Inabel Weaving of Ilocos

The Inabel Weaving of Ilocos

The Ilocos Region in the northern part of the Philippines is known as the home of the art called "Inabel" which means "weave".

This art is made with the use of cotton. From picking cotton balls, removing seeds, pounding or beating,  twisting wing a spindle and winding the cotton yarn into the skeiner. The skeined yarn is then brushed to make it glossy and durable before it is wound to a bamboo spool. Once the yarn is ready, it's time to prepare the loom.

The weavers winds the pool yarn into the warping reel. The warp yarn is then wound into the warp beam rod. Next comes heddling, in which the warp yarn is inserted through the eye of the heddle using a weaving hook. After that, the weaver inserts the warp yarn through the space of the reed and dresses the loom by trying the heddles behind the beater.

The inabel is well known and much loved for its softness, beautiful design and strength. However, plain weaves are still the most commonly produced inabel and there are use for everything from hand towel and placemats to blankets and dress materials. Mostly in Ilocos it is common to use inabel as material for everyday household items such as curtains, tablecloths, table towels, bed linen, mosquito nets and bags.

This art is passed down through many generations. Each piece of cloth spun from the looms carries with it the culture and tradition of the people who painstakingly create a work of art. Each piece is testament to the skill and traditional of a community of artisans trying to preserve their craft and livelihood.