Kutominen

Kutominen, or weaving, is a method of fabric production in which two sets of yarns are interlaced at right angles on a loom. The lengthwise yarns are called the warp; the crosswise yarns are the weft (filling). The loom holds the warp under tension while a weft thread is passed through to form interlacing. Weaving can be performed on simple frame looms or on more complex machinery.

Process and equipment: Warping and preparing the warp; threading warp through heddles and reed; shedding to create a path for the weft; inserting the weft (picking) and beating it to compact the fabric. Handlooms operate manually, while industrial looms automate shedding and weft insertion. Common loom types include frame looms, backstrap looms for traditional hand weaving, and power looms, some equipped with jacquard devices for complex patterns.

Weave structures and materials: Common weave structures include plain weave, twill, and satin. More complex patterns such as damask and jacquard fabrics are produced using additional loom mechanisms. Materials range from natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and silk to synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, as well as blends. Finishing steps such as washing, heat-setting, and calendaring can influence texture and appearance.

Historical and contemporary context: Kutominen has ancient origins and appears in many cultures around the world. It evolved from manual craft to mechanized production during the Industrial Revolution, enabling mass textile manufacture. Today weaving remains a core technique in textile industries and is also practiced as a craft and art form in studios and communities.