For the last 20,000 to 30,000 years mankind has put the art of weaving to use. It is the practice of interlacing thread or material (originally it might have been grass or leaves) to produce a useful object. All weaving is performed by use of a loom and this might be as simply represented as winding thread around your fingers or could be one of the most complex looms on the market today. The loom was developed as a tool to hold the warp (vertical) threads in place whereby the hands were freed up to weave the weft across these, thus creating the piece of weaving itself. The weaving of cloth developed rapidly during the middle ages. The old loom systems progressed and by the 11th century weaving patterns had been invented that we can still see in use today. Skilled weavers were producing ever more refined results from their specialised equipment.

Here at The Hand Weaving Company, we believe in keeping weaving simple, in keeping alive those old traditions and ancient skills. It is still a craft that's open to all, affordable, readily accessible and absorbing. Using a handloom such as ours you can easily achieve impressive results. We have produced an instructive DVD to get you on your way. We firmly believe in keeping our clients happy and are available to answer you queries by email and to arrange local demonstration where appropriate.

As looms developed, so did weaving patterns and it wasn't long before The Weaving Guild was formed. Associations of this sort still thrive today such as The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers they produce a quarterly journal that may be of interest to both the new and seasoned weaver.

The Industrial Revolution saw the commercialisation of the manufacturing process, but there are those devotees who still prefer to see weaving as the domain of the artisan and his/her hand loom. It's true that we have been spoilt by the beautiful fabrics and designs that industry produces, and yet you cannot beat the satisfaction of wearing a scarf or handbag that you have designed and made yourself!

In addition to bags and scarves, you can weave rugs, make patched blankets and so many other useful products. Weavers traditionally use threads spun from natural fibres like cotton, silk, and wool or synthetic fibres such as nylon and orlon, but in fact, narrow strips of almost any flexible material can be woven - try unspun fleece, recycled fabrics...even bin liners!

It doesn't have to stop there, imagine incorporating your woven designs into your artwork. Textiles and jewellery are wonderful outlets for inspiration, why not weave lampshades, cushion covers, before you know it, you'll be making toilet roll covers and teacosys - adorn your home with your unique creations! If you're looking for a home based business, look no further - you could even enjoy your new found hobby whilst making money as one of our agents. Or maybe you'd rather branch out and sell the goods you make, the images here on our site show you what professional results are possible. Whatever level you decide to take your weaving to, start simple…and enjoy! © 2012 The Hand Weaving Company.