Comfort and Handle Behaviour of Linen-blended Fabrics

Few can dispute the tremendous values of linen, which is one of nature’s greatest treasures. Linen is a longer-staple category, and as such the fibre is spun on a long-fibre spinning system. Due to the coarseness and stiffness of the fibre, linen fabrics are subjected to a strong bleaching action to reduce the stiffness of the fabric. Linen is also blended with other compatible natural and manmade fibres to achieve various structural and functional properties, and also to reduce costs. Fabrics produced from 100% linen and their blends with cotton and viscose have been studied for handle and comfort properties. Linen fabrics produce excellent aesthetic and drape properties. Linen fabrics are found to be tougher than cotton and other blends. However, linen offers the highest tensile resilience and the lowest friction coefficient under low stress-loading conditions. Linen fabric produces superior primary hand with respect to Fukurami and Shari. The total hand value (THV) of processed linen fabric is higher than that of cotton fabric as a summer wear. The blending of viscose and cotton improves the hand value of linen fabric.