Tip for pretreating linen

[Fabric Lover]

We all know how much linen creases - so much so I’ve avoided buying any for a while! Might reconsider though after reading this blog post from Sandra Betzina - sounds hopeful! Avoiding linen wrinkles

[Fabric Lover]

Not for me I’m afraid. I don’t like to arrive somewhere looking like I’ve slept in whatever I’m wearing!

[wrenkins]

My MIL wore pure linen to our wedding.
That's all I'm saying.

[BrendaP]

I hope it was Irish linen.

[Acorn]

Some people look good in creased linen.  Other people look like bag ladies.  Sadly I'm the latter.   

[UttaRetch]

I prefer the heavy linen that doesn't crease much.

[wrenkins]

Probably!  It wouldn't have looked out of place full of potatoes! 

[Efemera]

I’m a bag lady look a like too when I wear it...not for me either.

[Tamnymore]

I look like a bag lady whatever I wear!
But I love linen and linen blends and will happily wear it despite the creases.

[Renegade Sewist]

We all know how much linen creases - so much so I’ve avoided buying any for a while! Might reconsider though after reading this blog post from Sandra Betzina - sounds hopeful! Avoiding linen wrinkles

It does work well, along with the basic washing and drying 3 times, hot water and dryer before sewing.  You want all the shrink out of the way at the beginning. You end up with the ever so slightly rumpled just back from safari look. I like it and not at all a street person.

Another secret is to ALWAYS use a press cloth with linen. Otherwise it takes a shine like nobody's business. Think of all those banquet tablecloths all starched and shiny. Not a good look for clothing.

My press cloth is silk organza and works well with linen.

I'm actually wearing real Irish linen pants I made and treated this way. Wash in warm, tumble dry warm until not quite dry then hand smooth quickly and I'm done. So comfy.

You might also like to try Brussels Washer linen, usually a 60% linen/ 40% rayon blend or the linen-cotton, bamboo or silk blends. I use the Brussels Washer a lot. It's a nice mid weight that's good for pants when it's warm or tops/shirts.

[Missie]

Personally I think it's part of the charm. Linen wrinkles, that's how you know people are wearing real linen not just something that looks like it.

I totally agree with you Fran!

[sewmuchmore]

I look like a bag lady whatever I wear!

Me too, it can be the most expensive or cheapest fabric. I have a friend who can spend next to nothing on a Primark top and she looks like it cost her mega bucks, how can that be?

[wrenkins]

I had a work colleague who has two sons often taken for twins. One a scruffy Herbert, the other pins on paper even when dressed the same.
Who knows...?