What is Tapestry Weaving?

• Traditional tapestry is a fabric constructed by hand using a weft-faced weave.

• This means the weft (the horizontal threads) completely covers the warp (the vertical threads held taut on a sturdy frame) to create a smooth flat surface.

• The basic technique is plain weave which simply means that the weft passes over one warp and under the next.

• [There are many additional techniques which can be used to create pictorial, textural and structural effects.]

• Tapestry has a long history throughout many countries of the world. Remnants found in Egypt indicate that tapestries were woven as early as 3000 BC.

• Regardless of where or when tapestries were woven, or what type of loom was used, the techniques were very similar and have remained basically unchanged throughout history.

Source: Nancy Harvey, Tapestry Weaving, adapted