Difference between cotton and linen.

Cotton and linen are fabrics obtained from plant materials. They are able to absorb water well and allow air to pass through, so clothes made of such material do not irritate the skin. However, not everyone knows how cotton differs from flax. Let's try to figure it out.

General information

One of the named types of fabric is made from cotton fibers... They are formed first in the closed fruits of the plant, resembling capsules. And when the latter burst, the fibers burst out in the form of fluffy, cotton-like lumps. After a series of production operations, a very popular fabric in the world is obtained - cotton.

Cotton

Flax is the raw material for making other fabrics. In this case, the stems of the plant come into play. They are collected, turned into straw, dried. In the process of spinning, yarns are obtained, from which the fabric is then woven.

Linen

Comparison

Fabrics are often recognized by the way their fibers burn. But in our case, this method is not decisive. Both cotton and flax behave in the same way when burned: the fire flares up bright yellow, the air begins to smell of burnt paper, and in the end gray ash remains. Nevertheless, there are signs that distinguish cotton from flax.

The difference is already noticeable on visual inspection. The color of natural cotton is more “pure”, white or cream. At the same time, the surface of the canvas is matt, it absorbs light. One gets the impression that there is a soft tissue in front of the eyes. Indeed, it is quite pleasant to touch her. Flax itself has a grayish color, to which brown or green shades can be mixed. This fabric has a characteristic shimmer. In its structure, unevenly distributed thickenings are noticeable.

Flax is harsh. This material is more difficult to work with when sewing. During cutting, the fibers tend to shift, and the edge of the product will crumble heavily without careful processing. However, this fabric is more durable than cotton. Products made from it serve for a long time and do not stretch. It is not for nothing that artists often choose linen canvas for their work. The special texture of the material is also of great importance in this regard.

The advantage of flax is also its resistance to repeated washing. Cotton products, in turn, may shrink after such procedures. In addition, they quickly lose their original attractiveness, fading in the sun. Although cotton is dyed better. It is worth noting that both types of fabric wrinkle easily, but at the same time can be ironed. True, linen items require more heating of the iron.

What is the difference between cotton and linen, if you compare the sensations caused by clothing made of them? The fact that cotton things keep you warm. This soft fabric is often used for sewing underwear; models for children are made from it. At the same time, linen clothes are very suitable for wearing on hot days, they seem to cool the body. In addition, socks are sewn from this material, as well as ropes, nets, bags and other practical products.

Table

Cotton Linen
Unpainted - white or creamNatural color - gray, may be brownish, greenish
MattSlightly shiny
Smooth clothOn the fibers in places thickenings are noticeable
SoftRough
Lighter loadDurable
Sometimes shrinksDoes not change after washing
Things can deformDoes not stretch
Paints betterThe paint on it adheres worse
Fading on the sunKeeps the appearance longer
Iron at a lower temperatureRequires strong iron heat
Warm cloth"Cool" fabric
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