The Weaving Process: From Cotton to Craftsmanship

At Trama Textiles, we take pride in preserving the ancestral art of Maya weaving. Our process begins with the careful selection of 100% cotton thread, followed by hand-spinning, dyeing, and weaving using the traditional backstrap loom.

STEP 1: CREATING THE COTTON THREAD

Guatemala may not be globally recognized for its cotton production, but in some regions, this valuable crop thrives. Cotton requires warm temperatures and significant water resources, making its cultivation labor-intensive and environmentally demanding.
After harvesting—either manually or by machine—the cotton fibers must be carefully separated from seeds, stretched, and prepared for spinning. Our artisans use hand-spinning techniques, carefully pulling and twisting the fibers to form the fine, durable cotton thread used in our products.

     

    STEP 2: NATURAL & NON-TOXIC DYEING

    At Trama Textiles, we embrace both natural and non-toxic synthetic dyes to create our vibrant color palette.

    • Natural dyes are sourced from local plants, insects, and minerals, following ancient Maya traditions.
    • Before dyeing, the cotton is soaked in a natural fixative to ensure color longevity.
    • The yarn is then boiled for hours, depending on the desired hue.

    🌿 Common natural dye sources include:

    • Cochineal insects → Vivid red (also used for Maya lipstick!)
    • Chilca plant → Green
    • Copal tree → Grey
    • Avocado pits → Pink
    • Beetroot, guava, cinnamon, and basil → A variety of hues

    STEP 3: PREPARING THE YARN 

    Once dyed, the yarn undergoes a process called debanadera, where two skeins of yarn spin on rotating gears to create a single braided thread. This unique double-threading technique enhances the durability and thickness of Trama Textiles' fabrics.
    The warp design is then measured and arranged on a wooden plank called an urdidor, ensuring precision before the weaving process begins.

     

    STEP 4: THE BACKSTRAP LOOM WEAVING PROCESS

    At the heart of our craftsmanship is the backstrap loom, or Telar de Cintura—a centuries-old Maya weaving technique.
    How It Works:

    • The loom consists of planks and ropes attached to a weaver’s back and a fixed post or tree.
    • The tension created by the weaver’s body allows for precise control over the weaving.
    • The weaver sits on the ground, often weaving as part of a family or community activity.

    💡 Cultural Significance:

    • The back-and-forth movement of weaving is symbolic of fertility and childbirth in Maya culture.
    • In many Maya communities, expectant mothers are encouraged to complete a weaving before giving birth, believing it ensures a smooth delivery.
    • The knowledge of weaving is traditionally passed down from mother to daughter, reinforcing cultural heritage and kinship.

    Preserving Tradition, Empowering Women
    At Trama Textiles, we are more than just artisans—we are storytellers, cultural preservers, and community builders. Each woven piece is a testament to Maya history, resilience, and artistic mastery.
    Shop our handcrafted textiles today and bring a piece of Guatemalan tradition into your home.

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