Both spinning
and weaving are traditional textile skills. These two activities are both related to the making
of fabric, but spinning is focused on the creation of yarns or threads which are later used in
other processes such as weaving or knitting. Spinning is often done with natural fibers such as
wool, flax, cotton or silk. Natural fibers have organic variations in texture, and so spinning
these fibers into thread or yarn smooths the inconsistencies while giving strength and retaining
flexibility. The most ancient method of machine spinning is the drop spindle, but the spinning
wheel has dominated since the 13th century.
Weaving is the art of layering
yarns or threads in a crosswise pattern to create continuous lengths of fabric, including
patterned weaves and ribbons. Weaving is most often executed on a loom. Looms may vary in size
and can be operated by hand or automated. Some woven fabrics are what is known as "loose
weave." This type of weave is often used with flax fibers to make linen or with finely spun
cotton to make gauze.
Spun yarns may also be used to make knit fabrics. Most
knitwear available commercially is made with a special machine; hand-knit clothing can be
bulkier bulkier depending upon the type of yarn. Hand-knit sweaters may be made of any fiber but
are most commonly made of wool or other yarns such as cotton or ramie. Machine-knit fabrics may
also be made of many different fibers both natural and synthetic, including silk, cotton, rayon,
and polyester. Knitted fabric (such as jersey) "drapes" with a softer "hand"
than woven fabric, making it often desirable in the fashion industry.
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