Flax to Fabric:
A Hands-On Journey from Seed to Cloth
Flax has been spun into linen for centuries—now it’s your turn to be part of the story. Join our community-led project and experience the full journey, from planting your own flax to spinning and weaving it into fabric. Whether you’re an experienced fibre artist or just curious about slow textiles, this is your chance to reconnect with traditional skills, sustainable craft, and like-minded makers.
Flax Growing at The Spinning Barn
At The Spinning Barn, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in preserving traditional textile skills while embracing eco-friendly practices that respect the land and our resources. That’s why we’re launching a community flax-growing project—to bring together like-minded enthusiasts who share a passion for natural fibres, slow textiles, and hands-on craft.
Our vision is simple: individuals will grow flax at home, nurturing it from seed to harvest, and then we’ll come together—either in person or virtually—to process the plant into fabric. Through this project, we hope to reconnect with the rich history of linen-making while creating a sustainable and meaningful way to produce textiles.
Whether you're an experienced spinner or completely new to fibre crafts, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can rediscover the beauty of flax, support each other in learning its ancient processes, and weave a new chapter in its story.
What’s Involved?
Whether you join us in person at our studio or participate remotely through an exclusive online group, you’ll be part of a supportive community sharing knowledge, inspiration, and the joy of traditional textile-making.
Why Take Part?
What’s Involved?
This is a rare opportunity to engage with a slow, mindful process that honours the past while embracing sustainable practices for the future. Ready to grow, spin, and weave your own story?
Register your interest today and be part of the Flax to Fabric revival!
Whether you join us in person at our studio or participate remotely through an exclusive online group, you’ll be part of a supportive community sharing knowledge, inspiration, and the joy of traditional textile-making.
Groups
A Short History of Flax Growing in the UK
Flax (Linum usitatissimum), the plant from which linen is made, has been grown in the UK for thousands of years. Evidence of flax cultivation dates back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological finds suggesting that early Britons used it for textiles and rope-making. By the medieval period, flax was widely grown across the country, particularly in areas with damp, fertile soils.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, flax production became a key part of the British textile industry, with spinning and weaving communities thriving in regions like East Anglia, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Many households grew small plots of flax for home use, processing it into linen cloth. The government even encouraged flax cultivation at times, recognizing its importance for clothing, sails, and other essential goods.
The Industrial Revolution saw the rise of large-scale linen production, particularly in Northern Ireland, which became a global centre for linen manufacturing. However, by the 20th century, flax growing declined in the UK due to competition from cotton and synthetic fibres.
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in flax growing, driven by sustainability, craft traditions, and a renewed appreciation for locally produced textiles. Enthusiasts and small-scale growers are once again exploring the ancient art of flax cultivation, keeping this rich heritage alive.
About the Spinning Barn Flax Project Community
The Spinning Barn Flax Project is more than just a flax-growing initiative — it’s a place to come together, share your journey, and be part of a living tradition. Whether you’re sowing your very first flax seeds or you’re an experienced spinner, this community welcomes you with open arms.
Joining is simple:Just register on our website to become a member of the project. Once you’re in, you’ll gain access to a dedicated space where you can:
Share your progress — Post photos of your flax growing, harvesting, and spinning journey.
Join the conversation — Comment on others’ posts, offer encouragement, and ask questions.
Learn together — Exchange tips, techniques, and inspiration with fellow fibre enthusiasts.
Celebrate slow craft — Together, we are rekindling a time-honoured tradition, one thread at a time.
Through the Spinning Barn Flax Project community, we aim to build a friendly, supportive space where skills are shared freely, friendships blossom, and the rich history of flax and linen is woven into our modern lives once more.
Grow, spin, and weave your own story — join us today and be part of the revival.