How to Test if Fabric Is Linen

If you're not sure whether or not that tablecloth, dress, vintage doily, or bedspread is linen or some other fabric, here is a very easy test.


Steps

  1. Image titled TestLinenFabric Step 1
    1
    Moisten the end of a finger with water.[1]
  2. Image titled TestLinenFabric Step 2
    2
    Place this finger onto the fabric and press.[2]
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  3. Image titled TestLinenFabric Step 3
    3
    Check the other side straight away. If the moisture comes through the fabric immediately, it's linen. If the moisture is slower to come through, it'll be another fabric.[3]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I burn cloth and check is it linen?
    T. Chinsen
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Linen is made from plant fiber, and burning it will turn it to ash with a slight wood odor when burned. Synthetic fibers will melt and form a blob. There is also a distinct texture and weight to pure linen.
  • Question
    How to check the blend percentage of fabric that is cotton and linen?
    CatOg
    CatOg
    Community Answer
    Look on the end of the cardboard the fabric is wrapped on. If it doesn't have the percentages, it is a sign of poor fabric quality.
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Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Fabric item

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References

  1. ↑ https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/hr1_fibr.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/hr1_fibr.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/hr1_fibr.pdf
  4. Sourced from a hint in Polly Pennant's Household Hints, Shell NZ, 1955.

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 48,880 times.
59 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: October 2, 2020
Views: 48,880
Categories: Fabrics for Sewing and Crafts
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