Scottish Beetled Linen ‘Graphite’

Woven in Scotland using a variety of differently sized yarns, then dyed deepest graphite grey, this linen finally travels to a 300 year old mill in Northern Ireland to be beetled. The finished cloth posseses a slightly stiff handle like a freshly starched shirt, and has a beautifully smooth and lustrous surface; the resulting characteristics of the beetling process. In this unique finishing technique the linen is wrapped around an iron beam, then repeatedly pounded from above with wooden hammers which rise and fall via a series of ancient slow moving cogs and gears, all powered by a waterwheel in the nearby river. The combination of different yarns in the weave gives the cloth a beautiful strie effect as it catches the light, like a subtle tonal pinstripe pattern.

The slightly stiff and starchy feel of this linen can be used to great effect on deep buttoned or tufted furniture, as neat and sharp folds, and pleating, can easily be achieved.We recommend using this fabric for upholstery receiving light to medium wear. The linen also works wonderfully made up into curtains, as the slightly stiff handle gives a sculptured look to the drape. Roman and roller blinds also work very well, as does using it to cover lampshades or scatter cushions.

This beetled linen has similar properties to silk fabric, where contact with water or grease could leave a mark on its surface, and repeated marking would build with time to an interesting overall picture of gentle patination; akin to the beautiful patina that leathers and suedes develop with use. Alternatively, the application of Scotch Guard spray reduces the likelihood of water staining, should you wish to keep the linen looking ‘as new’ for the longest possible time. We encourage taking the relaxed approach and letting any marks build up, and enjoying the effect of this unique characteristic; though in the case of this particular linen, the very dark colour would hide much of any patina that may build though use and wear. This advice is likely only relevant if you wished to use this linen for upholstery, as opposed to drapes and blinds which are unlikely to become marked through use.