Nearly all types of weaves can be woven in the loin loom.
Carpet weaving patterns of sikkim.
Like other oriental carpets sikkimese carpets are also hand knotted and woven in fixed vertical looms which are kept standing with the support of a wall.
The carpets are of with various exquisite and intricate designs motifs and colours which are typical of sikkimese type and made of various sizes.
The process therefore starts from winding the yarn into balls.
Vegetable and natural dyes are still used to obtain the right colours.
The vertical frame loom with a back strap used by the lepcha women is indigenous in sikkim.
Traditionally carpet locally known as den weaving is a symbol of cultural expression in the state of sikkim.
On a loin loom the possibilities of weaving pattern are unlimited.
The yarn is then loomed using a weaving rod from one end to other creating a pile of rug.
Their weaving techniques are being extended to dhurrie weaving and woollen dhurrie weaving.
But these days wool is bought directly from the market to be used for weaving.
The weaving starts from a basic cotton warp which serves as the skeleton.
Originally the process starts preparation of wool involving carding dyeing and balling.
Besides carpet is very important export oriented handicraft industry in sikkim.
Geometrical patterns are created using knots of different colour.
The weave frame is made from bamboo or various types of wood which is available.
The women of the bhutia community of sikkim practice what is perhaps the oldest form of carpet weaving in the world where they traditionally weave hand knotted woollen carpets with tibetan designs on upright wooden frame loom.