Weaving is a technique that is used by almost all cultures in the world to create fabric. The origins of weaving can be traced back to Stone Age times when early man intertwined branches together to create fences and shelters. People began to use this technique to create fabric for nets, tents, and then eventually for clothing.
Different cultures use different tools and techniques for weaving, and their patterns and products are unique. However, the basic elements are the same.
Loom: A tool used to weave. It holds the warp strings tight. Warp: These are the strings that are held tightly on the loom. They usually run vertically or up and down. Weft: These are the strings that go over and under the warp strings. They run horizontally or side to side.
When the warp and the weft strings intertwine, they create the fabric that makes up a lot of the material we wear. When artists use different colors or move the weft in different patterns, they create the textiles that make each weaving unique.