The Twill comes from the diagonal structure of the weaving. The four threads inter-twine together in each row, making a very strong strap. Thin cards with holes in the corners support threads. Rotating the tablets moves the threads up and down. VIEW DEMO Tablet weaving is light and easily supported by the weaver's body in a back-strap style or by a tree, post or door frame.
Tablets precede the modern harness loom, brought to Europe by the Vikings.
In the Middle Ages tablet weaving flourished, as popes and kings were adorned with intricately woven bands. When industrialization mechanized most production, the hand skill of tablet weaving was lost. A small number of hand weavers continue this rare nomadic tradition.