How are tapestries made?

We’re entering the final stages of our crowdfunding campaign to save the Solebay tapestry. Thanks to you, this wonderful work will be conserved for future generations to enjoy.

But how is a piece like the Solebay tapestry actually made? Discover more about this prized art form, and find out how weavers today are keeping the ancient craft alive.

The techniques involved in tapestry weaving have changed very little since the Solebay tapestry was created in the 17th century.

Weaving a tapestry remains a labour-intensive process, requiring strong attention to detail.

Tapestries are made up of two types of threads: the warp and the weft. The warp provides the structure of the tapestry. To create a tapestry, the warp threads are first stretched out on a loom. Into the warp is woven the weft: the coloured threads that make up the design of the tapestry.

Just like the Solebay tapestry’s original weavers, contemporary weavers work from a cartoon – a large-scale paper design – to bring a tapestry together. The cartoon sits behind the warp threads and acts as a guide for the weaver.

Communication and coordination are essential, as several weavers are often working on the same loom at once.

Once the preserve of the wealthy, tapestries are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Leading artists are engaging with the form, working with professional studios such as West Dean Tapestry Studio in West Sussex, to translate their artworks into woven tapestry.

Click here to watch how a tapestry is made.

We are now in the final week of our campaign. Please share the project with your friends, family and followers so that we can reach our final target and display the tapestry in the Queen’s House.