Caoayan

It is an old method of textile production, In which human resources thoroughly do the weaving without the use of any electricity. The weaving is performed in PIT LOOM or HANDLOOM; These are the wooden machines assembled in a specific order to interlace two sets of yarns. Handloomwooven products or the abel is the traditional woven product of Vigan and the Ilocos region. The abel cloth is known for being a strong, colorful material. The fabric is so strong and beautiful that some families have them as heirlooms that last as long as their antique furnishings. The abel is made from yarns of cotton or sagut that are sourced from the many lands in northern Luzon that are dedicated to the growing of this plant. After the cotton is harvested, it is prepared into yarns and dyed. The different colored yarns are then arranged in a wooden handloom to create varied and unique designs. The process is intricate and labor-intensive. Weavers must master synchronizing the movements of their hands and feet to properly use the wooden handloom.