Plain weave

Ramie cloth is a living fossil in textiles, the oldest fabric. According to historical records: "In ancient times, hemp was used first, and cotton did not enter China until later. The fabrics of that time were all made from hemp, used by people from the highest ranks of society to the lowest." Ramie cloth, also known as linen, is said to have originated in the Xia Dynasty, hence its name. However, a more precise definition is that it is a plain weave fabric made from ramie, which has been an important textile fiber crop since ancient times. Because it is commonly used for summer clothing, being cool and comfortable, it is also commonly known as "summer cloth" or "summer material." The weaving level of ramie reached a very high standard during the Western Han Dynasty, with its fineness comparable to the famous plain silk cicada robe excavated from the Mawangdui tomb. Ramie harvested in spring and autumn must go through multiple manual processes such as soaking, peeling, washing, spinning, threading, twisting, combing, sizing, and weaving before a bolt of ramie cloth can be produced. It is precisely because of this that ramie cloth is even more precious. This traditional handicraft…