Flax Top | Natural Linen Fibre for Spinning & Blending
Ashford Flax Top is a premium natural plant fibre valued for its exceptional strength, breathability and beautiful drape. One of the oldest textile fibres in the world, flax has been used for centuries to create clothing, household linens, ropes and fine textiles that become softer and more comfortable with every use.
Prepared as a smooth combed top, flax is ideal for hand spinning and fibre blending. It produces strong, elegant yarns with a distinctive crisp handle that gradually softens over time.
Unlike animal fibres, flax is a cellulose fibre and cannot be dyed with Ashford protein fibre dyes. For best results, use dyes specifically formulated for plant fibres.
Quick overview:
✔️ 100% natural flax (linen) fibre
✔️ Strong and durable plant fibre
✔️ Ideal for spinning and fibre blending
✔️ Naturally breathable and moisture absorbent
✔️ Becomes softer with use and washing
✔️ Available in 100 g and 500 g
✔️ Ashford product
Why choose flax?
Flax is prized for its durability, cool touch and timeless beauty. Its fibres absorb moisture efficiently, feel cool against the skin and produce yarns that improve with age while maintaining exceptional strength.
- exceptional strength
- naturally breathable
- excellent moisture absorption
- beautiful drape
- becomes softer over time
- naturally hypoallergenic
Perfect for hand spinning
Flax can be spun into smooth, durable yarns with a distinctive natural character. It is also an excellent blending fibre, adding strength and crispness when combined with wool, silk or other natural fibres.
Ideal for many textile projects
Flax is suitable for a wide variety of fibre arts and textile applications.
- hand spinning
- drop spindle spinning
- fibre blending
- weaving
- knitting and crochet
- home textiles
- decorative fibre arts
Specifications
- Brand: Ashford
- Material: 100% Flax (Linen)
- Available sizes: 100 g and 500 g
- Colour: Natural
Why choose flax over other fibres?
| Feature | Flax |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ |
| Drape | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of spinning | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
Flax is stronger than most natural fibres and develops an increasingly soft handle with use. Its durability and elegant appearance make it an outstanding choice for heirloom-quality textiles and long-lasting handspun yarns.
Complete your fibre studio
Browse Fibre Preparation Tools
Our opinion
Flax is one of the most rewarding natural fibres to work with. Its exceptional durability, crisp texture and ability to soften beautifully over time make it a favourite for hand spinners seeking elegant, long-lasting yarns with timeless appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flax the same as linen?
Yes. Flax is the plant, while linen is the textile fibre produced from it. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Can I dye flax with Ashford dyes?
No. Flax is a cellulose fibre and requires dyes formulated specifically for plant fibres.
Does flax blend well with other fibres?
Yes. It blends beautifully with wool, silk and other natural fibres, adding strength, durability and a distinctive texture.
Why does flax become softer over time?
The fibres naturally relax through washing and use, becoming increasingly supple while retaining their remarkable strength.
Available in 1kg and 100gm bags.