When we started to linen scarves I didn't know a great deal about this particualr textile so I set about doing a little research.

Most natural yarns have been in use for thousands of years and this is true of linen. Fragments of fabric, as well as yarn, seeds and other parts of the Flax plant were discovered in ancient Swiss lake dwellings dating back over 8,000 years. It is highly probable though that linen dates back many more thousands of years. The production of linen is highly labour intensive and this adds to the cost and desirability of products made from it. In ancient Egypt it was at times used as currency and such was its image and symbolism as a product of light, purity and wealth that mummies were routinely wrapped in linen.

Over the last few years our YS275 Net Scarves have been an outstanding success for all concerned. While all our other scarves are made  using traditional weaving looms our Net Scarves are handmade in the truest sense of the word. Each piece is made on a simple wooden frame of about 20 x 70 inches which has nails evenly spaced around the edge.

Weaving is the primary means of making the fabrics we use in all walks of life. In simple terms weaving is a process in which two sets of threads, or yarns are interlaced at ninety degrees to each other to form a fabric or cloth. The long threads which run through the length are known as the warp, and the lattitudinal threads which run across and are interloccked by the warp are called the weft. It is the way in which the warp and weft are interwoven which give the fabric its characteristics. The most common styles of basic weaving are plain, twill and satin weave. There are many variations within each of these styles.

Most textiles are woven on a loom. In simple terms this is a device which holds the warp yarns in place while the weft, or filling threads are interlaced at right angles to them.