24-Harness Dobby Loom, 1997

Combining handcraft with advanced technology, dobby looms became popular when hand weaving experienced a revival beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. The dobby mechanism, adapted from power looms used in factories, creates the weaving pattern. This allows weavers to produce complex textiles more quickly and easily. Dobby looms appealed to artisan and craft weavers producing fabrics for individual customers, specialty shops, or art fairs.