Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Kortrijk’s Texture Museum launched the “Im2 flax” project, encouraging residents to grow flax, learn traditional processing methods, and create linen, fostering community connection and sustainable textile practices.
Kortrijk is celebrating its history with a new project from the Texture Museum. The museum wants local people to grow flax in their gardens. Residents can buy kits that include seeds and simple instructions for 1 square meter of flax.
The museum also sends monthly newsletters and videos with tips on how to care for the plants. Officials mentioned that this project is for everyone, even those who are not experienced gardeners. It helps people connect with the town’s past while learning how to grow plants.
What activities are involved in Kortriik’s Im2 Flax project?
According to officials, after the flax is harvested, the project moves to a group activity at the museum. Participants bring their crops for “processing days.” They learn old methods like retting, breaking and scutching.
They mentioned that these steps help turn flax into linen. With help from experts, they make their linen napkins. The project ends with a lunch where everyone uses their napkins. Officials said that this event celebrates Kortrijk’s history with flax and helps people connect.
The “Im2 flax” project, started by Alderman for Culture Felix De Clercq, invites people to grow flax. He mentioned that participants can take part in every step of the process. They can plant seeds, watch the plants grow, harvest them, and make fibre and fabric. He said that this hands-on work helps them appreciate the craft and connect with others. They can share tips and stories.
“With this initiative, we want to give people the chance to be part of the long, beautiful history of flax production in our region,”
Says Alderman for Culture Felix De Clerca (TBSK).
According to Alderman for Culture Felix De Clerca (TBSK), the “Im2 flax” project helps people think about how clothes are made. When they see how flax goes from seed to fabric, they start to wonder about the effects of modern textile production on the environment.
He mentioned that this project aims to promote better choices for everyday life. For more information about joining the project, tips, and events, people can visit the Texture Museum’s website.
“Growing flax yourself and seeing it evolve from seed to plant to fibre and ultimately to fabric, naturally raises questions about how we make and use textiles today,”
The alderman adds.
“In this way, the project also immediately inspires us to make more sustainable choices.”
