1. Why Italian and not Egyptian cotton?

When you buy Italian cotton sheets you actually buy the best of both worlds as Italian mills buy most of their cotton from Egypt. It is a well known fact that the Egyptians grow the best quality cotton in the world and once that the Italians add their experience of thousands of years in weaving textiles you end up having the best cotton fabrics in the world.

2. What is he difference between jacquard and damask?

Both jacquards and damasks are woven textile designs. Woven jacquard designs are created on jacquard loom and are generally used for sheeting and table cloth weight fabrics. Woven damask is generally created with heavier yarns to create bed covers fabrics, wall coverings and furniture fabrics. In Australia we tend to use the term damask to describe also the jacquard fabrics

3. what is thread count?

Thread count has become a term used to describe the quality of cotton fabrics used for sheets and pillowcases. You can actually count the number of threads per square inch of a cotton fabric using a magnifying “pick glass” which measures 1” square. You can physically count the number of threads in the wrap (vertical yarns), and the weft (horizontal yarns). The quality of silk and linen shee6ts is judged with a different system.

Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the smoother and finer is the fabric. However, high thread count can at times be very misleading. It is only one of the features that describe the quality of fine bed sheets and pillowcases. The base fibre and the size and quality of the yarns, are far more important. For instance, our “Percale”, is only 220 threads per square inch and feels much better than Australian or Chinese domestics mill brands with the same or higher threads count.

4. Why do sheets lose the shine and their silky smoothness after the wash?

Sateen sheets will at first washing lose their shine and silkiness. Ironing will smooth the fibres and regain the luxury look of the sheen of the fabric.

Too confusing? The golden rule is: trusts your hands! If the product comes from reputable manufacturer - and it feels good - buy it!

5. About Shrinkage? Should I buy next size up?

Due to the normal natural process in all natural fibres there will be shrinkage. We anticipate this at the production level by increasing our sizes to anticipate a (3-5%) shrinkage factor for cotton sheeting. A bit more for bedspreads and pillowcases.

We also have some fabrics for our bed linen styles that measure 300” wide. This allows us to make deeper fitted, or special shape sheets to fit the larger mattresses made in Australia lately.

6. Why linen sheets instead of cotton sheets? Does thread count matter?

Literally the oldest luxury fibre, linen textiles have been used in households for thousands of years. Today, a special secret shared by discerning people around the world is: pure linen sheets not only become softer and more lustrous with every use, but wicks away moisture from the body keeping you cool and dry. Due to the biological makeup of linen, it is often more desirable than cotton in hot and humid climates. Linen sheets are also a wonderful suggestion for people with special skin concerns.

7. Marcella or Matalasse” bedspreads what is the difference.

Marcella or matalasse’ bedspreads have long been a traditional item. Everybody’s grandmother had one in her glory box. Today as 100 years ago they are still very popular and are seen as an investment. Normally if used under normal household wear and tear one generation is not long enough to wear them out. They usually get handed down to the next generation. You can find some in antique wares shops more then 100 years old.

At Linea Casa we have two distinct type of bedspreads. The marcella’s from Portugal for easy care and little ironing and the matalasse’ from Italy which are thicker but require more ironing

8. How do I care for my linens?

Proper care of linens will ensure that you will get many years of use from them. In order to assure a long life alternate your sheets on a regular weekly base. Three sets should be enough. One set on the bed, one set in the wash and one set in the linen

cabinet. Always wash your linens with a non-chorine liquid detergent. Wash in gentle cycle with warm water and soap. (If you want to cut on your ironing rewash them again in delicate cycle without soap) This will act as extra rinses to eliminate the soap completely and will not create hard wrinkles on the fabric.

Always line dry until slightly damp. Tumble-drying is the single biggest problem in reducing the life span of your linens.

Any more questions? Email them to us. Our experienced staff will gladly try to answer them.