Stages of tweed production
Shearing
Harris Tweed begins with the most virgin wool, whose fibres are blended together in order to get advantages of its unique qualities and characteristics. Although most of the wool is made mainly on the Scottish mainland, at the beginning of summer islanders shear the local sheep.
Washing and dyeing
Straight after shearing the wool is taken away to the fabrics where it is washed and dyed.
Blending and carding
The coloured and white fibres are weighed in predetermined proportions and then blended carefully according to traditional technologies in order to get an ideal hue. Then the mix is processed between mechanical toothed rollers to better blending of the fibres.
Spinning
The yarn is spun in a special way to give it additionally strength.
Warping
It is a very important process when threads are wound onto beams in predetermined order. Then these beams are sent to the weavers.
Weaving
Harris Tweed weavers work at home with their own foot control looms. Before weaving a craftsman adjusts his loom in a special way because it influences the texture of the material.
Finishing
Tweed returns to the fabric where it is checked over by darners, who should remove even the slightest defects. Dust, oil and other impurities are brushed off by washing in soda and soapy water. Finally, tweed is dried, steamed and ironed to a perfect condition.
Stamping
The final stage of the producing is the examination by the independent expert. After the examination the material get the brand logo Harris Tweed.