Long Thread Podcast: Tom Knisely, Generational Weaver

When Tom Knisely decided to buy his first item in an antique shop, he had two strokes of luck: the spinning wheel that he chose included all the parts needed to make yarn, and he lived not far from the landmark weaving store The Mannings. There, he learned to spin and eventually to weave. Enamored with the crafts, he got a job at the store there as a teenager and eventually built a career there over 37 years.

That love of antiques led Tom to accumulate a collection of historic coverlets and rag rugs, along with knowledge about the old techniques used to make such durable textiles. Students often turn to Tom to learn such traditional skills as rag-rug weaving, working with linen from plant to fabric, and weaving with counterbalance looms. Through these antique rugs and coverlets, he traces the legacy of the weavers before him—those who pursued a life in weaving centuries ago. His nine books and ten videos explore contemporary and historic techniques, structures, and tools.

As much as his knowledge, Tom’s patience, enthusiasm, and warmth draw students to his classes. Named Handwoven Teacher of the Year, he loves helping students—from children who watch his living history demonstrations to dedicated weavers—develop their skills and love of spinning and weaving. His longest-lasting teaching relationship has been with Sara C. Bixler, one of his daughters, who took up the mantle to become a weaving teacher and designer herself.

“I think we have an obligation to get out there and promote what we do,” he says. “You’d be surprised how much it means to other people to see this. But I guarantee you, you’ll come home with stories that are far greater than what you have put out. It’s a real reward.”

Links

• Read about bumper looms in “Never Say Never” (Little Looms Spring 2025) and “Never Say Never Again” (Little Looms Summer 2025.
  
• Find Tom’s classes, including How to Weave a Rag Rug and Weave a Good Rug with Tom Knisely: From Fiber to Finish, streaming and in the Handwoven online store.
  
• Tom teaches frequently at his daughter Sara C. Bixler’s shop, Red Stone Glen, in York, Pennsylvania.
  
• Cracker Country is a living history museum in Tampa, Florida, where Tom and his wife often demonstrate spinning and weaving.
  

This episode is brought to you by:

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