I recently visited Guatemala where backstrap loom weaving is a huge part of the culture and fell in love with the beautiful textiles that indigenous women weave. After taking a few weaving lessons and learning the basic process, I decided to start a project working with artisans and weavers in Guatemala selling their products in the United States at Vern Clothing. I finally put all my thoughts and some pictures together about our process. Check it out here
If you want to learn more about the backstrap loom and Mayan weaving and embroidery techniques, I highly recommend visiting weaving cooperatives and artisan groups around the highlands of Guatemala. They are so experienced in the art and are very willing to share their knowledge. They also have a unique system of weaving cooperatives, which allows the weavers to earn a fair wage.
In Guatemala, people always say "todo es posible" (everything is possible). Next time you start your next weaving project, keep that in mind!
Backstrap loom weaving technique
The importance of weaving cooperatives
