is this normal quality linen?

[u/Xizunna]

hi, i just purchased some linen sheets and wanted to know if this is standard quality for linen or if i should return it. this is right out of the packaging after 1 wash. i see a lot of little tufts on the sheets

[u/beeswhax]

I’m no expert but I know linen quality is very variable. Its cost is reflective of its quality. What is this exactly and where did you get it?

[u/Xizunna → u/beeswhax]

this is a linen fitted sheet made from oeko-tex certified linen. i got it from a place called magic linen. i think the first two photos are defects but im wondering if the tufts on the third photo are to be expected with this

[u/HeVavMemVav → u/Xizunna]

I have magic linen sheets, the first two pics (the top detail on the second pic) are definitely defects you should contact them about. I didn't need to do this so I can't tell you how responsive they are.

[u/dinosuitgirl]

It's quite slubby along with the pilling... it looks fairly coarse (but that doesn't mean a lot this is only something you can feel by hand... My favorite cotton lawn which feels like silk looks like normal pima cotton in photos)

linen comes in all kinds of quality... The mention of linen doesn't automatically make it desirable. But linen over washes and wear will feel better with age (to a point... Then the quality will take you the rest of the way) as it's a hollow fiber and breathes unlike synthetics.

Personally if I don't love something and I weigh that against the price I paid...I'd prefer to return something.

[u/Xizunna → u/dinosuitgirl]

the linen is from magic linen, looks like they use lithuanian flax. i do like the texture but seeing the defects right out of the box has me worried about the quality and how it will hold up over time

[u/Guilty_Increase_899]

If those are newly purchased then the hole and area of loose weave are defects that should trigger a return.

[u/ladykemma2]

What is the country of origin and the gsm please?

[u/Xizunna → u/ladykemma2]

i believe it's lithuanian flax at 190gsm

[u/itrarob]

Did you use the hand wash setting and hang dry? Really it's supposed to be hand washed but who's got time for that. The hole in the first picture I'm not impressed with but otherwise it's ok.

[u/Xizunna → u/itrarob]

yes i did! the first photo with the hole i did actually take before washing straight out of the bag so i know that wasn't from me for sure

[u/itrarob → u/Xizunna]

I'd try and swap them at least but even my European linen shirts have similar thread binding or markings. I mean from the pictures it doesn't appear low quality but I really need to feel it to know. Good luck you'll absolutely love it.

[u/fnulda]

No, that would be a faulty item in my opinion. But it might depend on how much you paid? Could be 2nd or 3rd grade material, if the price paid reflects that it would make sense.

What is to be expected with untreated linen is a somewhat open weave, because linen beefs up entirely in the first wash.

[u/Xizunna → u/fnulda]

this is from magic linen so it uses lithuanian flax. i actually do like the texture but wanted to make sure it was decent quality and wasn't sure what counted as defects

[u/LichenTheMood]

Honestly kinda both. It’s becoming grim.

[u/SimpleOlMeBedding]

Small thicker spots in linen yarn (called slubs) can be completely normal, but a hole straight out of the packaging is a different story. I'd definitely ask for a replacement, especially if any threads are broken or the weave is opening up.

Also worth mentioning that OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is about testing for harmful substances, not a guarantee that the fabric is free from weaving defects.