The fibre remaining in your hand is called a line, strick, hank or lint of flax. This is the best fibre possible and is wonderful to spin. The fibre remaining in the hackles is removed and the hackling process is repeated. This fibre is called tow and is used for sacking, candle wicks, tow ropes and other similar coarse materials. The straw remaining is used in bedding and is considered to repel fleas and lice.
Cellulose fibres tend to have cell walls that have a left-handed spiral.
It is best to spin flax in a counter clockwise direction. To produce a smooth fine thread, it is best to draw a minimum of flax and dampen the thread as it is being spun. Draw the thread across a damp sponge as it is being wound on to the spindle, this will make the thread even smoother. If you examine homespun linens you will note that small slubs can be seen. Although the goal is to have a fine smooth thread, slubs add texture and give the fabric an added beauty.