A loom is a machine for weaving thread or yarn into textiles. Looms can range from very small hand-held frames, to large free-standing hand looms, to huge automatic mechanical devices.

The invention of the power loom by Edmund Cartwright was very important in the Industrial Revolution.

  • Model of Navajo Loom, late 19th century, Brooklyn Museum.jpg

    Model of Navajo Loom, late 19th century, Brooklyn Museum.jpg

  • An early nineteenth century Japanese loom with several heddles, which the weaver controls with her foot

    An early nineteenth century Japanese loom with several heddles, which the weaver controls with her foot

  • A Jakaltek Maya brocades a hair sash on a back strap loom.

    A Jakaltek Maya brocades a hair sash on a back strap loom.

  • Hand loom at Hjerl Hede, Denmark, showing grayish warp threads (back) and cloth woven with red filling yarn (front)

    Hand loom at Hjerl Hede, Denmark, showing grayish warp threads (back) and cloth woven with red filling yarn (front)

  • Oaxacan artisan Alberto Sanchez Martinez at loom

    Oaxacan artisan Alberto Sanchez Martinez at loom

  • Hand loom at the Korkosz Croft in Czarna Góra, Poland, 19th century

    Hand loom at the Korkosz Croft in Czarna Góra, Poland, 19th century

  • A loom in an Old Believer homestead in Slutiški, Latvia

    A loom in an Old Believer homestead in Slutiški, Latvia

  • Handloom from India

    Handloom from India

  • Weaver from India showing handloom during an exhibition

    Weaver from India showing handloom during an exhibition