Irish Linens / Irish Linen

Irish linen is the brand name given to linen produced in Ireland. Irish Linens are made from the flax fiber, which was grown in Ireland for many years before advanced agricultural methods and more suitable climate led to the concentration of flax cultivation in northern Europe (Most of the world crop of quality flax is now grown in Northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands). Today flax for Irish Linen yarn is imported from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It is bought by spinners who produce yarn and this, in turn, is sold to weavers (or knitters) who produce fabric. Irish linen spinning has now virtually ceased, yarns being imported from places such as Eastern Europe and China.

Irish Linen yarn is defined as yarn which is spun in Ireland from 100% flax fibres. Irish Linen fabric is defined as fabric which is woven in Ireland from 100% linen yarns. The yarns do not necessarily have to come from an Irish spinner. Finished garments, or household textile items can be labeled Irish linen, although they may have been made up in another country. Irish linen does not refer to the making up process, i.e. cutting and sewing. It refers to where the fabric was woven or knitted.