Linen Smoother

A linen smoother is a tool used to smooth textiles by rubbing. Norwegian names include glattestein, sømglatter and gnistein. Despite the name suggesting stone, many Norwegian examples are made of dark glass; wood and natural stone also occur.

Common glass examples have a rounded, smooth working surface and a flatter side supporting the hand. Some have handles. They were used on fine linen, among other textiles. Unlike a heated iron, this use relies on rubbing a smooth surface over the cloth.

Dark colour or a domed shape alone does not securely identify a smoother. Examine the working surface, grip, dimensions and provenance against documented textile tools. Colour alone cannot establish a glassworks or date. Record old chips and wear before considering cleaning.

Store norske leksikon: glattestein; Kringom: stryke- og glatteredskaper