Linen is one of the best fabrics for hot weather. It is cool, strong and gets softer with every wash. A tunic and shorts set made from linen is a simple outfit that looks relaxed and elegant. Here are the main tips for sewing it.

Prepare the linen

Linen shrinks, so wash and dry it at least once before cutting, preferably twice. After washing, press it while it is still slightly damp so that the surface is smooth and the grain is straight.

Sewing tips

• Use a size 80/12 or 90/14 needle and a stitch length of about 2.5 mm.
• Linen frays easily, so finish seams with an overlocker, zigzag or French seams.
• Press with a hot iron and steam from the wrong side. Linen can take high heat.
• Accept the natural creases: they are part of the look of linen.