Linen Fabrics by the Metre – Natural, Breathable & Timeless
Linen fabric is one of the oldest and most valued natural textiles, prized for its exceptional breathability, strength and elegant drape. Whether you're designing summer clothing, home textiles or creative projects, linen offers a unique combination of comfort and sophistication. In this category, you'll find a carefully selected range of linen fabrics by the metre, from lightweight pure linen to practical linen blends and stretch varieties.
From independent fashion designers and ateliers to interior stylists and textile professionals, the right linen fabric determines the quality and character of your finished piece. Our collection includes different weights, weave structures and finishes to suit both garment construction and interior applications.
Which Types of Linen Fabrics Are Available?
Our linen fabric range includes various constructions and finishes, each suited to specific uses. Below are the main fabric types in this category.
100% fine linen with high-definition digital prints offering vibrant colours and detailed patterns. The natural linen base provides breathability and texture, while digital printing allows for custom designs and small-batch production. Ideal for statement dresses, blouses, skirts and decorative cushions.
Lightweight 100% linen woven from finer yarns, creating an elegant and smooth fabric with excellent drape. The refined hand makes it perfect for summer shirts, blouses, dresses and luxury home textiles where lightness and breathability are essential.
A linen-viscose blend featuring a slub weave that creates subtle texture variation throughout the fabric. The viscose adds softness and drape while maintaining the natural linen aesthetic. Suitable for flowing garments, tunics and modern interior textiles.
Blending linen and cotton combines the breathability and structure of linen with the softness and stability of cotton. Available in chambray, herringbone and striped weaves, these fabrics offer reduced wrinkling while maintaining natural characteristics. Versatile for both clothing and light interior applications like curtains.
Pre-treated linen that undergoes enzyme washing to achieve immediate softness without the stiffness of raw linen. Available in an extensive colour range, this fabric is ready to work with and requires minimal break-in time. Excellent for clothing, bedding and window treatments.
Linen washed with pumice stones to create a soft, lived-in texture with subtle colour variation. The stonewashing process gives the fabric a relaxed vintage character. Many stonewashed linens feature slub weaving for additional visual texture, making them popular for casual fashion and contemporary interiors.
Linen blended with a small percentage of elastane provides the natural appearance of linen with added stretch and recovery. This combination offers comfort and ease of movement while maintaining breathability, making it ideal for fitted trousers, skirts and tailored garments.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Linen Fabrics?
Selecting the appropriate linen fabric depends on your intended application and desired characteristics. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Weight & Drape: Lighter linens (under 200g/m²) suit flowing garments and sheer curtains. Medium to heavy weights (200-350g/m²) work better for structured clothing, upholstery and substantial curtains.
- Weave & Texture: Plain weave is the most common and versatile. Slub weaves add character and visual interest. Herringbone and chambray offer subtle pattern within the fabric structure.
- Treatment & Finish: Raw linen has natural stiffness that softens over time. Pre-washed varieties (enzyme or stonewashed) offer immediate softness and a relaxed aesthetic.
- Fibre Composition: Pure linen (100%) provides maximum breathability and authentic texture but wrinkles easily. Blends with cotton or viscose reduce creasing and add softness while maintaining natural appeal.
- Shrinkage: Linen typically shrinks 3-7% on first wash. Pre-washing before cutting is essential for garments and projects requiring precise dimensions.
- Colour & Dyeing: Natural linen ranges from off-white to light tan. Dyed linen should be colourfast, though some fading over time is characteristic of the fibre and adds to its lived-in charm.
- Width: Most linen fabrics measure 135-150cm wide. Consider pattern layout and cutting efficiency when calculating fabric requirements.
- Care Requirements: Linen is generally machine washable at 30-40°C. Press while slightly damp or use steam for best results. The fabric becomes softer with repeated washing.
Applications & Creative Uses
Linen fabric's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of professional and creative applications:
- Summer dresses, shirts, blouses and trousers
- Tailored jackets and blazers
- Curtains and window treatments
- Cushion covers and soft furnishings
- Bedding, duvet covers and pillowcases
- Table linens, runners and napkins
- Kitchen textiles and tea towels
- Tote bags, pouches and accessories
- Wall hangings and decorative panels
- Sustainable fashion collections
- Children's clothing and nursery textiles
Combining different linen types — such as a structured linen base with digital printed linen details, or layering sheer linen curtains with heavier stonewashed panels — creates depth and visual interest in both fashion and interior design projects.
