Programs
Chesapeake Fibershed Flax
The potential of flax as a part of a local and sustainable textile industry
Our goal with Chesapeake Fibershed Flax is to facilitate flax growing in our region and to provide learning opportunities for processing from seed to cloth.
Chesapeake Fibershed Flax facilitates the space for experiential learning and sharing through in person gatherings and events, as well as online presentations and conversations. We strive to support new and seasoned growers through knowledge sharing, and to create opportunities for community shared flax plots. Our longer term goals are still evolving, and ultimately we hope to encourage larger scale flax production and local linen production in our region.
History tells us that our region can support the cultivation of flax for the purposes of producing linen, though with the emergence of synthetic textiles and the growth of industrial cotton, flax for linen production is no longer a domestic industry. As proponents of establishing local fiber systems, we would like to bring flax production home, initially by reintroducing it to local growers as an opportunity to engage in a more regenerative textile economy.
What’s Up With Chesapeake Fibershed in 2026?
This year, our committee has been focused on efforts to help establish flax as a regenerative and commercially viable crop in our region through a grant that will provide funding for growers. We’re now working towards the grant application for 2027 by checking off requirements and identifying potential farmers who might be interested in a 4 year commitment to grow a half acre or more.
If you have interest in learning more about this project please click the button below for more information. We’re happy to tell you all about it!
What About Our Small Community Growers?
This year we’ve decided to encourage anyone interested in growing a small plot to join the PA Flax Square Yard Project. This is a great way not only to access the resources and education that PA Flax has had in place for a number of seasons now, but it’s a way of directly supporting the work they are doing to bring the flax growing industry back to this region of the country.
Our participation supports their research and educational outreach, which in turn supports our goals with Chesapeake Fibershed Flax. It’s a win-win for both communities.
For new flax growers the PA Flax Square Yard Project is the perfect place to begin your personal journey into growing and learning about flax to linen. By joining the project you will have access to all the tools to support your explorations. For folks with a few years of growing experience, the PA Flax Square Yard Project will provide access to a wider community and to farm field trips and processing events. Please consider joining to the 2027 cycle of the Square Yarn in support of the PA Flax and to help us to promote regional textile production!
Contact Us
Fill out the form below and we will respond with information shortly.
Community Events
The Chesapeake Flax group will continue to provide a community forum through online meetings and in person events this season. We will have a few gatherings online to give our community opportunities to share conversations and updates on your current explorations with flax to linen projects. The meetings are open to backyard growers to large scale growers, seasoned growers to first time growers, spinners, weavers and enthusiasts. We want to cultivate the space to support and inspire each other to develop research and meet our goals in the journey from flax to linen.
Click below to join the Chesapeake Fibershed Flax group:
Join Us…
Join us for our Spring Gathering! It’s on May 16th 11:30-2:30. Register below for a Chesapeake Fibershed Flax Community Potluck to get to know one another and to share your questions, experiences and inspirations.
