Lininers

Lininers is a term used to describe individuals who work in the textile industry, specifically in the processing of flax fibers to produce linen. This process historically involved several distinct stages, each requiring specialized skills. The initial step was retting, where flax stalks were submerged in water or dew to loosen the woody core from the fiber. This was followed by scutching, a process of beating or scraping the retting stalks to remove the woody material and separate the long, desirable linen fibers. Hackling, or combing, was then performed to further separate and align the fibers, removing short staples and preparing them for spinning. Finally, the aligned fibers were spun into yarn, which was then used for weaving into linen fabric.

The work of lininers was often physically demanding and could be performed in specialized mills or, historically, in homes as part of a cottage industry. The quality of the linen produced depended heavily on the skill and care of the lininers at each stage. While the term might evoke images of historical artisanal work, the principles of flax processing continue in modern industrial settings, albeit with mechanized equipment. The legacy of lininers is tied to the production of one of humanity's oldest and most durable fabrics.