By Doris Fischer. Humans have been creating textiles for as long as they've been human. This book focuses on the techniques developed in Europe from the Stone Age through the 19th century. It introduces you to the fibers that were common during that period, both animal and plant, then leads you into learning how to use them. Textile techniques presented include:

• spinning on a spindle, stick, hook, or just your fingers
• rope making
• whipcording
• fingerloop braiding
• fingerweaving
• band weaving
• tablet weaving
• twining
• nalbinding
• sprang
• slip stitch crochet
• fulling

The section for each technique has historical background on it, photos of finished textiles using it, and "try it" projects to let you try your hand at it.

You don't need to buy expensive tools to work these techniques. The final section of the book teaches you how to make your own simple tools.

Hardcover, 303 pages