3 Must-Read Books about Weaving

Weaving is more than just a way to make fabric. It is a form of art, a method of storytelling, and a connection to history. Whether you are a seasoned weaver or someone just beginning to explore the world of textiles, reading about weaving can deepen your understanding and spark new ideas.

Furthermore, books about weaving come in many forms. Some teach techniques and patterns. Others share the lives of famous weavers who changed the way we think about cloth. Likewise, some books explore how weaving can carry personal stories and cultural meaning.

In this article, we will explore three books that should belong in every weaver’s collection. Each one offers something different, and together they show how rich and inspiring the world of weaving can be.

1. The Techniques and Patterns That Bring Weaving to Life

Book: The Handweaver’s Pattern Book by Marguerite Porter Davison

If you are looking for a book that teaches the nuts and bolts of weaving, this one is a classic. First published in the mid-1900s, The Handweaver’s Pattern Book is still one of the most trusted guides for weavers who want to learn about patterns, looms, and thread behavior.

Inside the book, you will find hundreds of weaving drafts and diagrams. These show how different thread combinations create different textures and designs. The book is organized in a way that makes it easy to follow, even if you are new to weaving. It covers twills, overshot, lace weaves, and many other styles.

What makes this book special is its focus on handweaving. It celebrates the craft and gives readers the tools to experiment and grow. If you are working with a loom or planning to design your own woven pieces, this book will help you understand how patterns are built and how machines respond to your choices.

Additionally, FiberArt artists who want to explore new designs or refine their technique will find this book both practical and inspiring. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to move from simple weaves to more complex and expressive patterns.

2. The Life and Legacy of a Renowned Weaver

Book: On Weaving by Anni Albers

Anni Albers is one of the most respected names in modern textile art. Her work helped bring weaving into the world of fine art, and her ideas continue to influence artists and designers today. On Weaving is her most famous book, and it is much more than a biography. It is a thoughtful look at how weaving works, why it matters, and how it connects to other forms of art.

What’s more, Albers wrote this book in a way that blends personal insight with technical knowledge. She talks about the structure of cloth, the role of the weaver, and the creative choices that go into every piece. She also shares her thoughts on design, texture, and the emotional power of woven fabric.

What makes this book so valuable is its depth. It is not just about how to weave, it is about why we weave. Albers believed that weaving was a way to think, to feel, and to explore the world. Her writing is clear and thoughtful, and it invites readers to see weaving as more than a craft. It becomes a way of life.

For FiberArt artists who care about the meaning behind their work, On Weaving is a must-read. It helps you connect your hands to your heart and your designs to your story.

3. Weaving as a Tool for Storytelling and Healing

Book: With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories by Nicole Nehrig

This book is a beautiful collection of stories told through thread. Nicole Nehrig brings together the voices of women who use weaving to share their lives, their struggles, and their hopes. Each chapter introduces a different weaver and shows how her work reflects her personal journey.

With Her Own Hands is not a technical guide. It is a book about emotion, memory, and connection. The women in these pages weave for many reasons, such as to heal, to remember, to celebrate, and to speak. Their stories are powerful, and their woven pieces become living records of who they are.

In addition, Nehrig’s writing is gentle and respectful. She lets each woman’s voice shine and shows how weaving can be a form of storytelling that goes beyond words. The book also includes photos of the woven pieces, which help readers see how color, pattern, and texture can carry meaning.

What’s more, this book is perfect for FiberArt artists who believe in the personal side of weaving. It reminds us that every thread can carry a message and that every piece of fabric can hold a story. If you want to feel inspired by the human side of textile art, this book is a beautiful place to start.

Why These Books Matter

Each of these books offers a different way to think about weaving. One teaches the technical side, helping you understand how patterns are built and how machines respond. Another shares the life of a famous weaver who saw weaving as a form of art and expression. The third shows how weaving can carry stories, emotions, and healing.

Together, these three books show that weaving is not just about making cloth. It is about creating something that matters. It is about using your hands to shape ideas, memories, and meaning. At FiberArt, we believe in the power of weaving to connect people, tell stories, and celebrate creativity. Whether you are designing a new blanket, exploring a new pattern, or sharing your personal journey through thread, these books can help you grow and feel inspired.

Final Thoughts: Books and Threads That Teach and Inspire

In conclusion, weaving is a craft that blends tradition with innovation. It invites us to learn, to create, and to reflect. These three books are more than just reading material, they are tools for growth, windows into history, and reminders of what weaving can do.

If you are ready to turn your inspiration into custom woven fabric, FiberArt is here to help. We partner with artists to bring their designs to life through high-quality Jacquard weaving. Request a quote today and let’s turn your ideas into woven art that tells your story. Your next masterpiece could begin with a single thread and a great book.