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Tombs of Egypt have shown fabrics dating back to 5000 BC, with linen fibres dominating the fabric structures. In fact the structures were used for wrappings of mummies as it was considered the highest quality material. The type of loom found in Egyptian tombs was a horizontal loom together with warping devices and other tools necessary for construction of fabric.
Sumerian clay tablets dating back to 2200 BC provided enough evidence of a once flourished weaving industry. Later Babylonians have developed specialized craft of embroidery which obviously was known as “Babylonian”.
Fabrics from Hebrew dating back to as early as 3000 BC had threads of gold and silver. Wool fibre was predominantly used during those times with white colored wool being the finest variety.
After the discovery of silk by Emperor Huang-Ti in 27th Century BC, weaving was centered on this special fibre. This secret remained untouchedby the rest of the world for over 3000 years.
Weaving was found in Swiss lake dwellers dating back to about 5000 BC and in Peru by 5800 BC. The principle behind weaving is to use at least 2 sets of yarns, with one set called ‘warp’ laid straight on the loom, held under tension and another set called ‘weft’ used for interlacing with the straight laid set of yarns.
Today, we can find that the principles of weaving remained the same as those of the past. Many varieties of looms also have emerged from a simple loom to more complex ones to cater to the growing needs of consumers.
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