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Irish linen

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Irish linen is the brand name given to linen produced in Ireland. Linen has been spun and woven in Ireland for centuries, and during that long period the Irish have gained the skills and standards required to produce the best quality fabrics. Linen is made from the flax fibre, 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.

Weaving continues mainly of plain linens for niche, top of the range, apparel uses. Linen damask weaving in Ireland has less capacity, and it is confined at very much the top end of the market for luxury end uses. The companies continuing to weave in Ireland tend to concentrate on the quality end of the market, and Jacquard weaving is moving towards the weaving of specials and custom damask pieces, made to the customers own individual requirements. Fabric which is woven outside Ireland and brought to Ireland to be bleached/dyed and finished cannot carry the Irish Linen Guild logo, which is the Guild trademark, and signifies the genuine Irish Linen brand.

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 labelled 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.

The Irish Linen Guild's labels and swing tags stress this to avoid confusion for consumers and retailers. The Guild authorises the use of sew in labels displaying the distinctive "Carpet Beater" trademark which signifies genuine Irish linen.

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