I’m undertaking a redecorating project using linen and thought I’d share a few tips with the sewers in our community. Linen’s durability, eco-friendliness, and ease of handling make it an ideal fabric for garment and home decor projects. For a quick overview of linen’s qualities check out this
link.
This has been a labor of love and has taken some time to gather. It is my hope you’ll be inspired to create your own pieces and bless others through your artistry.
Fabric Weight
Linen comes in several weights and its important to consider the end result you’re seeking when choosing.
- Lightweight: 3.5 oz | 100 grams. Sheer. Not exactly see through but light will pass through it. Handkerchief linen falls in this category.
- Medium weight: 5.0 oz | 150 grams. Ideal for light clothing (summer) but can be translucent depending on the color and lighting. If used for garments a lining or slip is ideal.
- Heavy Weight: 7.0 oz | 200 grams. Ideal for everyday clothing for spring and fall in cooler climates and winter in warmer ones. Can be used for home decor items including kitchen and bath towels, napkins, and aprons if you want a smooth effect.
- Heavy Duty: 10.0 oz | 200+ grams. Commonly known as canvas weight. It is useful for outerwear and rugged clothing like farm work, outdoor chores, or play clothing for children. Utility kitchen towels, aprons, and strong tote bags would fall in this group.
Linen items make excellent handmade gifts. Napkins, aprons, and table runners are quick to sew and delight their recipients. Onesies and receiving blankets are a lovely option for expectant mothers.
Fabric Grades and Pre-Treatment
Grade variations depend on the quality of the fibers. The finer they are (without any imperfections and slubs) the more you’ll pay. You can get great medium quality linen that is more than sufficient for your projects. Embroidery is commonly added to napkins and towels through monograms or designs. Its a nice personal touch that could be given as wedding or housewarming gifts.
Shrinkage can occur and pre-washing is ideal. If you’re uncertain how much you’ll lose two tester samples will reveal it. Pre-wash the first according to your preferences. Two to three cycles are common. Air dry if you plan to do so with the item or dry on the highest dryer setting. Compare the two by measuring. If you need to purchase more fabric it’s better to know upfront. ;-)
Home Decor Dimensions
If you’re interested in stocking your cupboards or contemplating making gifts for others here’s some standard measurements to go on. The towels are larger. This will accommodate those who don’t mind a little shrinkage and don’t wish to pretreat. The same is true for the sheets. You can adjust the dimensions if desired.
What can you make? Everything under the sun! From bed linens and shower curtains to throw blankets and pillow covers. The options are endless and long-lasting.
Bath Linens
- Bath Towel: Measures 32" x 52" with a 2" hem all around, mitered corners, and a 4" loop to hang it by (if desired).
- Bath Sheet: 38" x 70"
- Hand Towel: 18" x 24"
- Washcloth: 12"x 12"
- Bath Mitt: 6" x 9"
- Bath Mat: Regular 19" x 28" and Large 24" x 34"
- Shower Curtain: 72" wide x 72" long. Use with a fabric waterproof liner, to keep fluidity.
Bed Linens
- Throw Blanket: 58" wide x 86" long. May include a 1" fringe on all sides.
- Coverlets: Throw 54" x 72"; Queen 90" x 100"; King 100" x 120".
- Duvet Covers: Twin 68" wide x 88"; Queen 85" wide x 88"; King 106" wide x 90"; CalKing 106" wide x 98"
- Quilt (with smooth backing): Throw 54" x 72"; Queen 90" x 100"; King 100" x 120"
- Flat Sheet: If your mattress is deeper than 12" (30 cm), you will need to go up a size. An 8" tuck is the minimum. For really deep mattresses, use an oversized sheet. Twin 80" wide x 120"; Queen 100" wide x 120"; King 118" wide x 120"; CalKing 118" wide x 125"; Supersize 127" wide x 127".
- Fitted Sheet: Standard fit (all sizes): 14" deep (recommended for mattresses up to 12" deep). Deep fit (all sizes): 19" deep (recommended for mattresses up to 17" deep). Twin 38" x 73"; Queen 59" x 76"; King 75" x 76"; CalKing73" x 83".
- Pillow Sham: Standard 20” x 26”; Queen 20" x 30”; King 20" x 36"; Euro 26” x 26”; Square 24" x 24" (these are 2" smaller than a standard euro size for a snug fit and greater back support).
- Pillowcase: Standard 20" x 26"; Queen 20" x 30"; King 20" x 36"; Euro 26" x 26".
- Bedskirt: Twin 38" wide x 76"; Queen 60" wide x 80"; King 76" wide x 80"; CalKing 72" wide x 84".
Kitchen and Table Linens
Tables vary in width and length, but the drop should not be less than 8", and generally not more than 15"– a practical length, as it is too short to sit on! 10" to 12" is usual. Round tablecloths always have a stabilized raw edge for drape and fluidity, rather than a hem. The advantage of the more finely woven smooth linen is its width, so it makes a flowing, full tablecloth for virtually any size table.
- Tablecloth: Small 60" wide x 60"; Medium 72" wide x 118"; 90" wide x 144". Your linen tablecloth can be laid-back with beautiful raw edges set off by a delicate pin-tucked border, or formal with deep, expertly mitered hems. Spectacular when draped to the floor, or try it diagonally, or loosely rumpled, for a romantic look.
- Apron: One size 34" wide x 27" long.
- Napkin: Standard 20" x 20"; Large 24" x 24". Choose from a beautiful raw-edge detail, set off by a pin-tucked border, or go for a more formal look with an expertly tailored deep-hem.
- Cocktail Napkin: 6” square.
- Placemat: 18" wide x 14" long. The fabric is doubled in the middle for substance.
- Table Runner: 18 in wide x 4 ft long; 18 in wide x 6 ft long; Increase the length in 2 feet increments as needed.
- Tea Towels: 27" x 18".
- Bread Bag: Round 12" square; Long 5" x 20" rectangle.