Weaving has been around for thousands of years, since the late Stone Age, when early weavers used rushes and grasses to weave baskets and mats. It involves combining horizontal weft threads with vertical warp threads on a loom to create fabric and textiles. It is an incredibly versatile process that can be done on a variety of different looms: a traditional dobby power loom or a jacquard power loom, which allows for more complex designs like ikat and tapestries.
Weavers today are using their skills to develop new and innovative products. For example, in India, where there is a strong movement towards local, traceable, and ethical cloth, weavers have collaborated with designers to create runway fashions. One such company is Mourne Textiles, a second-generation weaving studio in Ireland that has worked with designers, including Margaret Howell, and exhibited at Paris Fashion Week.
Another exciting development is the use of technology to help weavers design and control their looms. For example, the Jacquard software can convert digital files into a woven design pixel by pixel. This is especially helpful for weavers who want to create custom patterns or if they work with an unusual material such as metal or leather.
Another recent trend is the popularity of weaving workshops. These classes offer beginners the chance to try their hand at a craft with endless possibilities. There is also a growing interest in macrame, a form of interlacing that has made its way from the 1970s boho era to modern interior media like tile and wallpaper. Many people start weaving as a hobby and find that the meditative practice is calming and rewarding. For some, it becomes a business and a source of income.