On the left: Finish rug weaver Rora Strom 1972 seated at her handmade loom
On the right: The Newcomb Semi automatic rug loom manufactured in the 1890s.

Hand looms have evolved throughout the centuries. Originally all looms were hand made. Then came the industrial revolutions and looms were transformed into metal weaving machines, powered by water and then by steam. However, hand weaving continued to be important. In the late 19th and 20th century, using some of the technical advances of industrial weaving equipment, specialized looms were manufactured for hand weavers who still used their own physical strength to operate the weaving equipment. Much of this web site deals with these hand weavers and their looms. Look for links to be added later to this website.