Weaving is the process of making cloth by
crossing two sets of thread over and under each other. Many fabrics and most blankets,
clothing, and rugs are woven. Weavers use threads spun from natural fibers as cotton,
silk, and wool. Strong artificially made fibers including nylon and Orlon, are also
popular.
Narrow strips of almost any flexible
material can also be woven. People learn to weave thousands of years ago with grasses,
leafstalks, palm leaves, and thin strips of wood. Today, craftworkers throughout the world
still use such fibers to weave baskets, hats, and other articles.
Weaving can be done on a loom or without a
loom. almost all looms have the same basic features and weave the fabric in much the same
way. On most looms cloth is woven on a metal or wooden frame located on the front of the
loom and parallel to the floor.