SOFTENING AND SHRINKING

Together with our printers, a wonderful established firm based in London since the nineteen eighties, we offer two optional finishing treatments for our raw pure linen. They are most effective when applied together. These treatments are non-toxic and present no environmental hazard. They are applied after printing to help provide enhanced longevity and a beautiful finish to your cloth.

Stenter softening is a process used to improve the texture, drape, and durability of fabrics. It improves the physical handle and feel. Creases also become looser and fall away more easily.

This process is usually followed by Sanforization to further soften and finish the fabric.

Sanforization is a treatment for fabrics to reduce shrinkage from washing. It works by shrinking the weave, and fixing the cloth in both length and width (before cutting and producing) to reduce the shrinkage which would otherwise occur after washing. 

While we highly recommend our linen as dry clean only - the process also aids durability and overall softness.

The cost of the combined treatment is £5 per metre 
You will also require an extra 10% of fabric with your order.

FLAME PROOFING

In the UK many fabrics are legally required to pass a cigarette and match test before they can be used for upholstery. This legislation created in 1988 has meant the exponential use of fire retardant chemicals. Many people now feel uncomfortable having in the home and there are current moves to relax the rules.

Thankfully, there is an exemption for natural fabrics with over 75% natural fibres. This is just another reason why linen is the most sustainable and healthy fabric to choose for the home. The linen we offer at Sophie Harpley is 100% pure natural flax. No man-made fibres, no plastic, nothing toxic - just flax.

We understand however that commercial customers are bound to be extra stringent in meeting current regulations. For this reason our linen is sold as raw and unfinished, allowing our trade customers to choose flame proofing as an additional treatment as required. 

We can recommend excellent UK companies who provide flame proofing and other finishes for 'high performance' on request.

Please get on touch for any further details on any of the treatments described.