keten

Keten is a textile term that refers to linen fabric and its fiber, produced from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). The word is used in several languages, notably Turkish, where keten denotes linen fabric in general. In textile contexts, keten describes both the yarns and the woven or knitted fabrics that result from flax fibers. Keten fabric is known for its strength, breathability, and natural luster, making it a popular choice for warm-weather clothing and home textiles.

Origins and production: Linen production begins with the cultivation of flax. After harvest, the flax stems undergo a retting process to separate the valuable fiber from the woody core, followed by breaking, scutching, and heckling to align the fibers. The fiber is then spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric. Finishing steps such as bleaching, dyeing, or softening may enhance the final appearance and hand feel.

Properties and care: Ket en fabrics are typically strong, durable, and highly moisture-absorbent, with a crisp texture that softens with use and washing. They tend to wrinkle more easily than some other textiles. Care typically involves gentle washing, avoiding high heat, and ironing while damp to restore smoothness. Linen fibers are biodegradable and can be recycled or repurposed.

Uses and sustainability: Ket en is widely used for shirts, blouses, dresses, bedding, and table linens. Compared with some cotton fabrics, flax generally requires less water and fewer pesticides, contributing to a favorable environmental profile when produced under good practices.

See also: Linen, Flax, Textile fiber, Fabric.