Hand-Loom Weaving: A Manual for School and Home

by Mattie Phipps Todd

"Hand-Loom Weaving: A Manual for School and Home" by Mattie Phipps Todd is an instructional manual on hand-loom weaving written in the early 20th century. This practical guide aims to enlighten educators and home crafters on the fundamentals of weaving, emphasizing its educational benefits for children. The book advocates for the incorporation of weaving into school curricula as a means of fostering creativity, manual dexterity, and a sense of accomplishment. The opening of the manual introduces the significance of weaving as one of humanity's oldest crafts and sets the stage for its instructional value in schools. It discusses the physiological and educational benefits of hands-on work, leading seamlessly into a discussion of the primitive loom's history, design, and application in modern classrooms. Todd emphasizes the need for systematic hand-training and provides an overview of the adjustable loom, highlighting its practical advantages for both educational settings and home use. This opening lays a solid foundation for the subsequent chapters, which promise detailed guidance on weaving techniques, materials, and project ideas.