How to Test if Fabric Is Linen

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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

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  1. Step 1 Moisten the end of a finger with water.
    [1]
  2. Step 2 Place this finger onto the fabric and press.
    [2]
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  3. Step 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

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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
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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

Shaelynn Haning
Reviewed by:
Shaelynn Haning
Professional Tailor & Business Owner
This article was reviewed by Shaelynn Haning. Shaelynn Haning is a Tailor & Business Owner based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Shaelynn is the founder of the highest-rated and most-reviewed alterations and tailoring service in Oklahoma, Tallgrass Tailor, employing a team of skilled craftsmen and women from across the country and the world. Shaelynn is a member of the State of Oklahoma Education Careers and Technologies Board and a member of both the Custom Tailors and Designers Association and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She is the host of The Sew Show with Shae, an entertaining and educational sewing channel posting weekly videos on YouTube. Shaelynn earned her BS in Apparel Design and Product Development from Marist College. This article has been viewed 60,836 times.
61 votes - 82%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: October 2, 2020
Views: 60,836
Categories: Fabrics for Sewing and Crafts
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,836 times.

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