Located in Nova Scotia, TapRoot Fibre creates and distributes small batches of linen fibre products specializing in roving, batting, yarns including 100% tow linen and linen/wool blends. Growing flax on the farm began TapRoot Farms journey into linen production. They developed long line flax processing equipment, established the spinning mill and now create linen garments. TapRoot Farms aim to develop a sustainable, ethical, and fibre-arts business that locally produces linen pieces from seed to shirt.
Did you know that the scientific name for flax is Linum usitatissimum L. Usitatissimum which means ‘most useful.’ Flax is a self-pollinated crop widely adapted to temperate climates of the world. It does not require much watering, pesticides or fertilizer.
Flax contains fibres that may be used to make textiles. Flax can be broken, spun and woven to create the fabric linen. Some of the oldest woven fibres in history are linens derived from the stalks of flax plants.
Flax fibres are roughly the diameter and length of cotton fibres although flax fibres absorb about 50% more moisture than cotton fibres. This means that garments made from flax fibres ultimately feel cooler and drier than cotton garments, especially on hot humid days.
Canadian flax has a continuous growing demand due to increased overseas exports. According to Prairie Ag Hotwire data, flax prices are strong and were traded from $18.16 to 19.50 per bushel (up by $4.50 – $6.00 from last year).
Growing more flax to make linen clothing would reduce carbon emissions, and reduce the cost of shipping and flying fabric and finished garments in the country.