How to Test if Fabric Is Linen

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. [1]
  2. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. 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]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I burn cloth and check is it linen?
    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.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How to check the blend percentage of fabric that is cotton and linen?
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Water
      • Fabric item

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Shrink Cotton Fabrics
      How to
      Determine if Silk is Genuine
      How to
      Unwrinkle Tulle (With or Without a Steamer or Iron)
      How to
      Adhere Fabric to Wood
      How to
      Clean Faux Fur
      How to
      Dye Faux Fur
      6 Easy Ways to Make Your Fabric Waterproof: A Complete Guide
      How to
      Tell the Difference Between Real Fur and Faux Fur
      How to
      Wash Burlap
      How to
      Make Felt
      How to
      Cut Fabric
      How to
      Dye Tulle
      How to
      Make a Tulle Tutu
      How to
      Gather Fabric into Ruffles
      Advertisement

      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

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,836 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Mia Baldwin

        Oct 21, 2019

        "wikiHow is the best! I had embroidery homework due, and I had not a clue how to embroider. Then my friend told me ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement