In regards to how linen was made in the colonial period, flax stalks had to age for several days or more to soften enough to pound and later hackle to sort the strands. Fibers in the stalk caused the flax to stretch when it was spun. As a result, weavers had to pull the fibers steadily to create an even thread.

Question

Some weavers added water to threadwork in hopes of improving their weaving and discouraging tangles, usually with mixed results. Other weaving fibers such as cotton, wool, and angora provided warmth and equally unlimited mobility, while being affordable for their wearers.
What we generally think of as flax is a durable plant that can be used as both food and fabric. In essence, flax is a fiber that has highly nutritious seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids and stalks that are used as a textile.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR ANSWER!
1. With which statement would the author likely agree?
a. Flax seeds have greater benefits than the stalks.
b. Flax is difficult to transform into thread.
c. Flax has many uses.
d. Flax maintains its shape when spun.
2. The first paragraph
a. explains how linen is created
b. compares the varieties of fibers
c. explains why flax is stretched
d. tells the benefits of flax

Answer 1

1. c. Flax has many uses.
2. c. explains why flax is stretched