Jacquard Loom for Damask Cloth

The Jaquard loom was invented in the 1800s.  It was affixed on top of the loom and gave automatic control to individual warp threads through sets of punched cards. 

First the design would be created. Here is a sample of a design. 

Then he design would be transferred to punch cards. 

The punch cards were attached to the Jacquard loom portion at the top of a loom. 

The weaver would advance the cards, just changing the pattern being woven, by pressing the left foot pedal on the loom.  Here you see the left foot pedal near the top.  The other pedals (all six towards the bottom of the photo) are for the continuous weave of the background cloth.

Here is a photo of the work as it progresses on the loom.

Detail of the damask cloth.  Gorgeous!

Detail of the Jacquard loom additional machinery and cards that allowed the intricate designs to be woven in during the weaving process.

An example of very detailed damask work.

Another photo of a Jacquard loom in use at the time.  See the number of cards needed to create the intricate designs woven into the fabric.  Often used to create signature napkins and tablecloths.