Professional Sewing Tips for Linen Fabrics
- Needle Selection: Use a universal or microtex needle in size 80-90 for medium-weight linen. Lighter weights work well with size 70-80. Sharp needles prevent snagging.
- Thread Choice: Strong polyester thread provides durability. Cotton thread is suitable for natural fibre purists but may be less strong for structural seams.
- Pre-washing: Essential for most projects due to shrinkage (typically 3-7%). Wash at the temperature you plan to use for the finished item.
- Cutting & Handling: Linen can fray significantly. Handle cut edges carefully and finish seams promptly with overlocking, zigzag stitch or French seams.
- Pressing: Press with steam or while fabric is slightly damp for crisp results. Use a pressing cloth for darker colours to prevent shine.
- Pattern Selection: Linen works beautifully with simple, classic silhouettes that showcase the fabric's natural texture. Avoid overly detailed designs that may be lost in the weave.
Why Order Linen Fabrics by the Metre from Rijs Textiles?
Our online fabric store allows you to order linen fabrics by the metre, so you purchase precisely the quantity you need. This flexibility suits both small-scale makers and larger production runs. With an extensive colour palette and variety of finishes available, you can easily match your fabric choice to your design concept or brand identity.
Wholesale pricing is available for larger quantities, making our collection suitable for fashion brands, interior design studios and professional textile buyers. Clear product specifications, including composition, weight and width measurements, help you make informed decisions for your projects. Fabric samples can be ordered to assess quality, colour and drape before committing to larger purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Linen Fabrics
What is the difference between 100% linen and linen blend fabrics?
100% pure linen offers maximum breathability, natural texture and authentic character. It wrinkles easily, which many consider part of its charm. Linen blends (typically with cotton or viscose) provide softer hand feel, reduced wrinkling and improved drape while maintaining much of linen's natural appeal.
Which linen fabric is best for summer clothing?
For lightweight summer garments, choose Fine Linen or Linen Viscose Slub for their breathability and drape. Digital Print Linen works well for statement pieces. Stretch Linen offers additional comfort for fitted styles in warm weather.
Can linen be used for curtains and interior projects?
Yes. Linen is excellent for curtains and window treatments, offering natural light filtering with elegant drape. It's also popular for cushions, upholstery (heavier weights), table linens and bedding. Enzymewashed and stonewashed varieties provide immediate softness for interior applications.
Does linen shrink after washing?
Linen typically shrinks 3-7% during the first wash, with most shrinkage occurring in length rather than width. Pre-washing before cutting is strongly recommended for garments and projects requiring precise dimensions. Some pre-treated linens (enzymewashed, stonewashed) have reduced shrinkage.
Why does linen wrinkle so easily?
Linen fibres lack elasticity, which causes characteristic wrinkling. Many people embrace this as part of linen's natural, relaxed aesthetic. To minimize creasing, choose linen-cotton blends or fabrics with elastane. Pressing while slightly damp helps achieve crisp results when desired.
What is the difference between stonewashed and enzymewashed linen?
Stonewashed linen is washed with pumice stones, creating a soft texture and slightly faded, vintage appearance. Enzymewashed linen uses enzyme treatment for softness without colour fading, maintaining vibrant colours while reducing stiffness.
Which needle and thread should I use when sewing linen?
Use a universal or microtex needle in size 80-90 for most linen weights. Lighter fabrics work well with size 70-80. Strong polyester thread provides durability for seams. Finish raw edges promptly as linen frays easily.
Can I order fabric samples before purchasing?
Yes. Fabric samples are available for most linen fabrics via the "Fabric Sample (€0.50)" button on each product page. Samples allow you to assess colour accuracy, texture, weight and drape before ordering larger quantities.
Do you offer wholesale pricing for linen fabrics?
Yes. Wholesale price tiers are displayed on individual product pages and apply at specified quantities. For larger production orders or roll purchases, please contact us for custom pricing and availability.
Is linen fabric sustainable?
Linen is considered one of the most sustainable natural fibres. Flax (the plant linen comes from) requires minimal water and pesticides compared to cotton, grows in poor soil conditions, and the entire plant can be used with minimal waste. Linen fabric is biodegradable and becomes softer and more beautiful with age.
