Madeira is an island group near Portugal that is famous for high-quality handmade linens.Most linens from the area come with tags.If you are unsure, test the fabric to make sure it is not a replica of cotton.Madeira linen is famous for its colors and stitching.It's possible to identify a piece of linen with some careful research and attention to detail.
Step 1: To test its weight, squeeze the fabric.
A piece of linen has more body than other fabrics.It will weigh more than a piece of cotton if it is linen.It will spring back into shape when you squeeze it.When you squeeze it, cotton flattens out.Synthetic fibers feel limp.Check the other features of the item because cotton feels heavier.
Step 2: If the fabric feels smooth and cool, you should touch it.
It always feels cool to the touch and slightly damp because linen absorbs water from the environment.Cotton feels rough due to tiny yarn fibers sticking up.Linen is known for its luxurious feel to the touch.Synthetic fibers feel the same temperature as the room you are in.
Step 3: If you want thicker fibers, inspect the Linen.
If you can spot different-sized threads, take a close look at the fabric.Linen has thicker threads woven in between thinner ones.These fibers are glossy and long.Other fabrics don't have these fibers.The fibers of other fabrics are the same length and thickness.
Step 4: Check to see if the fabric is evenly dyed.
Most linen is bright white.Vintage Marghab linen can be dyed.Light colors, such as a very pale red or gray, make the linen look off-white.The coloring appears uniform and consistent in a piece of linen.There may be yellow spots or holes in the threading if the dye is poorly done.There are many colors of cotton and other fabric.
Step 5: The fabric needs to be moist to make sure it has quick absorbency.
Put your finger in the water and press it against the fabric.The water will pass through the linen to the other side.The cotton and other fabrics take a long time for the water to reach the other side.
Step 6: If the fabric stiffens, wash it to see if it can be softened.
After washing, the plant fibers stiffen.Madeira linen will retain its shape.Once the fabric is dry, it begins to change shape.It can become softer with repeated washings.After repeated washings, other fabrics and fakes lose their shape and feel lighter.
Step 7: If the dry fabric retains its wrinkling, iron it.
First, dry the fabric, then iron it on a medium heat setting.wrinkles in the fabric may not come out right away because linen resists ironingWhen ironing, cotton and other fabrics will flatten out.It helps to iron linen when it is damp.
Step 8: One corner of the linen has embroidered designs.
Ordinary themes, such as fruit and flowers, can be found in vintage linens.The designs are very detailed.To hide the quality of the fabric, each design usually does not cover the entire linen.Some of the designs can be seen across the linen.Cheap-looking fabric, dull colors, and lack of details are things to be wary of.cutout designs are usually fakes.
Step 9: For individual stitching, check the embroidery.
Take a close look at the design work of vintage Madeira linens.You may be able to see the thickness of the thread.The design embroidered on it should be colorful.Special details like flower petals are worth paying attention to.A flower has individual petals.A fish has scales.All of the borders are individually sewn.
Step 10: There are some asymmetrical details in the print.
Different sized tree branches or birds in different poses are some of the details embroidered on the linens.There are different design details that can be a sign of authenticity.The designs should stand out from the background.Madeira pieces have the same design, but are handmade.A Marghab design may have flowers of different sizes.
Step 11: There are unique and soft color schemes.
The Marghab brand of linens were often made with unique color combinations.Light shades of red, green, and yellow are used to make the colors look warm and soft.The quality of the linen should be seen rather than hidden.The linens may be an off-white color such as a very light red or gray.Some designs have multiple colors.An identical horse design can be red on one item and yellow on another.
Step 12: If you have it, check the box for the linen.
You can figure out the manufacturer of the linen if it is still in its original box.The box will have it printed on it.If you don't know who the company is, you can search online for information about their products.The original packaging did not contain many pieces of vintage linen.Reusing boxes or fake labels can be dangerous.Do research to make sure the linen is clean.
Step 13: There is a small tag on linen.
The vintage Madeira linen had a tag that proved its authenticity.You can see a metal or paper tag.The metal tag is lettered.The company name is printed on the paper tags pinned to the linens.Your item may not be tagged because the tags are pinned onto the linen.Gremio tags have the letter G printed on them.A print number, a size number and a company name can be found on a paper tag.
Step 14: The tag has a print number on it.
Vintage brands like Marghab created thousands of different designs.If the linen has a tag, you can find out which embroidered pattern the manufacturer chose.This information can be used to gauge its authenticity.The print number can be used to compare linens made with the same pattern.
Step 15: You can search for the print design.
Print the company name and number on a piece of paper.You may be able to find pictures of the design.You can compare that to the linen to make sure it's authentic.
Step 16: Bring the linen to the tailor to be identified.
If the fabric is linen, any tailor or craft shop can help you figure it out.They can estimate when and where the linen was made.Some art historians who specialize in textiles may be able to help.The most complete collection of Marghab linens can be found at the South Dakota Art Museum.Try an auction house to verify vintage linen.One that sells a lot of fabric is a good choice.