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Flax breaking machine and flax carder.
Crewel embroidery in pioneer times required the production of linen for background material. Flax (the plant used to make linen) was grown, harvested, soaked, and its non-fibrous material removed by working it through the jaws of a "flax breaker." The flax was then combed on the teeth of a "hatchel" before spinning and weaving.
(Compton County Museum Collection / Photo - Jackie Hyman)
Crewel embroidery in pioneer times required the production of linen for background material. Flax (the plant used to make linen) was grown, harvested, soaked, and its non-fibrous material removed by working it through the jaws of a "flax breaker." The flax was then combed on the teeth of a "hatchel" before spinning and weaving.
(Compton County Museum Collection / Photo - Jackie Hyman)