Unlike wool, linen is not elastic. So the yarn needs to flow loosely through your fingers to avoid pain and tension.

Due to its stiff nature, linen can be difficult to control on metal knitting needles. Wooden needles, on the other hand, will produce enough friction to keep the yarn in check.

The washing and blocking of a tension square (and the finished project) is particularly important when it comes to linen, as the feel and drape will be completely different to when you are knitting.

After washing, linen may feel a bit stiff. Light steaming can help with this. Linen will also become softer each time you wash it and wear it.

Linen yarns are also very suitable for crocheting. The robust plant fibres will help give stability to your crochet stitches and are a practical choice for net bags and tops that will retain their shape.

If you would like further information about linen fibre and the production of linen yarns, please read our article FROM FLAX PLANT TO LINEN YARN.