Stahlstown Scutching Festival returns to Westmoreland County

STAHLSTOWN, Pa. — The Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival returned to Westmoreland County, demonstrating the historic process of making linen from flax plants.

The festival highlights a centuries-old craft. During the process, flax plants are broken down to extract fine fibers, which are then spun into thread and woven into cloth.

The tradition of gathering people for the festival began in the early 1900s. The event took a hiatus during World War II before resuming as an annual gathering in 1948.

Carrie Sunday, a festival participant and organizer, highlighted the importance of showcasing historical craftsmanship to modern visitors.

“We like to show the history to people nowadays that just think their clothes come from a factory, but there’s a lot more history behind it than they believe,” Sunday said.

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