Fiber Review: Light and Lovely Linens

Linen is one of the oldest fibers used by humankind; dyed fibers dating to 34,000 BCE were found in caves in the nation of Georgia, and linen was domesticated in ancient Mesopotamia. Made from the flax plant, it’s stronger, finer, and more absorbent than cotton. These qualities make linen an ideal fiber for summer knits. Here are four linen yarns swatched using the lace pattern from the East Beach Tee in Interweave Knits Summer 2019.

Trendsetter Yarns Recycled Linen Handpaint

Content: 84% recycled linen, 16% linen

Color: #8 Silver Lake

Put-up: 150 yd (137 m)/1¾ oz (50 g)

Recommended Needle Size: Size 4 (3.5 mm)

Care: Handwash

The recycled linen content makes this yarn slightly softer and easier on your hands. The beautiful handpainted colors add a subtle variation to the fabric, making it a great choice for summer tops and tees. www.trendsetteryarns.com

Schoppel Wolle El Linio, distributed by Skacel

Content: 100% linen

Color: #2345 Sand am Meer

Put-up: 164 yd (150 m)/1¾ oz (50 g)

Recommended Needle Size: Size 0–4 (2–3.5 mm)

Care: Machine wash

El Linio is a tape yarn, which means the strand is a knitted tube rather than single plies spun together. This construction creates a more flexible yarn that’s easier to work with. Try this tonal yarn for swimsuit cover-ups and breezy tank tops. www.skacelknitting.com

BC Garn Lino, distributed by Kelbourne Woolens

Content: 100% linen

Color: #48 Sky Blue

Put-up: 164 yd (150 m)/1¾ oz (50 g)

Recommended Needle Size: Size 2–6 (2.5–4 mm)

Care: Machine wash

An example of a traditional plied linen yarn, Lino is incredibly sturdy and sure to last a lifetime. The fine weight means it’s perfect for lace patterns or more solid fabrics. Use it for market bags and loose-knit tops. www.kelbournewoolens.com

Quince & Co. Kestrel

Content: 100% organic linen

Color: Terrapin

Put-up: 76 yd (70 m)/1¾ oz (50 g)

Recommended Needle Size: Size 8–10½ (5–6.5 mm)

Care: Machine wash

Kestrel is a tape yarn made out of organic linen grown in Belgium and spun in Italy. The bulky weight means projects knit up in a flash. To prevent snagging this yarn, choose blunt-tipped needles for knitting it. www.quinceandco.com

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