Composition of a Shroud:
Layers and Fibers
Why are there so many layers? Each shroud has at least two layers of fabric for strength and absorptive capability.
Why do we use natural fibers? We only use natural fibers due to their inherent connection to nature. Natural fibers are grown by plants or animals, and are not chemically altered— we do not use rayon. Natural fibers will decay, and burn cleanly, unlike synthetic fibers. These fibers are also best for absorbing plant-based dyes.
Microscopic look at various natural fibers and polyester
Linen
Linen has a profound connected to the earth and humanity. It is one of the first textile fibers in anthropology. These fibers literally grow from soil in flax plants. It is an often forgotten fiber that is stronger and more breathable than cotton. It is quite hard and firm, with very low ease, which imparts a crisp appearance. We love to use linen as the base material for nearly all of our shrouds, due to these special properties. The linen we use is soft to touch and ultra wide: this width allows us to have 9 ft in diameter shrouds without any extra seams.
Linen’s breathable quality comes from its ability to absorb and release moisture so quickly and efficiently, because of this quality an inner layer is recommended, especially for burials in warm or hot temperatures.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber with an inherent connection to earth. Like other plant fibers, it is grown. It has fantastic properties of absorption and we recommend it as a thin inner layer.
Silk
Silk is a protein, or animal fiber. Nearly all silk, including the silk we use, comes from silk worms’ cocoons. We love to incorporate this silk into shrouds for symbolic and practical reasons.
A cocoon is an object of transformation; we consider the shrouds a type of cocoon. With in a cocoon one body terrestrial body enters and another leaves —utterly transformed.
Silk also has phenomenal natural qualities, like its strength, and its ultra- fineness. Its ability to be spun into tiny widths of thread allows for very tight weaves in silk fabric. In combination with a highly absorptive plant fiber like linen or cotton, silk can help keep everything contained, and lend a beautiful soft texture.