Textiles have been made and used by every culture throughout history. However diverse—whether an ancient Egyptian mummy wrapping, a Turkish carpet, an Italian velvet, or an American quilt—all textiles have basic elements in common. They are made of fibers, constructed into forms, and patterned and colored in ways that follow certain principles.
Looking at Textiles serves as a guide to the fundamentals of the materials and techniques used to create textiles. The selected technical terms explain what textiles are, how they are made, and what they are made of, and include definitions of terms relating to fibers, dyes, looms and weaving, and patterning processes. The many illustrations, including macro- and microscale photographs of a range of ancient and historic museum textiles, demonstrate the features described in the text.
“This guide should be worthwhile for amateurs and professionals interested in historical textiles.”—Choice
An elegant volume. . . . Enthusiasts will delight in the crisp illustrations of everything from details ofpassementarie(the elaborate trim on clothing, often lace) to a beautiful Iranian silk embroidered panel from the 17th century.Art Libraries Journal
A must for any serious arts collection strong in textile history and creation.Midwest Book Review