Fiberwork

Fiberwork is a broad term encompassing various crafts and art forms that involve the manipulation of fibers. These fibers can be natural, such as wool, cotton, silk, or plant-based materials like flax or hemp, or synthetic, such as polyester or nylon. The fundamental process in most fiberwork involves altering the form, structure, or arrangement of these fibers to create a desired object or textile.

Common techniques within fiberwork include spinning, where loose fibers are twisted together to form a continuous thread or yarn. This yarn can then be used for weaving, knitting, crocheting, or embroidery. Weaving involves interlacing two sets of yarns or threads at right angles to form fabric. Knitting and crocheting use a single yarn to create loops that interlock and form a fabric structure. Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, often creating patterns or images. Felting is another significant fiberwork technique where fibers are matted and compressed together, often with the application of moisture and heat, to create a dense fabric without spinning or weaving. Other methods include macrame, which uses knotting techniques, and basketry, which often uses plant fibers to create three-dimensional structures. Fiberwork can be functional, producing items like clothing, blankets, and baskets, or purely artistic, resulting in tapestries, sculptures, and other decorative pieces.