Textiles, various forms of fibers, yarn, cloth, and other materials, along with the clothing and apparel made from textiles, have been among North Carolina's most important products since the early nineteenth century. Learn More about Textiles.

In North Carolina, we seeing textile art including Contemporary Fibre Art, Weaving, and Needle Crafts.

Contemporary Fibre Art includes works created using a wide variety of techniques, many of which seek to incorporate natural methods of textile production through natural dyes, as well as the reuse of locally gathered fiber materials. Techniques explored by exhibiting artists include quilting, basketry, weaving, felting, embroidery, crochet, paper making, book binding, screen printing, pattern making, and dyeing. Additionally, contemporary techniques explore fibers and textiles through sculpture, installation, and mixed media. Learn more about Contemporary Fibre Art.

Weaving, the process of producing textiles on a loom, in North Carolina dates back to the colonial period of the state's history. From that time into the early nineteenth century, weaving functioned as a domestic or home industry in North Carolina, meaning that weavers owned their own looms on which to produce fabric necessary to make clothing, linens, and other accessories. But domestic weaving did not produce the majority of fabric used in North Carolina during this time; most was instead imported from Great Britain and Europe. Domestic production augmented the offering of imported fabrics and sometimes filled special orders. Learn more about Weaving.

Needle crafts include various forms of needlework, including canvas work (known commonly as needlepoint), smocking, beading, French hand sewing, traditional Japanese embroidery and many other forms. Learn more about Needle Crafts.

Click on the picture to the left to learn more about Textiles.