Traditional Art Of Processing Flax For Textiles

[@leifforrest]

In my experience as an American, terms used are Flax, Flax seed, Linseed, Linen.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you for the insights ~Peace~

[@pondguru]

Well done for uploading such a detailed and niche video - so many channels just go with the click bait for views and earnings but it is this sort of thing which means so much more to viewers who genuinely want to learn and it's much appreciated. I did think that I was going to see Allan's beard become part of the yarn when he was spinning it as it looked so similar to the flax, lol The hand spinning method would often involve something called a lead 'spindle whorl' to maintain the spin momentum which was used from ancient times to late middle ages and they are often found while metal detecting (and they are sometimes nicely patterned too). Great work again Zed bringing a true craftsman to interested viewers. Groovy.

[@Zedoutdoors]

At the time of filming and publishing this I knew all too well that it may not have 'mass appeal' but I honestly didn't care as it's an area of knowledge that fascinated me as I knew very little about it. As always I sincerely appreciate your kind words and support my man ....Allan's facial hair is the definition of beard envy! ;) ~Peace~

[@primrozie]

indeed!

[@dondicey6528]

Thank you Zed and Allan. My father was a textile manager in NH. He made Pandora women's garments (1930's-1950's) at the Amoskeg Mills in Manchester NH. It was a fascinating place and full of history. Lots of Irish, English, German and Canadian folks that grew up creating wool and linen as you have shown. During the war, my Dad (as an engineering supervisor, he had polio so was 4F) supervised nearly 250 women to make gauze bandages for the war effort. They re-engineered and re-purposed the equipment to produce gauze instead of fine yarns/threads and make a big difference for the troops. These were water powered, (Merrimack River) leather belted driven pulleys on all the equipment. Can't imagine that but you've shown how that happens. Thank you for this education and inspiring video. DD

[@Zedoutdoors]

Hi Don I sincerely appreciate your kind words and for watching. What a fascinating story regarding your father and his history. Seeing the demise of all this knowldge is sad to see but at the same time it is making a resurgence which is a beautiful thing. Many thanks once again and take care ~Peace~

[@ronnyhuysmans4120]

thank you that was super peace for you all too

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Ronny ~Peace~

[@Infernovogel]

thats great! Thank you for this incredibly informative video. Its so rare to find this kind of wonderful, detailed content. Thank you so much!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind and thank you immensely for your kind words ~Peace~

[@helenbrown8572]

Spot on! I spin flax and this guy is interesting and factual. The term 'tow', (the short fibres that seem like waste) is where the term 'tow rope' and 'tow rag' comes from. Ships rigging, massive metre thick circumference ropes were made with tow because it is SO strong. The poorer classes used the tow to make their textiles which is why the street kids were called tow rags. I spin and knit tow...it gives a totally unique fibre, theres nothing else quite like it...and it gets better and softer the more its knocked about and washed! Is it weird that I prefer it to the finer 'line' fibre, probably, but Im ok with that 😜 My only caution to tell you is that it is very flammable...so be aware of that with open fires and cooking with gas x

[@Zedoutdoors]

Appreciate the insights and for watching Helen thank you! ~Peace~

[@PeteMcDermott]

There’s an old factory about 1 mile from me that used to produce linden, beside the factory there’s 4 really flat fields where the used to dry & bleach the end product. One field is now a cricket field & the rest is farm land. I remember learning about it in primary school, it’s now called the “bleachgreen” in Ardmore, L’Derry Northern Ireland

[@Zedoutdoors]

Oh wow thats amazing to hear John, always sad to see the majority of these factories no longer around and all that knowledge lost ~Peace~

[@charlesryan1637]

What an absolutely fascinating video, a piece of living history thank you!!

[@Zedoutdoors]

I appreciate that Charles thank you ~Peace~

[@SouthernRebelRanger]

You always publish things that I find extremely interesting, Zed! It's almost like you can read my mind.......GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!! LOL. Good video Zed, keep them coming!

[@Zedoutdoors]

As always my friend you are too kind! ~Peace~

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you for a well done demonstration, Allan! This is very helpful and I really enjoyed it! Thanks for posting, Zed!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Appreciate you watching and for your kind words Mike thank you, also you'll have to forgive me as i've only just become aware of your channel due to your comment and wow you produce some beautiful work! incredible skill and workmanship ~Peace~

[@StinnettSticks]

Thank you very much, Zed! I really appreciate your kind words. I've been watching your channel for a couple of years, and enjoy it a lot!

[@RuggedOutdoorz]

One of your best videos yet Zed I really enjoyed it and will most definitely give it a go

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you, do give it a go and connect with Allans group on facebook as there's lots to learn in there ~Peace~

[@affalaffaa]

Allan's an excellent teacher, made it seem so effortless when clearly it's anything but. Thanks to you both, another great one.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Amen to that, Allans a great orator and teacher on the subject. Appreciate your kind words and for watching ~Peace~

[@lianelinner9594]

Absolutely Fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Appreciate you watching and for your kind words Liane thank you ~Peace~

[@Waldhandwerk]

Very good Zed and Colleague!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Sepp! ~Peace~

[@kathyyoung1774]

Thank you both!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Kathy ~Peace~

[@shanbentz649]

Brilliant video! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you! ~Peace~

[@heytheregeorgeygirl]

A true work of love

[@Zedoutdoors]

Amen to that ~Peace~

[@AubreeGames]

Thank you! This is brilliant

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Aubree! ~Peace~

[@linusyootasteisking]

Thanks for this, absolutely brilliant!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you ~Peace~

[@ldsphotodude49]

Very interesting video. very educational Wow you find some very interesting people and they are very generous with their knowledge. Thanks Zed and Allen.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Gary, indeed i'm always grateful for anyone to take out time and share their knowledge for others to benefit from ~Peace~

[@sharonwalia4162]

I agree. I learned so much. Thank you from the USA.

[@marchollyer9382]

Fantastic Video Zed, love seeing people like Allan keeping all these traditional skills alive. Thanks for sharing.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Hope you get to meet him one day Hollyer, Allan's a fascinating guy and he grows the flax on his allotment ~Peace~

[@marchollyer9382]

True, Allan comes across as very knowledgable and good humoured gentleman, would be great to meet him and his hound. I will certainly look into growing some Flax myself next year, this under used plant has many uses.

[@TimTenClay]

I finally had time to give this a good watch; it was absolutely brilliant! Thank you (both) for taking the time to make it!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Appreciate you watching and for your kind words Tim thank you ~Peace~

[@andreborsch2266]

Thank you Zed and Allan. That was a very interesting demonstration. Always soooo much to learn from your videos Zed!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind Andre and I appreciate you watching my friend thank you ~Peace~

[@michaeljones5395]

Awesome Video! Thanks for sharing!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Michael ~Peace~

[@dontlive3611]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you ~Peace~

[@Wildernessoutside]

great video zed very interesting

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly my man ~Peace~

[@balista9831]

absolutely fascinating Zed, so that where the term "toe rag" must come from.about ten yrs ago i found a single stem of flax growing in my garden,such beautiful flower i looked it up saved the seed from that one plant and sowed them, i now do it every year and have 1000s of seeds.i have tried making cordage from them with little joy, now i know how, mine are about a foot tall so must be seed strain, will check his page out,thanks for another great vid. peace.

[@Zedoutdoors]

You I didn't even think about the term toe-rag! Awesome to hear about your Flax seeds, having spent time with Allan i'm gonna give it a go myself too. Appreciate you watching and for your kind words ~Peace~

[@ShannonJMcDowell]

Awesome thanks for sharing

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Shannon ~Peace~

[@cmau73]

That by far was one of the most interesting videos I have seen in some time. Thanks for that Zed!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Sincerely appreciate your kind words and for watching Chris thank you, alas if I had more time I would have filmed more with Allan but we're hopefully gonna meet up in the coming months to collaborate on some projects ~Peace~

[@ricky7396]

Superb Zed I eat the stuff daily. Never knew it could be used for textiles too. So like Hemp this is another super food super textile.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Most definitely and was new knowledge to me too. As you you're aware yourself Hemp was grown on a mass scale for hundreds of years in the UK before it was outlawed ~Peace~

[@MerriBrownwing]

Thank you very much! 👌👌💕💕 Such an important video...a process that has been going on since Biblical times and not enough info about. Ya'all are a treasure keeping to the traditional art ❣️❣️❣️👍

[@Zedoutdoors]

Sincerely appreciate the kind words and for watching thank you! ~Peace~

[@131dyana]

Thank you.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Dyana ~Peace~

[@gregkral4467]

Thank you so much folks, I have been wondering how linen was made with flax for a while. great job.

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kidn thank you ~Peace~

[@KreekyKat5983]

Brilliant. You are a genius at these how to style interview videos and really get the best out of the time with such talented, skilled people. I learn soooo much each time. Allan, I can't imagine how much time and sore hackle scratched fingers went into refining your skills but thank you for sharing so generously. If only all of KZbin was this good ;-)

[@Zedoutdoors]

Sincerely appreciate your kind words and for watching, i'm always grateful for the time folk like Allan take to allow me to document their processes that they have taken years to refine ~Peace~

[@tedzilla5826]

First time watcher. Thank you Zed for all you share. God Bless you.

[@Zedoutdoors]

I sincerely appreciate your kind words and for watching thank you ~Peace~

[@iamnickdavis]

Awesome, thanks Alan.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Nick ~Peace~

[@toddbell152]

I love this video Zed and that dog was a show by itself. May try growing some flax in a corner of my garden just to try and make some usable fibers.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Me and you both Todd, hoping to grow a little section of Flax myself too and hopefully process them ~Peace~

[@jamesblanton9364]

Fascinating stuff Zed-a-Rooney ! You're consistently informing me. Thanks and cheers.

[@Zedoutdoors]

As always Mr Blanton you are very kind thank you dude! ~Peace~

[@saraskold9631]

Thank you Zed for posting this. I spin wool and weave /knit crochet I have often thought of growing my own clothing. I never thought to use nettles will try to grow some flax next season

[@Zedoutdoors]

Oh wow Sara I didn't realise you did that, you must check out Allans Facebook group i've linked to if you haven't done so already as there's many discussions around that very topic ~Peace~

[@OregonMikeH]

Fascinating Zed! as always a Huge Thank You!! ... Mike.

[@Zedoutdoors]

As always Mike you are very kind thank you ~Peace~

[@theniceguysdiefirst]

love it.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly ~Peace~

[@bushcraftdads387]

Great film zed and Allan I have watched your three cottage films on your channel tonight all real well presented and I realy felt I lert something.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Indeed it's something I know very little about and what with so much history into the techniques deployed I found it fascinating to learn about ~Peace~

[@enlightenedneeds1512]

very nice video，its hard to see such linen video.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly ~Peace~

[@nickmiller3796]

Awesome video! I love to learn new things. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@Zedoutdoors]

me and you both Nick! appreciate you watching dude thank you ~Peace~

[@SpiritForest]

Very informative.. very time consuming but totally worth the effort. Thanks for sharing it!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Indeed as it also allows one to appreciate the versatility of the materials around us ~Peace~

[@elliottdmann]

Really amazing stuff, eye opening and educational. Thanks Zed!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly my man! ~Peace~

[@pamjenkins9102]

I thought I'd only watch a minute or two.... 41:25 later..... 👏🏿🤔 Thank you.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Many thanks for watching Pam! ~Peace~

[@purplecleo]

Really really lovely demo! I enjoyed this video!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you! ~Peace~

[@DebbieBuckland]

I'm hoping to do this with NZ flax plant. The linseed flax you use is very different. but they both have long fibers.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Very cool, do let us know how you get on Debbie ~Peace~

[@joshbabb7470]

I've been waiting for a video like this, videos like it on KZbin are rare and far between. Thank you for the amazing and wonderful videos zed. They are truly gems. Have a wonderful week. Best of luck. - Josh Ps. What other materials make good textiles ?

[@Zedoutdoors]

As always Josh you are very kind thank you, Nettles and Hemp are also very good for textiles and were historically used for hundreds of years ~Peace~

[@primrozie]

@@Zedoutdoors Nettles make a very nutritious drink also.

[@LeeStoffer]

Absolutely awesome video mate, Alan's delivery is so engaging and interesting, what a lovely fella and incredibly deep and overlooked subject. Got me totally fascinated, cheers dudes.👍

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thanks Mr Stoffer, I know this topic doesn't have the 'big' appeal to viewers but like yourself techniques like this fascinate the heck out of me. Allan's a big admirer of your work btw so would luv for the three of us to hook up one day ~Peace~

[@LeeStoffer]

Zed Outdoors I'd be well up for that if can can be arranged mate.

[@stephb8178]

That vid was fascinating, nice job Zed.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Steph I appreciate that very much ~Peace~

[@cnawan]

How fascinating and educational. I can see the similarities with our New Zealand flax/Phormium fibres - maybe Allan should pick up some sold as an ornamental plant and "take it back to its roots" ;)

[@colincoker204]

cnawan New Zealand flax was used for rope making once and with a lot of work can still be used for the same purposes Great to see how other people's use their different flaxs in their country

[@cnawan]

Indeed. It's ridiculously strong too - I once cut a single leaf off one of my plants, braided it together, tied it in a loop around a tree branch and did pull-ups on it. Years later, it's still there. :D

[@Zedoutdoors]

Would definitely be interesting to see how the Kiwi Flax works in terms of processing and great idea too ~Peace~

[@deepsouthNZ]

flax was very important to the Maori people in NZ, they made many things with it , baskets, mats, fish traps and ropes etc

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Lately you have shown us the processing of several types of fibers--from elm bark to rushes to flax. Doing things with natural fibers takes calories and time. It is a wonder to me that civilization produced enough cooperation and enough food to provide for a 'flax-level' material culture.

[@iamnizorro9781]

Well, much of this might have been used for connecting skins from animals, like wolf pelt, elk pelt, rabbit, deer. Etc. I do not know a lot about the southern part of our planet but that is what I am guessing it was used for a lot here in the north. Because as u say, a lot of the things done must have burned a massive load of calories. So perhaps it was not used in a massive massive way except for like the Jarl's bedroom :) But yeh, I do not know a lot about anything but the history outside scandinavia so I can't say anything there. I mean the closer to the equator you get, lesser thick clothing is needed. And one must also think how well they took care of the things they produced. We know, from what we have found from old tribes and civilizations, that everything from clothing to tools was very well made and very well taken care of. It was created by the best material they could get their hands on and it was well taken care of. You do not want to waste energy on creating new clothing and tools all the time. Siblings pass down their old clothing to the younger siblings etc, and hopefully if it it isnt ruined completely it can be repair a couple of times. So it's not like a completely new set of clothing was crafted for each individual. So yeh, idk. It's an interesting thought either way. It couldn't be easy, that's for sure. :D

[@Zedoutdoors]

Based on my limited knowledge historically segments of society were delegated / assigned specific tasks and jobs and so collectively everyone in essence did there bit. Totally with you on how it challenges our perceptions on how our ancestors from across the globe survived and thrived ~Peace~

[@dadgad68]

Thanks Zed very interesting video.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Appreciate you watching thank you ~Peace~

[@shanek6582]

I have the exact dog comb I bought in Tennessee, glad the old company is selling world wide.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Nice! ~Peace~

[@sosteve9113]

Its the same way they did it around here Great knowledge Atb Steve

[@Zedoutdoors]

Most definitely, parts of Britain were world centres for fibre and rope manufacturing using things like Hemp, Flax, etc for many years ~Peace~

[@josephkerley363]

That was really interesting!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Joesph ~Peace~

[@primrozie]

Thank you so much for this demonstration! I've had it in my heart to learn this process and up comes this video! I have wanted to develop another skill and this lovely plant is so useful. I had not known HOW useful until this video. I purchased flax seed for spring planting but I'm not sure if it's the proper kind. I was hoping to have it for both fiber for clothing and seed for grinding into meal. I have dietary issues. If you could direct me to a book or manual that I could use in addition to this video it would be much appreciated. Again, thank you! You made me so happy :)

[@Zedoutdoors]

Sincerely appreciate your kind words and for watching, if you look in the description below this video you'll see a link to a Facebook group Allan runs and it is a wealth of information and contains everything you are looking for. Best of luck! ~Peace~

[@primrozie]

@@Zedoutdoors Thank you :)

[@coydogoutdoors]

great vid zed looks like a great time

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly my friend ~Peace~

[@danirizary6926]

Fantastic video. Thank you :)

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind Dan thank you! ~Peace~

[@Standswithabeer]

Most Excellent Cool Stuff! Thank you.

[@Zedoutdoors]

As always appreciate you watching and for your kind words my man ~Peace~

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Great vid. Thx for sharing.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Many thanks my friend ~Peace~

[@ceejay3p]

That was interesting, thanks.

[@Zedoutdoors]

You are very kind thank you ~Peace~

[@dutchcourage7312]

Tnx a ton Zed and obviously Alan, i have been wondering about this for several years and it was amazing to see it explained so clear and detailed, for my generation and quite possibly also that of my parents (possibly even some of our grandparents) it's like rediscovering our past. And i agree with Alan in regards to this being a bushcraftskill, now as we know it used to be the skill women were occupied with more so than males, but in our 'gender neutral' (cough lol) day and age that means us men should not shun away from it. esp. since it was largely the spinning that the women did, the rest of the process was more then likely a family affair (and which male doesn't like hacking away with a sword) ... Little factoid thrown in, one thing i remember from an old painting, was that women actually spon with one hand, they used the other hand to hold the baby while they breastfed it ... and the process might as well have found a way in our actual DNA imprinted knowledge, because how else would one explain the popularity of the fidget spinner ;) ... joke added for free ... Hope to see more collaboration in the future, as i would love to find out about nettle processing (much easier to come by in the 'bush' than flax) and also dies ... was actually pretty amazed to see the dies that they made in the preview bits, it's sort of like our understanding of dinosaurs; we (or at least I, based on what picture material there is) imagine this largely grey and earth tone type past, but it looked it may have been quite colorful instead.

[@Zedoutdoors]

I appreciate your kind words once again, I have a put a link to Allans Facebook group in the description just below the video, in that group they link to his Nettle video which is a beautifully informative video you must watch ~Peace~

[@dutchcourage7312]

Tnx, like expected i have to log onto Facebook to watch it and i try and stay away from facebook as much as i can. But, i beat the system ;) maybe add this link to the description as well? vimeo.com/225183045

[@bassassin95]

great bit of info I will be having a go at that can you put up a link where to get some seeds from. cheers zed

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly my friend, if you take a look inside Allan's Facebook group i've linked to in the description just below the video there's many discussions on exactly that, where to source it, how to grow it, etc ~Peace~

[@bassassin95]

Zed Outdoors thanks I shall check it out peace

[@madsillywilly4408]

Great videos as always! Had no idea Sacha Baron Cohen was in to traditional arts. Mind blown!

[@Zedoutdoors]

You'd be surprised what he's capable of ~Peace~

[@kellymcnichols5240]

Loved the video & info. Do you need a Standard Temp & Soil Type To Grow, To Harvest & such, because I've noticed those I see are in Cooler Temps/Weather & seem to be more if a Forested Area. I live in Texas & Would like to know, So I Can Figure How & What Adjustments I'd Need To Make In Order Get Going. My plan is to go to a more Desert Area (nights & early mornings will have more Dew than mid & 50 to 80 miles surrounding Central Tex region. I'd love a little more insight. Than k s again for your video & sharing your knowledge.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Thank you kindly Kelly, if you check out Allans Facebook group I have linked to in the description just below the video you can ask your questions in there as they are all extremely helpful members ~Peace~

[@harrybouch7907]

Can you use purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) for this? I have some growing in my garden. I'm thinking about cultivating it and having a go at making some corsage or textiles.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Hi Harry I have linked to Allans Facebook group in the description below the video, if you join that they'll be able to answer your question ~Peace~

[@harrybouch7907]

@@Zedoutdoors awesome! Thank you :)

[@SprotKala]

Could there be a video for nettle processing. Allan mention one but..

[@Zedoutdoors]

Yes I have a put a link to his Facebook group in the description just below the video, in that group they link to his Nettle video which is fantastic ~Peace~

[@SprotKala]

Found it. Thanks :)

[@nullsnaggle5198]

Where can I aquire flax seeds because I can never find any online

[@Zedoutdoors]

I've linked to Allans contact details below the video, worth contacting him through there to see if he can point you in the right direction ~Peace~

[@coryofalltrades3568]

Only thing I would do different is wedge the dowels maybe, like on a axe handle.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Indeed a few guys mentioned that and good call, alas lots of lessons learnt on this build! ~Peace~

[@johnstewart8849]

So...flaxen hair does not mean full of sticks and seeds?

[@Zedoutdoors]

I've linked to Allans Facebook group that you ask in John ~Peace~

[@shanek6582]

Dude looks like Sasha Barron Cohen aka borat

[@Zedoutdoors]

Facial features are a little similar :) ~Peace~

[@joekavanagh5708]

Natural textile fibres. So why wear the man-made synthetic gillet?

[@Zedoutdoors]

Just because you can weave natural fibres doesn't mean you now have to wear nothing but natural fibres ~Peace~

[@gunner4lyfe723]

Man I thought that was hair

[@Zedoutdoors]

Can double up as that in a survival situation ~Peace~

[@strawberryhellcat4738]

Consider yourselves lucky he didn't demonstrate water retting and smellovision existed. Omigosh, it stinks so bad - like a cross between rotten vegetables and dog poo. If you do the water process, wear rubber gloves - the long dishwashing variety. The smell sticks to your hands. No wonder flax processors were exiled to the fringes of communities. Yuck.

[@Zedoutdoors]

lol appreciate the heads up and indeed makes sense why they were located where they were :) ~Peace~

[@raosprid]

This is great, I'm going to start growing some.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Awesome isn't it ~Peace~