Riches of the Southwest
 
 

 
 

Over the years the book, Working with the Wool, by Noel Bennet and Tiana Bighorse has become recognized as the definitive work on Navajo weaving. Here is found a step-by-step analysis of how a Navajo rug is created. For our brief introduction, a traditional Navajo rug passes through the following stages from beginning to completed piece.

1. Raising the sheep

2. Cleaning the wool

3. Carding the wool

4. Spinning the yarn

5. Determining the color

6. Setting up the loom

7. Weaving the rug

 

Cleaning the wool

Dealing with dirty, smelly wool fibers is not a pleasant task. Vigorous shaking may sometimes remove the grit and twigs, but more likely, removal by hand is required, especially for burrs. A natural soap of yucca root extract cleans the wool without washing away the lanolin which gives a Navajo rug its long life.