Our ever-versatile, ever-stylish Nevada Linen

 

Natural fibers are perfect for the summer because they breathe and therefore are cooler on even the hottest (and most humid) days. Linen, for example, is a great option for warm weather garments because of its absorbent and durable characteristics. And we can’t go on talking about linen without mentioning its timeless style and drape. This combination of strong and elegant qualities come together to make linen one of our most loved substrates ever.

 

 

Linen’s popularity for garments has, like all fabrics, waxed and waned over the years. There was a time when women shied away from linen garments because they wrinkled. But more recently, we have learned how to treat linen and care for it and find beauty and elegance in its natural wrinkling. And because of the huge variety of weights and colors, it is more popular than ever with sewists everywhere.

Gone are the days when linen was either natural colored or bleached white – Nevada Linen comes in a wide variety of bright, bold, and beautiful colors.

 

 

Natalie used Nevada Linen in Classic Blue for her Wiksten Shift Top

 

Liz used Nevada Linen in Citrus with Lipstick bias binding for her Dress No. 1

 

Hands down, Nevada Linen (actually from Europe, and not Nevada as the name suggests) is one of our favorite choices because of its versatility. We love the way it comes out the drier – so soft and gently wrinkled. You can tell its quality from the substantial weight and depth of color. Garments made from Nevada only get better with age, continuing to soften with each wear.

 

Patterns to inspire you

 

Nevada linen is a perfect bottom weight linen, so naturally, pants, dresses and skirts are amazing made-up in this fabric. But, it’s also wonderful for any tops or jackets that can use the weight and body of the fabric. Here are some pattern suggestions to inspire you!

 

Pants

Pietra Pants and Shorts by Closet Case
Flint Pants by Megan Nielsen
Pants No. 1 by 100 Acts of Sewing
Emerson Pants by True Bias
Hudson Pants by Sewing Workshop
Free Range Slacks by Sew House Seven

 

 

 

Dresses

Farrow Dress by Grainline Studio
Apron Dress by The Assembly Line
Dress No. 1 by 100 Acts of Sewing
Stevie Tunic by Tilly and the Buttons
Washi Dress by Made by Rae
Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated

 

 

 

Tops and Jackets

Wiksten Haori by Wiksten
Cuff Shirt by The Assembly Line
Cielo Top and Dress by Closet Case
Shirt No. 1 by 100 Acts of Sewing
Uniform Tunic by Grainline Studio
Wiksten Shift by Wiksten

 

 

 

Our go-to method for getting that super soft, relaxed finish:

 

We use our favorite pre-treatment before we even cut into the fabric. We’ve shared this awesome technique before, but it bears repeating. Originally from sewing instructor and pattern designer Sandra Betzina, it’s perfect for any of the 100% linens we stock in the store. Note: DO NOT use this treatment on linen blends or metallic coated linens. Also, DO NOT use this treatment on any ready-to-wear linen garments, as it may cause unwanted shrinkage.

1. Before pre-washing, dry iron your linen with the hottest setting possible.
2. Using the hottest settings, machine wash and dry the fabric.
3. Remove the fabric when completely dry and enjoy your perfectly rumpled, crease-free linen!

Once you’ve sewn up your garment, machine wash cold and tumble dry to preserve color and longevity of the fabric. Steam iron on high heat when needed.

 

Shop all Nevada colors here, or if you’re local, come see and touch for yourself! I’m ready to pick some of our newer patterns to add to my linen wardrobe. Now is the time we have been waiting for! So many great linens and patterns for every body and every season!

What will you make out of this versatile and loved fabric?