Textiles Overview
This page gives a quick overview of different textile production methods. Further pages will give more details of each technique and how to do them in more detail.
Weaving
During the 9th-11th century cloth was produced within Western Europe on a loom called a warp weighted loom. Archaeologically bits of looms have been found and rows of weights have been found that were used to tension the warps. Textile fragments have also been found indicating the use of these looms.
Another form of weaving found during this period is tablet weaving - a technique used to produce very strong decorative braids that can be used to edge cloths, used as belts or strapping. Braids have been found woven with warps in silk, linen and wool. Wefts have been found in all of these materials but also with metal wire used to produce brocades.
Sprang
Sprang was the only technique know during this period in Western Europe which produced a stretchy material. There are very few pieces that survive archaeologically but has been used for small purses, shawls and stockings. Further back in time they were used for hairnets as well.
Nalbinding
Knitting and Crochet were not known in Western Europe until at least the 14th century. Socks and Gloves are known from Britain and Scandinavia produced using the technique of Nalbinding. This technique is a sewn technique rather than a chained technique which has the advantage that it doesn't run when it wears out. However it can only done be with short lengths of thread as the end is pulled through each stitch rather than a loop being pulled through like knitting and crochet.
