About

Why We Love Linen at Saint Fabrics

At Saint Fabrics, linen is one of our most cherished fibres—and for good reason.

Made from the flax plant, linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, with archaeological traces dating back to 8000 BC. For thousands of years, it has been valued for its durability, breathability, and timeless natural beauty.

Linen’s appeal lies in its remarkable strength, moisture-wicking and heat-conducting properties, and its unique high-lustre finish. It offers a gentle handle and an elegant drape, making it ideal not just for fashion, but for home interiors as well.

Linen is also a sustainable choice—it’s environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, anti-static, and naturally insect-resistant.

A hallmark of authentic linen fabric is the presence of slubs—those irregular, raised threads that give linen its signature texture. Once seen as imperfections, slubs are now celebrated in home decor for their natural charm. So desirable, in fact, that synthetic fabrics often try (and fail) to replicate them.

So what’s not to love?

At Saint Fabrics, we carefully source premium natural linens from renowned mills across both Europe and Asia, where flax thrives. Our collection reflects timeless quality and evolving trends, offering linens suitable for curtains, upholstery, bed linen, tablecloths, napkins, and more.

CARING FOR YOUR FABRIC

Linen Care Instructions:

Linen is made from natural fibres, which means it requires a little extra care to maintain its beauty and longevity. Here's how to look after your linen textiles:

Washing

Dry cleaning is recommended, especially for structured or tailored items. If dry cleaning isn’t practical, wash your linen on a

gentle cycle using lukewarm or cold water. Always use a mild detergent — avoid products containing optical brighteners or bleach, which can weaken fibres and cause discolouration.

Drying

Line dry or flat dry whenever possible to preserve the shape and texture. Avoid tumble drying, which can cause shrinkage or excessive creasing.

Ironing

Iron linen while slightly damp, and always on the reverse side to protect the surface. Use a medium-hot iron for best results.

Storage & Sunlight

Linen may shrink slightly after the first wash — this is normal for natural fibres. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to uneven fading. Try to keep your linen items out of harsh sunlight, especially when drying or storing.

Linen gets softer and more absorbent with every wash, developing a beautifully relaxed feel over time — one of the many reasons it’s such a beloved natural fabric.

GENERAL FABRIC CARE:

All our fabrics are made from natural fibres, and as such, a shrinkage of up to 5% is expected — this falls within international textile standards.

We strongly recommend pre-washing your fabric before cutting or sewing. Alternatively, please allow for shrinkage by adjusting your measurements or pattern sizing to accommodate the first wash.

Taking this step will help ensure the best fit and finish for your final product.

INSPECTION

At Saint Fabrics, we are dedicated to delivering only the highest quality textiles. Every meter of fabric is physically inspected by our highly skilled fabric inspectors to ensure it meets the SABS standards for first-grade fabric. This hands-on approach guarantees that our clients receive only the best.

We offer a wide range of stock fabrics for quick turnaround orders, all at competitive prices. Each roll is carefully inspected before being dispatched.

Visit our showroom in Maitland to explore our full collection in person. You'll also find exclusive showroom-only deals, including select fabrics and end-of-range items at reduced prices.

For personalised assistance, feel free to contact our experienced sales team with any general enquiries—we’re always happy to help.