Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Fiber tools: vertical warping mill

  • wcu_craft_revival-6125.jpg
  • This vertical warping mill was likely created between 1900 and 1950. The creator's name is unknown. Before running the warp for a loom, the threads must be measured for tying on. By following a consistent track around the mill, the weaver was able to estimate the length of one rotation from beginning to end. A vertical warping mill allowed the weaver to stand in one place and twirl the blades to take up the threads. Fiber is tied on to a peg and spiraled down with an even tension to the lower pegs. Careful wrapping around the pegs helps to keep the warp threads in order. Though more efficient, the vertical warping mill was not used by traditional mountain weavers nearly as often as the warping board.