Working with Linen Yarn is a different experience: if you’ve never tried it, you may come across a skein and think, “this isn’t very soft!” However, unlike many other natural fibers, linen needs to be washed in order for it to surprise you with the an exceptional. One of our favorites, Louet Euroflax, is produced using methods to ensure maximum softness.

What is Euroflax Linen?

Euroflax is a strong, durable yarn spun from 100% wet-spun flax fiber. Flax is also referred to as “long line,” because the plant grows more than a yard tall (this is almost 10 times longer than the average staple length for wool). The linen fiber comes from the stems of the flax plant which is beautiful standing in the field – a sea of blue with the flowers blowing in the wind.

What can I make with Euroflax Linen?

Linen has many uses: it has no natural elasticity which makes it incredibly durable and long lasting, though this quality means that it is not suitable for some stitch patterns (such as ribbing). However, it is great for year-round projects for weavers and knitters alike; it can transform a fall or winter project into a spring and summer one! The breathability of the fibers makes it a perfect choice for summer tops, keeping you cool in warmer temperatures. Euroflax is an addicting yarn because after you finish your first project, you’ll want to use it for everything! It is also a great yarn to use for projects that don’t need to hold much shape, such as:

• Scarves
• Shawls/Cowls
• Bags
• Light Throws
• Tunics

Find more project inspiration for Louet Euroflax yarn by clicking here.

How do I care for Euroflax? 

While you don’t need to wash your skeins before knitting with them, it is definitely recommended to make a swatch which is washed and dried in the same manner as your project will be finished – this will help you account for any changes in gauge that washing will cause, since the fabric will relax considerably after its first wash.

Your finished items will be quite easy to care for: you can machine wash in cold water with a mild non-bleach soap – and machine dry it, too!  The linen softens considerably when it is washed; it is not necessary to “shock” the yarn or finished garment by freezing/thawing or hitting it against a hard surface to soften the yarn. You can completely dry the garment in a dryer, and iron it with a steam iron in order to soften it a little more, if you so desire.

Euroflax is available in over 40 different colors – which one is your favorite?

Dave and Pam from Louet North America will be visiting A Good Yarn Sarasota on May 7 with their Euroflax and Gems trunk show, stay tuned for more details!

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