From Fiber to Fabric

Making flax thread was a multi-step process. The flax was pulled up by the roots, tied into bundles, and dried. The seed pods were removed, and the tough fibers were separated from the coarse woody stalks by soaking the plants. After soaking, the flax was dried again.

The dried flax was then broken using a flax break, which shattered the hard outer shell and exposed the usable fibers. The broken flax was scutched to remove coarse fibers. Instead of or alongside scutching, a tool called a sword beater could also be used. Final cleaning was done with a hackle and a brush.

The cleaned fibers were then spun into thread using a spinning wheel. Finally, the thread was woven into fabric on a loom.

Caption: Kylä-Hulmi farm, Karsattila, mid-1970s.
Photo: Collection of the Loimaa Society.
Donor: Arja-Maija Topi-Hulmi-Lumento.