Textile production played a vital role in medieval Europe’s economy and society.
Skilled artisans, predominantly women, produced a wide range of textiles, including wool, linen, and silk.
Spinning and weaving were labor-intensive processes carried out in households, guilds, or specialized workshops.
Wool was the most common fiber, and its processing involved shearing, carding, spinning, and weaving.
Linen production relied on flax cultivation and required retting, drying, and spinning. Silk, imported from the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East, was highly prized.
Textile production supported local economies, trade networks, and the rise of urban centers, shaping medieval Europe’s social and economic fabric.