History of Weaving in North Carolina

Weaving has always been more than just a way to make fabric. It is a craft that connects people to their heritage, their creativity, and their community. In North Carolina, weaving has played a significant role in shaping both the economy and the culture of the region. From early handweavers to large textile mills, the state has a long and proud history of turning thread into something meaningful.

At FiberArt, we are proud to continue this tradition. Our woven blankets and tapestries are made in the foothills of Western North Carolina, where weaving has been part of daily life for generations. To understand why this matters, let’s take a look back at how weaving grew in North Carolina and the people and places that helped make it what it is today.

Early Roots of Weaving in the Carolinas

Before textile mills arrived, weaving in North Carolina was a home-based skill. Families used handlooms to make cloth for clothing, bedding, and trade. These early weavers worked with wool, cotton, and flax, often growing and spinning their own fibers. Weaving was a way to stay warm, earn income, and pass down knowledge from one generation to the next.

In rural communities, weaving was often taught by parents or neighbors. Patterns were shared by word of mouth or passed along through handwritten drafts. Each piece of cloth carried a story, and each weaver added their own touch. This personal connection to weaving still lives on today in the work of artists and craftspeople across the state.

The Rise of Mill Towns

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, North Carolina became one of the leading textile producers in the United States. As railroads expanded and cotton became more available, large mills began to open across the state. Towns like Gastonia, Kannapolis, and Burlington grew quickly, built around the promise of steady work and strong fabric.

These mill towns were more than just places to make cloth. They were whole communities, with homes, schools, and stores built for the workers and their families. The mills brought jobs and growth, but they also created a shared way of life. Generations of North Carolinians worked in these factories, learning the rhythms of the looms and the feel of the fibers.

One of the most famous mill towns was Kannapolis, home to Cannon Mills. At its peak, Cannon was one of the largest producers of towels and sheets in the world. The company helped shape the town’s identity and gave thousands of people a place to work and grow.

Big Names in Weaving History

North Carolina’s weaving legacy includes not just towns and mills, but also remarkable individuals who helped shape the craft. One of the most well-known figures is Lucy Morgan, founder of the Penland School of Craft. In the 1920s, Morgan began teaching weaving to women in the Appalachian Mountains as a way to support their families and preserve traditional skills.

Furthermore, her work led to the creation of Penland, which is now one of the most respected craft schools in the country. Penland continues to teach weaving, dyeing, and other fiber arts, attracting artists from all over the world. Lucy Morgan’s vision helped turn weaving into both a livelihood and a form of creative expression.

Another important figure is Mary Hambidge, who founded the Hambidge Center in Georgia but spent time working and weaving in North Carolina. Her approach combined art, nature, and rhythm, and she believed that weaving was a way to connect with deeper patterns in life. Her influence helped shape the way many artists think about textiles today.

The Shift to Modern Weaving

As technology changed, so did the weaving industry. Many mills closed or moved overseas, and North Carolina’s textile economy began to shift. Nonetheless, weaving did not disappear. Instead, it evolved.

Today, weaving in North Carolina is a mix of tradition and innovation. Artists continue to use handlooms to create one-of-a-kind pieces, while companies like FiberArt use modern Jacquard looms to produce detailed, high-quality woven blankets and tapestries. These machines allow for complex designs and vivid colors, while still honoring the craft’s roots.

FiberArt’s location in Western North Carolina is no accident. It is part of a region where weaving has always mattered. Our team includes skilled weavers who understand the history and care deeply about the work. We partner with artists to bring their designs to life, using cotton and recycled cotton to create products that are soft, durable, and full of meaning.

Final Thoughts

The history of weaving in North Carolina is full of creativity, resilience, and community. From handweavers in mountain cabins to bustling mill towns and modern studios, the story of weaving is woven into the fabric of the state itself.

FiberArt is proud to be part of this story. We continue the tradition with care, using modern tools to support artists and bring their visions to life. Our woven blankets and tapestries are made with heart, shaped by history, and ready to inspire. Request a quote today and let’s create something that honors the past and speaks to the future.