I was reviewing Jane's videos on finishing, but didn't see one where she is using 100% linen in both warp and weft. I'm sampling my sett now and plan to cut the sample off the loom so I can wet finish to see how much the linen softens and how much drape my sett provides. Should I give it a lot of handling in the sink? Does the temperature of the water matter? Would it be better to wash it in the washing machine and dryer?
Hi Meridee - linen takes its time to soften, and you don’t have to wash it gently depending on your warp. Picture our ancestors sitting by a river and pounding their cloth to wash it. If you are planning tea towels - then you could wash the sample the same way you’d wash them when finished. One washed and dried - I’d give it a good press to get the final result.