Textile Industry During The Industrial Revolution

513 Words2 Pages

During the latter phases of the 16th century cotton was grown in the warmer climates of America and Asia. When the Roman Empire ruled, wool, leather and linen were the materials used for making clothing throughout Europe, while flax was the primary material used in Northern Europe. At the time excess cloth was bought by the merchants who visited various areas to purchase these excess garments. A variety of processes and innovations were implemented for the purpose of making clothing during this period. These steps included preparing material fibers for the purpose of spinning, knitting and weaving. During the Industrial Revolution, new machines such as the spinning wheels and handlooms came into the picture. Making clothing material quickly became an organized industry - as …show more content…

The key in the British industry at the beginning of the 18th century was the production of textiles made with wool from the large sheep-farming areas in the Midlands and across the country. Labor in the textile industry at the time was very labor intensive but provided employment throughout the United Kingdom. Export in woolen goods formed 25% of British exports during most of the 18th century, doubling between 1707 and 1775. Exports by the cotton industry had grown exponentially during this period, but still accounted for 10% of the value of the woolen trade. Before the 17th century, the production of goods was performed on a limited scale by individuals, usually in their own households. Goods were transported around the country by packhorses. Some clothes were made for the inhabitants of the community but large quantities of cloth were also being exported. In the early 18th century, artisans were searching for ways to produce more and more efficiently. Silk, wool and linen were being overshadowed by cotton, which had become the most important textile. This set the foundations for

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