From linseed to textile
1 sqm flax
A project conquers Europe - be part of it!
Austria lets flax grow
Our vision
Fibre flax is to become visible again in Austria from 2025. Anyone with access to garden soil, whether front garden, balcony or flower pot, can take part. We also invite associations that want to grow more than one square metre together to register. The more diverse the blue flower blooms again, the better.
Together we go the whole way from seed to harvest and fibre production to spinning and weaving. This is the core of the 1 square metre flax project, which has now reached Austria following its success in the Nordic countries.
How to become part of the community
The shirt from the garden
Linen and wool have clothed our ancestors since the Bronze Age. The artisanal processing of wool has survived to this day, but the cultivation and processing of everything from linseed to linen shirts has been largely forgotten. With the disappearance of this ancient knowledge, which was once as normal on Austrian farms as tilling the vegetable garden, we are not only losing a piece of cultural identity, but also the wonderful feeling of textile self-sufficiency.
From Sweden to the world
The Swedish Hemslöjden Association for the Promotion of Crafts wanted to put a stop to this slow death and launched the 1 KVM Lin (1 m2 flax) project in 2020, in which the general public is invited to grow flax on one square metre and process the plant into linen thread with the help of video tutorials, mini-workshops and emerging communities.
About us
1 square metre flax is a transnational project of the Austrian Flax Guild "Berta's Flax - Association for the Preservation of the Flax Craft" and the German association "Werk&Wandel Dresden e.V."
Both organisations are driven by a love of textiles, craftsmanship and sustainability.
We love craftsmanship
We love craftsmanship
We love craftsmanship
We love craftsmanship
Two associations under the banner of fibres
Christiane Seufferlein, chairwoman of Bertas Flachs, craft teacher and textile enthusiast, came across the 1KVM Lin project during a lecture tour in Sweden and was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of connecting people. She found an enthusiastic ally in Mona Knorr. Together, the two women are bringing the project to life in Austria and Germany.
Mona Knorr is a historian, project manager, crowdfunding specialist and loves hand-woven textiles in particular. She has been involved with community and agriculture for many years and initiated the "From Farm to Yarn" project in Dresden.
Membership of the Bertas Flachs or Werk und Wandel associations is of course not a prerequisite for joining 1 qm Lein, but we are of course happy to welcome anyone who would like to support us in our endeavours to preserve flax craftsmanship with a donation or membership.
Our team in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Who can take part in 1 square metre Lein?
Everyone who has access to 1 square metre of soil.
I would like to take part, but I don't live in Austria, is that possible?
The 1 square metre canvas project is available in various European countries. Our partner website www.1qmlein.de looks after all participants in Germany. Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands also have their own 1 square metre flax projects. If you can't find a project in your country, you are also welcome to join us in Austria.
How can I take part?
Simply click on the "Join" button, then you will be redirected to the shop, where you can add your starter pack to the shopping basket and then proceed to the checkout. You will automatically be registered as an official participant through the payment process and will be able to access all video tutorials and the member area from spring 2025. The starter pack will be sent to you automatically after the seed harvest in autumn/winter 2024.
What does it cost to take part and what happens to my money?
The participation fee of 25 euros includes the seeds for one square metre, all video tutorials and the opportunity to network with other participants. All proceeds go to the Berta's Flax Association and are used to preserve the flax craft,
Do I have to have green fingers to take part?
No, flax is a very frugal plant and requires little care and a wide variety of soils.
What if I want to grow more than 1 square metre?
For clubs or groups we offer a package for larger areas. Please send us an email to office@1qmlein.at
How will I be accompanied through the flax year?
We will provide video instructions for each important step and also send out a newsletter.
There will be information on: Cultivation and care, harvesting, roasting, fibre extraction, spinning and ribbon weaving
How can I network with other participants?
In the member area we offer you the opportunity to create a profile and flat diary that you can share with other participants if you wish.
Will there be an opportunity to meet other participants or delve deeper into the world of flax growing?
Yes, we are currently looking for cooperation partners (museums, community gardens, etc.) who can imagine organising a flax festival where many people can meet in autumn to process the flax together.
If you would like to be one of these meeting points, please send us an email to office@1qmlein.at
I am a member of the Berta's Flax Association, does this give me any advantages?
Yes, all members of Berta's Flax will receive 1 square metre of flax free of charge. Within Europe, we also send the seeds free of charge. All non-European association members can access the videos and network, but unfortunately cannot obtain seeds due to the strict seed regulations.
Will 1sqm Lein be continued after 2025?
Yes, we would like to hold the project every year in future so that the flax community can keep expanding. Every year we will offer a new craft technique for processing the resulting threads.
