Flax vs. Tow — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Flax is a plant cultivated for its fibers and seeds, while tow refers to the coarse, broken fibers derived from flax or hemp, used in spinning.
Difference Between Flax and Tow
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Flax is a plant widely cultivated for its fibers and seeds, primarily used to produce linen and linseed oil. Its fibers are long, strong, and smooth, making them ideal for high-quality textiles. On the other hand, tow consists of the shorter, coarser fibers that break off during the processing of flax or hemp. These fibers are less uniform and are often used for lower-quality products or for tasks such as stuffing and padding.
The cultivation of flax involves growing the plant until it reaches maturity, at which point the fibers are harvested and processed. The longer fibers are separated for use in fine linen, whereas the tow, the byproduct of this process, is collected from the shorter, less desirable fibers. This separation highlights the difference in quality and applications between the two.
Flax fibers are known for their strength, smoothness, and length, contributing to the production of fine linen fabrics. Tow, in contrast, has a rougher texture and shorter fibers, making it suitable for products where such qualities are not detrimental, like in industrial uses or for making coarse yarns.
The processing of flax to obtain usable fibers includes retting, drying, and scutching, which help in extracting the long fibers. During these stages, tow is produced as a secondary product. While flax fibers are prized for their ability to produce delicate and durable fabrics, tow is often regarded as a less refined material.
Flax seeds are another valuable product of the flax plant, used for their nutritional benefits and oil extraction. Tow does not have a comparable secondary product, emphasizing its role as a byproduct of fiber production rather than a primary agricultural product.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Plant cultivated for fibers and seeds
Coarse, broken fibers from processing flax or hemp
Fiber Quality
Long, strong, smooth
Short, coarse, uneven
Primary Use
Fine linen, linseed oil
Coarse yarns, industrial uses, padding
Production Process
Harvested, retted, dried, scutched
Byproduct during fiber processing
Secondary Product
Seeds used for oil and nutrition
None
Compare with Definitions
Flax
A plant cultivated for its fiber and seeds.
Flax is grown extensively for its versatile fibers.
Tow
Fibers used in padding and stuffing materials.
Tow is ideal for filling cushions and mattresses.
Flax
A crop that requires specific growing conditions.
Flax thrives in well-drained soil and cool climates.
Tow
A byproduct of the flax or hemp fiber extraction process.
The scutching process produces both flax and tow.
Flax
Seeds of the flax plant used for oil and nutritional purposes.
Flax seeds are a popular addition to health foods.
Tow
Coarse, broken fibers from processing flax or hemp.
Tow is often used for making coarse yarns.
Flax
A traditional source of linen.
Ancient Egyptians used flax to produce their linen garments.
Tow
To draw or pull behind by a chain or line
A tugboat towing a barge.
Flax
Long fibers from the flax plant used to make linen.
The flax fibers were spun into fine linen fabric.
Tow
The act or an instance of towing
Can you give my car a tow?.
Flax
Flax, also known as common flax or linseed, is a flowering plant, Linum usitatissimum, in the family Linaceae. It is cultivated as a food and fiber crop in regions of the world with temperate climate.
Tow
Something, such as a tugboat, that tows.
Flax
A widely cultivated plant, Linum usitatissimum, having pale blue flowers, seeds that yield linseed oil, and slender stems from which a textile fiber is obtained.
Tow
Something, such as a barge or car, that is towed.
Flax
The fine, light-colored textile fiber obtained from this plant.
Tow
A rope or cable used in towing.
Flax
Any of various other plants of the genus Linum or of other genera in the family Linaceae.
Tow
Coarse broken flax or hemp fiber.
Flax
A pale grayish yellow.
Tow
A continuous untwisted bundle of manufactured fibers.
Flax
A plant of the genus Linum, especially Linum usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. Also known as linseed, especially when referring to the seeds.
Tow
(transitive) To pull something behind one using a line or chain; to haul.
Flax
The fibers of Linum usitatissimum, grown to make linen and related textiles.
Tow
To aid someone behind by shielding them from wind resistance.
Flax
The flax bush, a plant of the genus Phormium, native to New Zealand, with strap-like leaves up to 3 metres long that grow in clumps.
Tow
The act of towing and the condition of being towed.
It isn't the car's battery; I think I need a tow.
Flax
A plant of the genus Linum, esp. the L. usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. The fiber of the bark is used for making thread and cloth, called linen, cambric, lawn, lace, etc. Linseed oil is expressed from the seed.
Tow
Something, such as a tugboat, that tows.
Flax
The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken and cleaned by hatcheling or combing.
Tow
Something, such as a barge, that is towed.
Flax
Fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric
Tow
A rope or cable used in towing.
Flax
Plant of the genus Linum that is cultivated for its seeds and for the fibers of its stem
Tow
(motor racing) A speed increase given by driving in front of another car on a straight, which causes a slipstream for the car behind.
Tow
An untwisted bundle of fibres such as cellulose acetate, flax, hemp or jute.
Tow
(specifically) The short, coarse, less desirable fibres separated by hackling from the finer longer fibres (line).
Tow
The coarse and broken part of flax or hemp, separated from the finer part by the hatchel or swingle.
Tow
A rope by which anything is towed; a towline, or towrope.
Tow
The act of towing, or the state of being towed; - chiefly used in the phrase, to take in tow, that is to tow.
Tow
That which is towed, or drawn by a towline, as a barge, raft, collection of boats, ect.
Tow
To draw or pull through the water, as a vessel of any kind, by means of a rope.
Tow
The act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope;
The truck gave him a tow to the garage
Tow
Drag behind;
Horses used to tow barges along the canal
Tow
A material with short, rough fibers.
The rough texture of tow makes it less suitable for fine fabrics.
Tow
Residual fibers left after the primary fibers are extracted.
The factory collected tow as a byproduct of linen production.
Common Curiosities
What is flax?
Flax is a plant grown for its fibers and seeds, used primarily in the textile and food industries.
What are flax fibers used for?
Flax fibers are used to make fine linen fabrics.
What products commonly use tow?
Tow is used in coarse yarns, industrial applications, and as stuffing material.
How is tow produced?
Tow is a byproduct created during the processing of flax or hemp fibers.
What is tow?
Tow refers to the coarse, broken fibers produced during the processing of flax or hemp.
Can flax seeds be eaten?
Yes, flax seeds are consumed for their nutritional benefits and are used to produce linseed oil.
What is the primary difference between flax and tow?
Flax refers to the plant and its high-quality fibers, while tow is the coarse byproduct fibers.
Is flax a renewable resource?
Yes, flax is a renewable resource as it is a plant that can be cultivated annually.
Are flax fibers smooth or rough?
Flax fibers are smooth and long, ideal for making fine linen.
What is the main characteristic of tow fibers?
Tow fibers are short, coarse, and uneven.
Can tow be used in the textile industry?
Yes, but typically for products that do not require fine fibers.
Is tow used in high-quality textiles?
No, tow is typically used for lower-quality products like coarse yarns and padding.
Is tow considered a waste product?
Tow is a byproduct, not waste, and is utilized in various applications where fine fibers are not necessary.
What part of the flax plant is used to produce linen?
The long fibers of the flax plant are used to produce linen.
Do flax fibers require special processing?
Yes, flax fibers go through processes like retting, drying, and scutching.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Approach vs. Near
Next Comparison
Blush vs. LaughAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
