard or European linen at 8.5 oz per square yard. Both are great options for making napkins.
What is the best kind of linen for clothing?
I want to buy and make linen clothes myself.
Hi, I would look for high-quality linen at your local fabric store.
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