Textiles: From domestic to factory production

Explore inventions and innovations in the spinning and weaving industries.
Spinning
James Hargreaves, Spinning Jenny, c.1767
Carpenter and weaver James Hargreaves invented the jenny, the first successful attempt at multiple spinning on one machine, and patented it in 1770. A single wheel on the original 'Spinning Jenny' controlled eight spindles. Later models had up to 120 spindles, producing 120 threads simultaneously. The jenny was intended for domestic use. Later, larger versions were used in factories. A hand-powered multiple spinning machine, the Jenny produced a coarse thread.
Richard Arkwright, Water Frame, c. 1769
The Water Frame, patented in 1769, was the first true factory-operated spinning machine, and produced stronger threads than hand spinning. It was powered by waterwheel, which also gave it its name. Although the technology could have been used within the domestic system, Richard Arkwright used his patent to ensure its use in factories.
Richard Arkwright's Carding Machine, c.1775
Carding was and still remains an essential process before raw cotton or wool can be spun - the separation of fibres into parallel lengths. It was originally done by hand using two metal brushes, called cards, which were used to comb the fibres in one direction. Arkwright modified earlier cylinder carding machines, eventually producing a model worked by a crank which ensured continuous carding. Here again, Arkwright integrated his machine into factory production.
Samuel Crompton's Mule, 1774-9
In general use in the 1780s, Samuel Crompton's invention was dubbed the 'Mule' as it was a cross between a jenny and a water frame. Many different types of high-quality thread, particularly strong, fine and soft yarns could be produced in large quantities. This was particularly suited to the production of muslins.
Richard Roberts' Self-acting Mule, 1825
In its original form, Crompton's Mule required considerable skill by operators. Richard Roberts' self-acting, or automatic mule offered a considerable increase in productivity. It was possible to convert existing manual mules to self-actors quite cheaply.
Weaving
Edmund Cartwright's Weaving Loom, 1787
Edmund Cartwright's loom showed that cloth could be woven by mechanical means. He patented his machine and in 1787 opened a factory with 20 water-powered mechanical weaving looms. But the power loom was too clumsy and jerky, either breaking the warp yarns or producing poor cloth. Many modifications had to be carried out before a weaving machine suitable for factory production was developed.
Richard Roberts' improved power loom, 1822
Richard Roberts' improved power loom worked three to four times as fast as the domestic hand loom. Following the 1820s there was rapid growth in the spread of use of power looms. As weaving had previously been a domestic craft, handloom weavers were often violently opposed to the introduction of machines.
Harrison Power Loom, 1851
This power loom, manufactured by J. Harrison and Son of Blackburn, Lancashire, was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in part of the displays entitled 'Machinery in Motion'. It was originally fitted with a loose reed emergency stop mechanism in 1842, and modified several times before 1858. Power looms were assembled in the weaving shed of a mill and driven by a steam engine by belts from overhead shafting.