rk of a most interesting kind even when produced in pieces only six
inches square, as is well shown by existing specimens of the work of the
weavers in Egypt who flourished in the early centuries of the Christian
era. Examples of this work can be seen in many museums; they consist
frequently of decorative panels of tapestry work inlaid in linen tunics
and stuffs that have been used as grave clothes. These early Coptic
examples are, like all tapestry, built up by interweaving various
threads upon warp-strings stretched in close parallel lines. By varying
the colour of the threads that are thus manipulated upon the warp,
patterns of any degree of complexity can be built up directly by hand,
and without the assistance of any further mechanical contrivance. The
peculiarity of this ancient weaving is that the patterns are frequently
woven upon the warp-threads of some fabric, from which the weft either
has been removed, or, what is perhaps more probable, been purposely left
out when the material was made, to leave space for this decorative
pattern weaving to be added to it.

The Latin name for the workman who in this way wove in the ornamental
patterns was _Plumarius_, which is a name known to be applied to an
embroiderer also. This weaving of small subjects is certainly very
little removed from embroidery; it may fairly be called needlework, for
it is as often carried out with needles as with bobbins, the former
being frequently better suited to the size of the work.

In execution weaving is not more difficult than embroidered work; it can
be done in an ordinary room and upon a simple loom that is not more
cumbersome than an embroidery frame; in fact an embroidery frame can
sometimes be used in the place of a loom.

Weaving takes about as long in doing as finely stitched solid
needlework, for in weaving the entire fabric is made, both pattern and
ground. The speed with which the work can be done of course varies
considerably, being mainly dependent upon the design that is being
carried out. Also the quality of the materials used affects the rate of
working; for instance, the thickness of the warp-strings and the placing
of them nearer together or further apart. Moreover the weft may be
composed of one strand or of several strands together.

In weaving, unless the materials used are very fine, it is impossible to
get minute detail in drawing; fortunately it is seldom necessary to
attempt much of this. The simpler and more