3. Preparation of fiber: (a) Rippling: The seeds and the leaves are removed from the stems of the flax plant by passing the stalk through coarse combs. This process is called Rippling. (b) Retting: The bundles of plants are then steeped in water so that the tissue or woody bark surrounding the hairlike flax fiber will decompose, thus loosening the gum that binds the fiber to the stem. The decomposition is called retting.

Flap Bound Welt 185 2. Variety in material and grain: Interesting effects can be achieved by planning pockets of material different in color, design, texture or grain from the garment material. A design with the pocket flap (also the collar and buttons) can be made out of contrasting coloured material. A design with printed pockets on a plain garment and vice versa. A striped dress design where the pocket is cut on crosswise grain and finished with bias edging while the rest of the garment is cut on lengthwise grain.